NIGP 88515: Algae and Microbe Control Chemicals (Copper Sulfate, etc.)

NIGP 88515 Algae and Microbe Control Chemicals (Copper Sulfate, Etc.), an Item code, covers algaecides and microbicides that state and local water utilities, municipalities, and school districts procure for water treatment, pool maintenance, and wastewater control. Recent solicitations show governments buying copper sulfate in both crystalline and liquid forms, along with related water-treatment chemicals including sodium silica fluoride, sulfuric acid, and pool-specific algaecides such as calcium hypochlorite and cyanuric acid. Issuing bodies include municipal water departments, county water systems, county health or utilities divisions, and independent school districts managing recreational facilities. The work involves supplying chemicals on standing indefinite-quantity or annual renewable contracts with line-item bidding common, where vendors quote prices per unit or per gallon and compete on individual chemical lots rather than bundled supply agreements. Deliveries typically occur within days of order placement, with NSF or AWWA certification required for drinking-water applications and strict adherence to delivery logistics including specific truck types, pallet-jack clearance, and on-site staff presence during unloading.

Recent activity is concentrated in Georgia and Florida. Pasco County, Florida posted an as-needed RFQ for large copper sulfate crystals and liquid copper sulfate (due June 26, 2026); Fayette County, Georgia issued an RFQ for sulfuric acid, copper sulfate, and sodium silica fluoride (due March 23, 2026); the City of Griffin, Georgia solicited water-treatment chemicals including aluminum sulfate and potassium permanganate on line-item basis through ITB (due May 28, 2026); the City of Flowery Branch, Georgia issued a five-year IFB for drinking-water and wastewater treatment chemicals with a mandatory pre-bid meeting scheduled for March 24, 2026 and bids due April 21, 2026; and the Pinellas County School District in Florida posted an RFQ for swimming-pool chemicals with an estimated annual contract value of $35,000 and bids due February 11, 2026. Activity reflects seasonal and ongoing operational demand, with contracts typically running one to five years and renewable at the municipality's discretion.