UNSPSC 12181601: Synthetic oils

UNSPSC 12181601 Synthetic oils (Commodity) addresses state and local procurement of bulk lubricants, greases, gear oils, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), and related petroleum products for fleet and equipment operations. The code captures what government agencies actually buy: API-certified engine lubricants in mineral, synthetic, and blend formulations; specialty lubricating products including greases and gear oils; EPA-certified environmentally acceptable lubricants; and bulk DEF for vehicle refueling. Issuing bodies span state departments of transportation and enterprise services, county school districts, and other fleet-dependent agencies. Most procurement under the code is structured as statewide or multi-year supply contracts with standing supplier panels, competitive pricing, and quarterly or periodic delivery against standing orders, rather than one-time purchases.

Recent activity centers on Washington and Florida. The Washington State Department of Enterprise Services posted a reissued statewide competitive solicitation (09225-02, due July 30, 2026) for bulk engine lubricants, greases, gear oils, and DEF across four product categories, with historical annual sales of approximately $5.1 million and a forty-eight-month contract term commencing September 1, 2026; the Department of Transportation historically accounts for $1.224 million of annual volume. The School District of Manatee County, Florida released an ITB (260110TM, due April 8, 2026) for fuel and DEF bulk and delivery services under a three-year contract with options to renew, anticipating approximately 434,000 gallons of diesel and 101,000 gallons of gasoline annually for bulk fueling operations plus direct "wet fueling" services at school sites. Both solicitations emphasize API or ASTM certification, fixed-fee-plus-index pricing structures, multi-vendor awards where responsible bids are received, and delivery performance standards. A 10 percent DBE goal applies in Washington under Federal Transit Administration requirements.