NIGP 89850: Radiation Measuring Equipment: Ionization Chambers, X-Ray Film Densitometers, etc.

NIGP 89850 Radiation Measuring Equipment: Ionization Chambers, X-Ray Film Densitometers, Etc. is an Item code under which state and local governments procure radiation detection and measurement instruments for occupational health surveillance, research, and environmental monitoring. State and local buyers under this code include state departments of transportation and general services, universities, and other public agencies requiring specialized radiological assessment capabilities. Work solicited ranges from individual radiation detector units with specific sensor specifications to comprehensive occupational medical surveillance programs that incorporate radiological testing as part of employee health protocols. The Washington State Department of Transportation's RFP for occupational medical surveillance (RFP20260825, response due October 9, 2026) exemplifies the integration of radiation measurement within broader health services — requiring contractors to conduct baseline, periodic, follow-up, and exit examinations for four personnel categories across 14 Washington ferry system locations, with cost weighted at 40 percent and non-cost capability factors at 60 percent. By contrast, procurement also includes standalone radiation detection equipment: Texas A&M University solicited bids for a MiniPIX TPX3 detector with 500 μm Si sensor (ITB TAMHSC-26-0644, due July 27, 2026) through its AggieBid portal, and the State of California Department of General Services sought radiation detectors meeting specified sensitivity, response time, and energy range requirements under a CBE small-business preference framework (RFB-IS-26201063, due June 30, 2026).

Activity under the code spans multiple states and issuing bodies. Recent opportunities appear in Washington, Texas, and California, with Texas solicitation requirements distributed through the State of Texas Centralized Master Bidders List and California procurement subject to state small business set-asides. The Washington State Ferries contract includes a voluntary Subcontractor Inclusion Plan with zero participation carrying no penalty during evaluation. Evaluation models differ: Washington's medical surveillance RFP uses cost-based scoring with lowest-bid pricing priority and non-cost performance capability assessment, while California's radiation detector procurement awards on best value considering both price and technical merit with CBE certification verification required. The State of Texas radiation survey meter bid (INF20260205, due June 5, 2026) lacks accessible specification and evaluation detail.