UNSPSC 12361503: Gamma-butyrolactone

A hygroscopic colorless oily liquid with a weak characteristic odor and is soluble in water. GBL is a common solvent and reagent in chemistry and is used as an aroma compound, as a stain remover, as a superglue remover, as a paint stripper, and as a solvent in some wet aluminium electrolytic capacitors. In humans it acts as a prodrug for GHB, and it is used as a recreational intoxicant with effects similar to alcohol.

UNSPSC 12361503 Gamma-butyrolactone, a Commodity code, nominally names a specific chemical compound, but state and local procurement activity under this code does not align with that narrow scope. Recent solicitations tagged with this code actually cover broad pharmaceutical supplies for emergency medical services (EMS), fire departments, public health agencies, and corrections—including BLS and ALS medications, naloxone, prescription drug supplies, and related medical equipment. The code sees activity from city fire and police departments, county EMS services, university health operations, and special-purpose health plans. One representative opportunity is the City of Tucson Fire Department's August 2026 RFP for BLS and ALS pharmaceuticals, supplies, VendNovation vending machines, and software (251 line items, 48-hour delivery required, 95 percent fill-rate minimum, federal ARPA and HUD funding, Davis-Bacon and Section 3 compliance). Another is the City of Detroit Office of Contracting and Procurement's September 2026 RFQ for prescription drug supplies with Detroit-based small-business equalization credits of 1 to 5 percent and $1 million general liability insurance required. A third is Williamson County, Texas's August 2026 IFB for EMS medical and pharmaceutical items.

Recent activity clusters in the Southwest and Southeast, with active solicitations from Arizona, Florida, Georgia, and Texas. The City of Detroit appears twice in the recent block, indicating repeat engagement with pharmaceutical supply contracts. Forsyth County, Georgia issued an ITQ for pharmaceutical supplies on an as-needed basis for 2027 with an October 2026 response date. The University of Georgia solicited Narcan/Naloxone purchase and delivery in September 2026 under the State Purchasing Act (OCGA 50-5-50 et seq.). A Texas state agency (unnamed in the source) issued an RFP for on-site pharmacy services and pharmacy sublease in July 2026. Seminole County, Florida sought 1,900 units of Naloxone and 800 Safe Drug Deactivation Systems annually in June 2026, with FEMA funding and federal compliance requirements. The mismatch between the code's chemical name and the actual work solicited—broad EMS and pharmacy procurement rather than a specific industrial chemical—suggests the code is being used broadly or incorrectly by some issuing bodies, warranting clarification before pursuing opportunities.