NIGP Commodity Codes

The North Carolina Division of Purchase & Contract is currently using the 11th Edition of the NIGP Commodity Code Listing. This system was adopted when our electronic vendor registration system became available online. Vendor Link NC gives vendors the ability to register for commodity classes of interest to them and receive electronic notification of solicitation documents the day after they are posted to the Internet. Listed below are the new codes, along with a convenient listing of the major changes from the old commodity codes to the new commodity codes. Not only will the new NIGP system be maintained properly, but it will also allow our coding to be consistent with other states using NIGP.

Where an old class code was listed and there is no corresponding numeric equivalent in the new NIGP code, the new class code column will read "None". The New Description column, however, will contain information on the code or codes where the item can now be found. For example, the old commodity code for Air Conditioning, Heating, and Ventilating Equipment was 030. The new NIGP code does not contain a class code 030 so the New Class Code column contains the word "None". However, the New Description column reads "(See Class 031)".

Term contract numbers have also changed to reflect the new commodity codes. Many of these code numbers remained the same, but instead of using the five digit class/item code on contracts, only the three digit class code is used followed by a letter.

Note: The NIGP information below is copyrighted material to be used for reference purposes only. This material is for state use only and may not be downloaded without a license from Simonton Enterprises. Call (800) 757-6064 for more information.

Click on the item of interest below.

NIGP 5 Digit Alphabetical Commodity Code Listing
This listing provides the user with an alphabetical list of all 3 and 5 digit commodity codes.

NIGP 5 Digit Numerical Commodity Code Listing
This listing provides the user with a 3 digit class listing which hotlinks to the 5 digit item listing.

NIGP Commodity Codes and Assigned Purchasing Group(s)
This listing provides the user with the 3 digit commodity class, the group each commodity is assigned to, and the description of the commodity.

Numerical Listing of Commodity Codes Assigned to Each IPS Category
This listing provides the user with a numerical listing of all 3 digit commodity codes and the IPS category to which they have been assigned.

Alphabetical Listing of Commodity Codes Assigned to Each IPS Category
This listing provides the user with an alphabetical listing of all commodity codes on the 3 digit level and the IPS category to which they have been assigned.

Numerical List of Statewide Term Contracts
This listing provides the user with a listing of the NIGP commodity code, the title of the contract, the NIGP description, and the IPS category to which the term contract has been assigned.

A Helpful Hint To Vendors

Well, with all the listings above, we bet you're asking, "How in the world do I find the correct commodity codes I want to sign up for in IPS and Vendor Link NC?" OK, so we'll be the first to admit it - this is not an easy task when you don't know the NIGP system. With so many three and five digit numerical codes, you could continue to search for the correct commodity codes and categories for days. The best thing to do is follow these simple steps if you are not yet familiar with the numerical codes.

  1. Start by using the NIGP 5 Digit Alphabetical Commodity Code Listing above. Keep in mind that the term you are searching for may be listed under a different description. For instance, you may be searching for "cars", but you might find "cars" listed under "automobiles" or "vehicles".
  2. Next, identify the three digit NIGP commodity code class number associated with your keyword and use the Numerical Listing of Commodity Codes Assigned to Each IPS Category to find out which category you should sign up for to receive bids and e-mail notifications of interest. The search above would yield "Automotive Vehicles and Related Transportation Equipment" when searching by the NIGP 5 Digit Alphabetical Commodity Code Listing. Then, using "070" as the three digit numerical class code, the Numerical Listing of Commodity Codes Assigned to Each IPS Category would result in "Transportation, Vehicles, and Supplies" as the category to sign up for in IPS and Vendor Link NC.

Now, if you are lucky enough to already be familiar with the NIGP numerical commodity codes, your search may be a bit simpler. Follow the steps listed below.

  1. Start by using the NIGP 5 Digit Numerical Commodity Code Listing above. Double check to make sure the numerical code you use matches the description listed. If you have an old three digit numerical class code, use the Cross-Reference Between New and Old Commodity Codes and Assigned Purchasing Group(s) to find the new three digit numerical class code.
  2. Next, use the three digit NIGP commodity code class number and refer to the Numerical Listing of Commodity Codes Assigned to Each IPS Category to find out which category you should sign up for to receive bids and e-mail notifications of that nature.

A simple, foolproof search method has yet to exist, so the trial and error method will have to suffice unless you are familiar with the actual NIGP numbering system. Good luck with your search and remember you can always e-mail our help desk if you have any questions or problems!


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