NIGP 91816: Archeological Consulting

NIGP 91816 Archeological Consulting, an Item code, covers archaeological site assessment, evaluation, testing, data recovery, and related cultural resource services that state and local governments procure for compliance, preservation planning, and infrastructure support. Recent solicitations show cities and counties engaging consultants to assess and document archaeological sites ahead of development or infrastructure projects, evaluate properties for National Register of Historic Places nomination, manage cultural resource compliance, and prepare feasibility and planning studies that require archaeological or historical components. The City of Tucson is among the active repeat buyers, having solicited cultural resources and archaeological services for annual as-needed contracts; the City of Savannah, City of Apopka (Florida), and Columbus Consolidated Government (Georgia) have also posted archaeological or archaeologically adjacent consultant opportunities in the past six months.

Recent solicitations span the South, Southwest, and Upper Midwest. The City of Savannah issued an RFP for archaeological services with a response deadline of April 7, 2026; Texas A&M University's Administrative Services Procurement Office solicited archaeological site assessment, National Register of Historic Places evaluation, and management planning at Fort Huachuca, Arizona through an ITB (bids due June 16, 2026); and the City of Tucson's standing RFP for cultural resources and archaeological services (RFP 230036) historically budgets $300,000 to $3,000,000 annually and selects multiple consultants on an as-needed basis. Work is distributed based on consultant availability and ability to meet project timelines, with no guaranteed minimum volume. Qualified firms typically must demonstrate expertise across multiple archaeological and historical disciplines, possess research facilities and specialized equipment, comply with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and state historic preservation office requirements, and maintain appropriate licensing and insurance.