UNSPSC 49121516: Pail or canteen

Container to transport liquid for outdoor activities such as camping and military.

UNSPSC 49121516 Pail or canteen is a Commodity code whose recent state and local activity centers on temporary tent structures rather than traditional portable water containers or mess kits — a significant divergence from the code's nominal scope. The City of Philadelphia and Mt. San Antonio Community College District have posted RFQ and micro-purchase solicitations for canopy frame tents and large tension fabric tent systems with engineered aluminum frames, specialized PVC polyester fabrics rated for extreme weather, and full installation and commissioning services. The work actually being bought under this code includes structural tent design, materials procurement, delivery, installation labor, and optional disassembly — substantially different from commodity pails or canteens. Issuing bodies are limited to municipal procurement offices and community college districts based on recent activity.

Activity is sparse and geographically narrow. The two recent solicitations are from California (Mt. San Antonio Community College District, RFQ posted August 13, 2026, proposals due July 6, 2026) and Pennsylvania (City of Philadelphia, micro purchase B2727810 posted August 23, 2026, due September 7, 2026). The Philadelphia procurement carries a maximum contract value of $43,000 with annual CPI-U adjustments, while the Mt. San Antonio solicitation requires lump-sum base pricing plus optional disassembly costs but does not disclose the dollar ceiling. Both demand detailed specifications, proof of insurance, and vendor compliance documentation. The code shows little recent relevant activity aligned with its stated commodity classification and may merit reclassification by the issuing bodies or exclusion from vendor searches targeting portable water-storage products.