UNSPSC 31171510: Spherical bearings

UNSPSC 31171510 Spherical bearings is a Commodity code that encompasses bearing components and assemblies used in state and local water, wastewater, and industrial infrastructure operations. State and local governments purchase spherical bearings as subassemblies within larger fabricated systems — particularly auger bearing hangers and related shaft assemblies for water reclamation and treatment facilities. The work solicited under this code reflects demand from municipal water and wastewater authorities, primarily through engineering-driven procurement tied to plant maintenance, upgrades, or new construction. Issuing bodies include city purchasing departments and special-purpose water districts that specify bearing components as part of competitive fabrication contracts. The solicitations typically require corrosion-resistant and stainless steel construction to withstand chemical and moisture exposure in treatment environments, with welding to AWS standards and performance warranties.

Activity under the code is concentrated in Texas, where the City of Lubbock recently issued ITB 26-19467-MA on February 7, 2026, requesting fabrication of four complete sets of auger bearing hangers and shafts for its South East Water Reclamation Plant, with bids due February 24, 2026. The ITB specifies HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) compliance and local business preference under Texas Local Government Code 271.9051, allowing local bidders within five percent of the lowest bid to compete on best value. Bidders must provide three professional references, fabrication timelines, material data sheets, and documentation of similar projects completed within the prior five years; a non-mandatory pre-bid meeting was scheduled for February 17, 2026 via Zoom. No specific contract value is disclosed. Recent activity in this code is limited; the single substantive opportunity reflects intermittent municipal capital project demand rather than recurring procurement.