NIGP 89040: Meter Boxes, Meter Vaults, and Valve Boxes (see 210-45 for Concrete Type)

NIGP 89040 Meter Boxes, Meter Vaults, and Valve Boxes is an Item code that encompasses the supply and installation of underground utility infrastructure components — specifically meter boxes, vault structures, lids, and valve boxes in polyethylene, composite, and cast-iron materials — procured by state and local water utilities to support potable and reclaimed water distribution systems, meter replacement programs, and general utility maintenance. State and local governments buy these products on an as-needed basis through master supply agreements, competitive sealed bids, and requests for quotation, often bundling them with labor-intensive meter replacement, installation, and site restoration work that requires licensed utility contractors and documented experience with municipal water systems.

Water utilities across Florida, Georgia, Texas, Wisconsin, California, and South Carolina represent the primary issuing bodies under this code, with county water authorities, city utilities departments, and regional water districts driving the majority of recent activity. Recurring buyers include Hillsborough County, Florida (ITB 26-00188 for polyethylene meter boxes and lids, five-year term, $4,035,525 estimated value); the City of Fort Worth, Texas (RFP 26-0096 for composite meter boxes and lids on an as-needed basis with 30 percent small business participation goal); the City of Madison, Wisconsin (RFQs 5513, 5514, and 5517 for valve box adaptors, valve boxes, and curb boxes); and Dorchester County, South Carolina (IFB 2026-43 for water meter boxes with installed meter kits, approximately 1,200 units annually). Representative recent solicitations include the City of Palo Alto, California issuing RFQ 194877 (posted July 8, 2026; quotations due October 28, 2025) for assorted precast underground concrete vaults, pads, and lids across a five-year period with multiple award capability; Orange County, Florida issuing RFI Y26-606 (posted April 30, 2026; responses due May 21, 2026) for water reclaim meter boxes, lids, and internal piping assemblies with specific compatibility requirements for legacy Glasmasters and CDR series boxes; and the City of Phoenix Water Services Department issuing IFB 26-0283 (posted April 23, 2026; bids due May 7, 2026) for repair and replacement of large underground water meter vaults under a five-year contract with approximately 10 vaults annually and response-time requirements of 14 days to highest-priority work. The code reflects sustained procurement activity across the Southeast and Southwest, driven by ongoing advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) deployments, aging utility infrastructure replacement cycles, and routine maintenance operations requiring both commodity supply and skilled installation labor.