UNSPSC 41141520: Nitrate standards

In this classification, this entry connotes a standardized formulation of Nitrate used to conduct Anion tests.

UNSPSC 41141520 Nitrate standards (Commodity) covers forensic and laboratory reference materials used in drug testing and chemical analysis — specifically certified drug reference standards, immunoassay reagents, and related testing kits that state and local forensic laboratories and public health agencies use to validate analytical methods and confirm drug compounds in evidentiary samples. Recent solicitations show that state and local governments procure these materials primarily through informal quote processes (ITQ) and competitive invitation-for-bids (IFB) notices rather than RFPs, with awards driven by best-value or lowest-price determination and subject to firm pricing commitments over 12-month terms with extension options. Issuing bodies are concentrated in state forensic labs and public safety agencies — the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (as pass-through entity for Pinellas County), and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission — supplemented by county forensic laboratories. Set-aside preferences vary by jurisdiction; Pinellas County applies a local certified small business enterprise (SBE) preference with expedited consideration for SBE responses submitted within the first five business days, while Texas procurements include or encourage Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) subcontracting plans where applicable.

Recent activity clusters in Texas and Florida. The Texas Department of Public Safety issued an IFB for Direct ELISA immunoassay reagent kits (cannabinoids, opiates, PCP, and 10 additional substance classes) with a response date of July 23, 2026, and estimated award by July 24, 2026. Pinellas County, Florida, conducted an informal quote (ITQ #26-0305-ITQ) due April 23, 2026, for 131 line items of certified drug reference standards with required ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and purity exceeding 97%, funded through the Paul Coverdell Forensic Sciences Improvement Act Program with approximately $49,034.00 designated for equipment and supplies including these materials. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission procured QIAxcel and QIAamp DNA screening kits (IFB HHS0016902v2) with a response date of January 29, 2026, historical annual value of $25,050 to $30,000, and contract delivery to the state laboratory at 1100 W 49th Street, Austin. These opportunities reflect ongoing demand from forensic labs for compliance-grade reference materials, with evaluation emphasizing vendor qualification, past performance, and delivery capability alongside price.