NIGP 96174: Scientist Services (Geology, Geophysics, etc)

NIGP 96174 Scientist Services (Geology, Geophysics, Etc), an Item code, encompasses hydrogeological analysis, groundwater production zone mapping, 3D geological modeling, aquifer performance testing, and related geoscientific consulting that state and local governments procure to support water resource management, landfill operations, environmental assessments, and infrastructure planning. Recent solicitations show issuing bodies spanning state water and geological survey agencies, county water utilities and environmental divisions, municipal facilities management, and special districts conducting RFPs and RFQs for specialized earth science expertise driven by regulatory compliance, asset inventory, and long-term water supply planning needs. The Texas Water Development Board and Utah Division of Purchasing represent state-level procurement activity, while county-level buyers include Volusia County and Sarasota County in Florida and Orange County in California, where geoscientific services support water system operations and environmental monitoring. Work under this code typically requires professional licensure—Professional Geologist or Professional Engineer credentials are standard prerequisites—and involves deliverables such as 3D geological models with metadata, aquifer characterization reports, geophysical survey data, and stakeholder engagement documentation. Subcontracting plans demonstrating good-faith participation of veteran-owned or minority-certified vendors appear frequently in larger engagements.

State and local procurement under NIGP 96174 concentrates in Texas, Utah, Florida, and California, reflecting water resource management and environmental protection priorities in those jurisdictions. Representative recent opportunities include the Texas Water Development Board's solicitation (58027RFP0003, due August 6, 2026) for brackish groundwater production zone analysis across fourteen Central Texas counties with a contract start of September 1, 2026 and potential renewal through August 31, 2030, requiring ten years of hydrogeology experience in the region and professional geoscientist licensure for personnel; the Utah Division of Purchasing's notice of intent to award 3D geological modeling services to Mira Geoscience (AK2631, sole-source, challenge period ended July 7, 2026) for a Great Basin crustal model across Nevada and Utah with Phase 1 deliverables due September 30, 2026 estimated at $43,264; and Volusia County, Florida's request for statement of qualifications (26SQ65SR, due April 9, 2026) for hydrogeological and well services supporting twenty-six production wells and nine treatment facilities on an as-needed task-order basis with professional liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence. Liquidity in the code appears moderate, with specialized qualification and licensing barriers limiting the vendor pool and contract values typically ranging from $20,000 to $75,000 for individual engagements, though multiyear terms and renewal options are common.