UNSPSC 60104817: Ripple tank apparatus

A device used to experiment general features of water wave, such as reflection, refraction, diffraction, interference and phased array.

UNSPSC 60104817 Ripple tank apparatus (Commodity) covers hands-on physics and fluid-dynamics teaching equipment that state and local school districts are procuring alongside broader STEM instructional materials and supplies. Recent solicitations show ripple tanks bundled within wider educational-materials catalogs where districts seek discounted packages of science equipment, lab supplies, and classroom materials to support K–12 instruction. The issuing bodies are predominantly independent school districts of varying sizes — ranging from mid-sized urban districts serving tens of thousands to smaller rural districts — all using competitive RFP and IFB processes to establish multi-vendor awarded lists. Districts evaluate proposals primarily on catalog discount percentages, delivery speed, service capability, and past relationship with similar-sized institutions, with purchasing structured on an as-needed basis and no guaranteed minimum volumes.

Activity concentrates in Texas, Georgia, and Florida school districts posting within the past four months. Representative recent solicitations include Cobb County School District (Georgia) issuing IFB B26128 for science specimens, chemicals, and equipment due June 16, 2026; Donna Independent School District (Texas) issuing RFP 011326-871 for a science-supplies catalog bid with proposals due April 8, 2026; Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (Georgia) issuing RFP 26-35 for educational materials and supplies with catalog discounts due April 28, 2026; and DeKalb County School District (Georgia) issuing RFQ 26-724 for comprehensive K–12 science instructional resources due March 12, 2026. These districts typically award multiple vendors to provide purchasing flexibility, require F.O.B. Destination delivery with inside delivery to school sites, demand proof of insurance and compliance with state vendor-certification requirements including E-Verify affidavits and debarment certifications, and structure contracts for one-year initial terms with options to renew for up to two or three additional annual periods. No set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises appear in the recent postings.