UNSPSC 43211511: Wearable computing device

A wearable computer is a computer that is subsumed into the personal space of the user, controlled by the user, and has both operational and interactional constancy, i.e. is always on and always accessible. Most notably, it is a device that is always with the user, and into which the user can always enter commands and execute a set of such entered commands, and in which the user can do so while walking around or doing other activities (Mike K)

UNSPSC 43211511 Wearable computing device (Commodity) encompasses portable computing hardware—including tablets, ruggedized laptops, smartwatches, and specialized mobile devices—that state and local governments are actively procuring for field operations, inmate management systems, student learning, and staff deployment. Recent solicitations reveal heavy demand from school districts acquiring Chromebooks and laptops for student refresh programs, correctional facilities acquiring tablet-based commissary and communication systems, police departments procuring ruggedized mobile computers for in-vehicle use, and municipal health departments purchasing laptops for workforce training initiatives. The issuing-body mix spans state departments (California Department of Homeland Security, California Sheriff's Department, New Jersey Department of Treasury), large school districts and charter systems (Gwinnett County Public Schools in Georgia, Tacoma School District in Washington, Troup County and DeSoto County Schools in Mississippi), county and municipal governments (Sauk County Sheriff in Wisconsin, City of Philadelphia, City of Detroit, Pasco County in Florida), special-purpose districts (Valencia College in Florida), and transit or workforce agencies (Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department). School districts dominate the recent activity, with multiple districts soliciting 450–2,300 student Chromebooks or laptops; correctional facilities and law enforcement agencies represent a secondary but growing segment seeking ruggedized or purpose-built mobile systems.

Activity concentrates heavily in the South and Southeast—Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, and Michigan account for the majority of recent postings—with California, Washington, New Jersey, Wisconsin, and Colorado also showing recent procurement movement. Representative solicitations include Sauk County, Wisconsin issuing an RFP for an inmate telephone, video visitation, kiosk, and tablet system (due August 26, 2026, mandatory site visit July 21, 2026) with 17 wall-mounted telephones, 197 portable tablets, and two mobile kiosk systems integrated with commissary and jail management; Smith County School District in Mississippi soliciting 600 HP 11-inch Chromebooks through reverse auction (live event July 9, 2026) with three-year warranties and asset tagging included; Tacoma School District in Washington issuing an RFP for over 37,000 laptops and displays across four years with deployment and removal services (proposals due April 23, 2026); Troup County School System in Georgia seeking approximately 2,000–2,300 student Chromebooks (proposals due June 26, 2026, best-value scoring with cost at 50 points) with delivery by October 1, 2026; California issuing multiple brand-only RFBs for mobile computers and docking stations (various due dates in May–July 2026 with CBE form requirements); and the State of New Jersey soliciting comprehensive Motor Vehicle Inspection Maintenance System services including 1,250 NGWorkstation units annually across six years (quotes due August 5, 2026, mandatory pre-bid site visits May 9, 2026, designated Small Business Subcontracting Set-Aside). Set-asides and preferences appear in California (CBE certifications), New Jersey (small business subcontracting set-aside with incumbent successor requirements), Detroit (12% equalization credits for Detroit-based certified businesses), and Philadelphia (LBE program does not apply to Office Automation Program). Pricing is typically all-inclusive of shipping, configuration, warranties, and support; delivery timelines range from 60 days to multi-year rollouts; and response dates cluster in spring through summer 2026.