UNSPSC 81171500: Marine biology services

Marine biology science is the scientific study of organisms in the ocean or other marine or brackish bodies of water. It classifies species based on the environment rather than on taxonomy.

UNSPSC 81171500 Marine biology services is a Class code that encompasses environmental testing, analysis, and assessment services that state and local governments procure to support water quality monitoring, remediation oversight, hazardous material characterization, and regulatory compliance across wastewater treatment, public health, and facility management operations. Recent solicitations show the code captures a broad spectrum of laboratory and field work: toxicity testing for wastewater discharge compliance, lead and environmental sample analysis for public health surveillance, biosolids management and marine debris assessment, asbestos and mold inspections, geotechnical materials testing, and forensic laboratory services.

State and local issuing bodies pursuing this work include city utilities departments (Orlando, Austin, Sarasota, Tampa), county environmental and health agencies (Hillsborough, Palm Beach, Harris, Broward, Clackamas), school districts (Marion County), state environmental quality commissions and health authorities (Texas, Colorado, Oregon, Maine), housing authorities, special districts (Lubbock Power & Light), and transit or airport authorities (Broward County Aviation). Recent activity concentrates in Florida, Texas, Georgia, Colorado, and Oregon. Representative recent opportunities include the City of Sarasota ITB 26-13JS for analytical laboratory services covering drinking water, wastewater, and reclaimed water compliance testing (due June 2, 2026); Hillsborough County ITB-26-00323 for acute and chronic toxicity testing for wastewater discharge compliance, estimated at $460,350 over three years (due July 31, 2026); the State of Oregon Master Services Agreement for statewide environmental analytical laboratory services covering soil and water testing across multiple service categories including metals, organics, and specialty analyses (due June 1, 2026); the Texas Health and Human Services Commission IFB HHS0017054v3 for lead sample analysis services supporting blood lead surveillance, requiring EPA NLLAP accreditation (due August 21, 2026); and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation's sole-source procurement with National Medical Services for toxicology testing services, estimated at $249,999 for fiscal year 2027. Geographic spread reflects persistent demand in the Southeast (Florida, Georgia, Clackamas County Oregon reporting frequent activity), along with state-level procurement in Texas, Colorado, and Oregon. Specialized laboratory accreditation (NELAP, NLLAP, ISO 17025, AAVLD) and compliance certifications are the primary qualification gates across most solicitations.