Vendor and Commodity Lookup

Home > Departments > Finance > Purchasing Guidelines > Vendor and Commodity Lookup

Vendor and Commodity Look Up

Why Commodity Codes Matter

If you’ve ever been asked to “find a commodity code” for a purchase or contract, you might wonder what that actually means.
In short, a commodity code is just a standardized way to describe what you’re buying — whether it’s office supplies, construction services, or software.

By using the right code, you help the City:

  • Find vendors who sell exactly what you need
  • Track spending for better budgeting and planning
  • Promote transparency and consistency across departments

A Little Background

Commodity codes aren’t unique to Round Rock — they’re part of a national system developed in the 1980s by procurement professionals across the U.S.
That system, now managed by the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP), is used by most states (including Texas), as well as Canada and Puerto Rico.
The City of Round Rock uses the five-digit NIGP Class-Item code format to categorize purchases.

How the City Uses Commodity Codes

When vendors register with the City, they also select the commodity codes that match the goods or services they provide.

When it’s time to collect quotes or issue a solicitation, the Procurement team searches vendors by those same codes — so using the right code ensures your solicitation reaches the most relevant vendors.

How to Find Your Commodity Code

Finding your code is quick and easy:

  1. Visit the State of Texas NIGP Commodity Book.
  2. Type in a few keywords that describe what you’re buying.
  3. Review the options and pick the code(s) that best match your need.
  4. For more detailed instructions please read our ​pdf icon Commodity Code Lookup Instructions.pdf

Tip: Choosing two or three similar codes can help you reach more vendors.

Finding Vendors

City of Round Rock Vendor Lookup

Once you’ve identified your commodity code(s), use the City’s Vendor Lookup Tool to see which vendors are already registered and approved to do business with the City.

This is your go-to list when preparing a Request for Quote (RFQ) or formal solicitation such as an Invitation for Bid (IFB) or Request for Proposal (RFP).

State of Texas Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL)

The State’s CMBL database includes vendors from across Texas, including Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs).

When your purchase is expected to exceed $3,000, Texas Local Government Code Chapter 252 requires you to contact at least two HUB vendors, if available.
If no HUB vendors match your need, simply include a copy of your search results as backup.

  • State of Texas HUB Vendor Search
  • HUB Vendor Search Instructions (PDF)

You can narrow your search to HUB vendors located in Travis and Williamson Counties to keep things local.

Putting It All Together

When you’re ready to move forward:

  1. Combine vendors from the City Vendor Lookup, the HUB Search, and any others you’ve found through independent research.
  2. Attach your comprehensive vendor list, all quotes, and your scope of work to the Munis Requisition.
  3. Submit it for processing — and you’re all set!

Please contact your Purchasing Team if you have any questions or need assistance.