NIGP 88570: Hardness Control Chemicals: Chelating Agents (Phosphonates, etc.), Polyphosphates, Polymer Flocculants, etc.

NIGP 88570 Hardness Control Chemicals: Chelating Agents (Phosphonates, Etc.), Polyphosphates, Polymer Flocculants, Etc., Item code, covers liquid and solid polymer products for water and wastewater treatment operations, with recent state and local solicitations focusing on cationic and anionic polymers for sludge dewatering, thickening, and clarification in municipal treatment plants. Water utilities and municipal wastewater treatment departments are the primary buyers under this code, with procurement conducted across competitive sealed bids (ITB/IFB), RFQ, and sole source acquisitions. Recent solicitations reflect a mix of municipal water departments, county water resources agencies, and public utility authorities procuring polymers on annual or multi-year contracts, often with performance testing requirements and NSF certification mandates. The code also captures polymer blending equipment, replacement parts, and maintenance services when bundled with chemical supply agreements, as illustrated by the City of Atlanta's IFB for SNF Polydyne Floquip equipment and authorized service.

Activity is distributed across multiple states, with recent opportunities posted from Florida (City of Palm Bay, City of Holly Hill, City of Plant City, Hillsborough County, Pinellas County Schools), Georgia (Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, City of Atlanta, City of Griffin, City of Flowery Branch), Texas (City of Austin, City of Lubbock), and Connecticut (City of Meriden). Gwinnett County's July 2026 ITB for solids dewatering and thickening polymer—with mandatory bench-scale and full-scale testing by July 22, award on lowest cost per dry ton, and a four-year initial term plus four optional one-year renewals—exemplifies active procurement in the dewatering segment. The City of Austin's May 2026 IFB for 40% active polyDADMAC cationic polymer solution for potable water treatment, requiring mandatory pre-offer site visits and accepting Magnafloc LT-7995 or CLARIFLOC C-318, shows demand for drinking water polymer supply. The City of Meriden's June 2026 ITB for water treatment chemicals (including granular phosphate blend) and the City of Flowery Branch's April 2026 IFB for a five-year wastewater and drinking water treatment chemical supply contract featuring polymer (WC-2641) at 13,200 lbs annually indicate sustained municipal chemical procurement activity with performance evaluation and mandatory pre-bid requirements common across the code.