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NIGP Codes for Government RFPs

The NIGP Commodity/Service Code is an acronym for the National Institute of Government Purchasing Commodity Services Code. In New Mexico, the NIGP Code is used to classify products and services that vendors can offer to local government organizations. Codes for your business can be accessed in several ways. The most common is via search engine. NIGP's official site offers a set of 20 codes for $25 (based on vendor description). Depending on the local business, a supplier can have hundreds of codes to describe its offerings for potential RFP matches. Classifying your business with correct NIGP Codes is crucial in the bid process. Without codes, vendors may have to blindly search through all New Mexico bid solicitations, often missing those that fit their business.

Code Structure for Bidding

The NIGP Code is now the standard taxonomy for classifying vendors in 33 states used by local government agencies, including New Mexico. Codes are structured into 3-, 5-, 7- and 11-digits. 5-digit codes typically classify a vendors business; however each digit-level serves significance. For example, the 11-digit (class-item-group-detail) code specifies exact product details in the RFP. This includes amount of stock needed, color, brand, etc.

Example:

Code Structure Sample Code Sample Description for matching RFPs

3-Digit Code 620 Office Supplies: Erasers, Inks, Leads, Pens, Pencils, etc.

5-Digit Code 620-80 Pens (General Writing Types): Ball Point, Nylon tip, etc.

7- Digit Code 620-80-21 Pens, Ball Point, Retractable, Refillable, Plastic Barrel

11-Digit Code 620-80-21-035-4 Fine Point, Black Ink, 12/Box

Connecting Your Industry with Local New Mexico Bids

Now that NIGP Codes have been explained, one question still remains, how does a vendor connect their defined commodities with local bids? New Mexico government organizations use various outlets for RFP and RFQ announcements. The vendor search process can be quite daunting. Many business owners dig through postings, often contacting each agency directly for the correct RFP and bid documentation. Many local New Mexico vendors have found an efficient solution to finding RFPs that match their business goods or services and NIGP categories -- the New Mexico Purchasing Group. The New Mexico Bid System provides convenient, centralized online access for 22 New Mexico local government agencies to post quotes and formal RFP solicitations. It even automates the NIGP Code process. Through the service, vendors select codes that classify their business during the registration process. The New Mexico Bid System will automate the buyer connection - alerting vendors of bid opportunities that match their codes. Finding bids to match your business offerings is made easy by connecting the proper NIGP code provided by the new mexico bids and agency needs and matching that need to your business.