UNSPSC 60103918: Biospheres

UNSPSC 60103918 Biospheres, a Commodity code, covers educational biosphere kits and environmental learning systems that state and local governments procure as instructional equipment and materials for K–12 science and STEM curricula. Recent school district solicitations reveal that biosphere products are sourced as part of broader science supply and STEM kit procurements rather than as standalone specialty items, often bundled with other hands-on laboratory equipment, renewable energy materials, and physics teaching apparatus. School districts procuring under this code seek self-contained ecosystem models, environmental science kits, and integrated learning systems designed to support inquiry-based instruction in life science, ecology, and Earth science aligned with state content standards. The issuing bodies are primarily independent school districts (Katy ISD in Texas, Donna ISD in Texas, Los Fresnos Consolidated ISD in Texas, DeKalb County School District in Georgia, Cobb County School District in Georgia, and Seminole County School Board in Florida) and, in one case, a community college (Valencia College District in Florida). School districts dominate this procurement space and consolidate demand through as-needed catalog bid frameworks with multiple award structures, while a regional cooperative purchasing vehicle (Strategic Alliance for Volume Expenditures serving Arizona school districts, municipalities, and higher education institutions) also participates.

Geographic activity centers in the Southeast and Southwest, with recent solicitations originating in Texas, Georgia, Florida, and Arizona. Representative recent opportunities include Katy ISD's RFP 2428KD-A (posted July 10, 2026, due May 29, 2026) for teaching and instructional materials, supplies, and equipment across multiple school sites, covering general instruction materials and miscellaneous items including robotics supplies and 3D printers; Cartwright Elementary School District No. 83 (on behalf of the SAVE consortium) RFP260331 (posted May 21, 2026, due June 8, 2026) seeking STEM and College & Career Readiness Kits and Programs for multiple Arizona school districts with 1-year initial term and up to four 1-year extensions; Cobb County School District's IFB B26128 (posted May 15, 2026, due June 16, 2026) for science specimens, chemicals, supplies, and equipment across 112 school sites serving 105,738 students with estimated annual expenditure of $175,000; and Seminole County School Board's notice of intent to sole-source Realityworks® STEM laboratory equipment (posted April 6, 2026, response deadline March 2, 2026, approximately $32,118 annual expenditure). Pricing is typically structured as percentage discounts off catalog, published price lists, or manufacturer pricing, with F.O.B. Destination delivery and inside unloading included. Contract terms commonly run one school year (September 1 to August 31) with optional renewal periods of one to two additional years, and districts reserve the right to award multiple vendors and make no guaranteed minimum purchases.