UNSPSC 43221514: Telephone dial backup units

Units that provide redundant telephone dial systems. A device that allows automatic and/or manual switched backup in the event of a dedicated line failure.

UNSPSC 43221514 Telephone dial backup units (Commodity) covers answering and dispatch services that state and local governments procure to handle incoming calls and emergency communications when primary systems are unavailable or overwhelmed. The recent activity under this code reflects a shift toward operational telephone and call-handling services rather than physical backup equipment — state and local agencies are sourcing 24-hour answering, call recording, bilingual support, and dispatch coordination for departments managing public utilities, emergency response, and high-volume customer contact. Issuing bodies include county government procurement offices managing departmental services and local government utilities and public-works functions. The scope of work encompasses call answering during specified hours, routing and dispatch of service requests, call-volume management (including surge capacity for extraordinary demand), performance standards such as answer time and service dispatch response time, and compliance with data retention, recording, and emergency continuity requirements.

The most recent activity is concentrated in Florida, with Collier County Board of County Commissioners Procurement Services Division issuing an ITB (26-8670) in August 2026 for 24-hour answering and dispatch services supporting the Public Utilities Department. The contract has a three-year base term with one optional two-year renewal and historical annual spending of approximately $60,000. Collier County applies a local-vendor preference under its Procurement Ordinance to vendors with a physical business address in the county, and the ITB requires bid bonds, conflict-of-interest and E-Verify certifications, three references from similar projects within five years, and firm pricing for 180 days. The scope includes call recording with 90-day retention, bilingual English-Spanish support, daily reporting, four-ring answer-time performance, ten-minute dispatch response, and a written emergency response plan addressing weather, fire, and system-loss scenarios. Pricing is structured as a base monthly fee covering up to 5,000 incoming and outgoing dispatch calls per month, with overages charged separately.