UNSPSC 12161704: Acid buffers

UNSPSC 12161704 Acid buffers is a Commodity code under which state and local governments procure chemical treatment products for water and wastewater systems, principally calcium oxide (quicklime), hydrated lime, hydrochloric acid, citric acid, and sodium hypochlorite for pH adjustment, coagulation, disinfection, and corrosion control at municipal water treatment plants. Recent solicitations show cities, counties, and water districts buying these compounds in bulk quantities—typically hundreds to thousands of gallons or tons annually—delivered on recurring contract schedules with NSF and AWWA certification requirements, hazardous-materials compliance, and extended performance terms of one to five years.

Issuing bodies include municipal water departments and utilities (City of St. Petersburg, City of Phoenix, City of Cocoa, City of Griffin, City of Cartersville, City of Jackson), county water and wastewater authorities (Gwinnett County, Sarasota County), school districts managing pools (School Board of Pinellas County), and special-purpose water districts (Clean Water Services in Oregon). Cities in Florida and Georgia dominate recent activity. Representative opportunities include the City of St. Petersburg's IFB for calcium oxide delivery to the COSME Water Treatment Plant with bids due October 29, 2026, requiring annual consumption of approximately 1,800 dry tons at AWWA B202-25 specifications and firm pricing for three years; the City of Phoenix's five-year IFB for hydrochloric and citric acid in variable container sizes (bids due October 16, 2025) with DBE participation plan requirements; and the City of Cartersville's bid solicitation for multiple treatment chemicals including liquid lime slurry, aluminum sulfate, sodium hypochlorite, and hydrofluosilicic acid across two treatment facilities (bids due October 30, 2026). Bids are typically submitted through municipal e-procurement portals, with questions deadlines 7–10 days before response dates, and award frequently made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Set-asides and preferences vary by jurisdiction—some solicitations include Business Enterprise (SBE, MBE, WBE) participation or local-vendor preference (such as Cocoa's 5% local preference for Brevard County contractors), while others specify DBE reporting requirements tied to federal transit funding.