NIGP 01953: Melons

NIGP 01953 Melons, an Item code, encompasses fresh melon procurement for state and local institutional food service programs, particularly school nutrition operations where sealed bids for seasonal produce drive the buying activity. State and local governments purchasing under this code source melons and similar produce for school lunch programs, typically on annual or multi-year contracts with delivery to multiple school sites within a district. The issuing bodies are predominantly school districts managing their School Nutrition Program (SNP) food supply chains, with procurement structured around the academic calendar and federal compliance requirements including Buy American provisions and HACCP standards.

Butts County School System (Georgia) posted an IFB in April 2026 for food products including produce to support its SNP across six school locations for the 2026–2027 school year, with a bid submission deadline of May 26, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. in Jackson, Georgia. The contract runs July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, with options for a three-month extension and up to four additional one-year renewal terms. Bids must include all packing and transportation costs on a freight-on-board basis with prices firm for 30 days post-award and fixed thereafter except for adjustments tied to USDA Agricultural Marketing Service reports or Consumer Price Index data submitted 30 days in advance. The procurement is open to all responsive and responsible bidders with no stated set-asides or incumbent vendor restrictions, and award will be made to the lowest responsive bidder within approximately 60 days of bid opening, with payment due within 30 days of goods receipt and acceptance.