UNSPSC 43211729: Optical mark reader

A device which can optically read scripts written by a pencil or a pen on a certain object including a card.

UNSPSC 43211729 Optical mark reader is a Commodity code representing document-scanning and data-capture hardware that state and local governments use for high-volume document processing, voting-system support, and related capture operations. Recent state and local opportunities under this code show limited direct alignment with the nominal taxonomy — most posted solicitations target specific hardware brands (Kodak i4250 scanners, Epson printers with check-scanner capability, Cradlepoint cellular modems, proximity readers, and election-system accessories) rather than general-purpose optical mark readers. The issuing bodies include state procurement offices (California Department of General Services, Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Department of Information Resources), county purchasing divisions (Broward County, DeKalb County, Gwinnett County, Orange County in Florida and Georgia), cities (Philadelphia), and special authorities (Broward County Aviation Department, District of Columbia schools and finance departments). Many of these solicitations are brand-specific or single-source requests; competitive volume is moderate across the pool of recent postings.

Geographic activity clusters in California, Florida, Georgia, and Texas, with additional posts from the District of Columbia. Representative recent opportunities include the State of California's RFB for Kodak i4250 Scanners (brand-only, bids due September 28, 2026), Gwinnett County's IWQ 139434 for disposable styluses compatible with Dominion Voting BMD touchscreen systems (250,000 units in two phased deliveries due October 16 and October 23, 2026, previous contract valued at $80,160), and the City of Philadelphia's request for electronic signature pads (quotes due May 18, 2026). Broward County has posted multiple IT infrastructure solicitations—including a Risk Management Information System RFP (BLD2131488P1, proposals due November 17, 2026) and an AI-enabled X-ray screening system for Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (BLD2131742P1, proposals due October 26, 2026)—though these stretch beyond mark-reader scope into integrated systems. The code shows pockets of genuine optical mark reading and capture activity (particularly election-support styluses and document scanners) alongside broader IT hardware procurement that shares similar acquisition mechanics but differs in end-use application.