NIGP 89509: Arc Welders, Air

NIGP 89509 Arc Welders, Air is an Item code under which state and local governments procure standalone air-arc welding equipment and related apparatus for educational, vocational, maintenance, and operational purposes. Recent solicitations show that public bodies are acquiring both traditional arc welders and integrated robotic welding systems for instructional programs and facility upkeep. Northwest Mississippi Community College, for example, recently issued Bid #26-005-13 through a two-stage competitive process to procure an Educational Robotic Welding System, with unpriced technical proposals due May 5, 2026, followed by an online reverse auction on May 7, 2026, to establish pricing among pre-qualified vendors. The issuing bodies under this code span community colleges and technical institutions that operate welding programs or training curricula.

The source provides activity from Mississippi only. Northwest Mississippi Community College's procurement was funded through a $1 million federal grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission under Grant No. MS-22355-25, and the college actively encourages submissions from Minority-owned Business Enterprises, Woman-owned Business Enterprises, Veteran-owned business enterprises, and Labor surplus area firms, though no specific set-asides are mandated. Bidders must submit proposals via electronic submission through www.northwestmsbids.com, with questions directed to Tonya Walsch, Purchasing Agent, at (662) 562-3202 or twalsch@northwestms.edu. The college reserves the right to reject any or all bids and may extend the auction timeline if necessary to complete pre-qualification.