NIGP 01978: Sugarcane and Sugarbeets

NIGP 01978 Sugarcane and Sugarbeets is an Item code under which state and local governments procure fresh produce and eggs for school nutrition programs, including student meal service and federally funded healthy snacking initiatives. Recent solicitations show school districts purchasing diverse fresh fruits, vegetables, and eggs through competitive RFPs and IFBs, with vendors supplying raw produce in bulk case quantities for weekly or scheduled delivery to multiple school sites. Work involves cost-plus contracting models where vendors submit fixed fees per case or unit pricing benchmarked against USDA market reports, with strict requirements for product freshness, shelf life, food safety certifications (GAP, HACCP), and compliance with federal Buy American provisions and USDA food quality standards. Issuing bodies are predominantly independent school districts and school system cooperatives procuring for student nutrition programs serving elementary through high schools.

School districts across Georgia and Florida represent the primary recent activity under this code. The Douglas County School System (Georgia) issued RFP SN 26-004 through the GEC Buying Cooperative on February 4, 2026, for fresh produce and eggs serving 30 districts across two geographic areas with estimated annual spending of approximately $4.4 million for Area One and $1.1 million for Area Two, with proposals due March 4, 2026. Hillsborough County Public Schools (Tampa, Florida) solicited RFP 26039RFPDST on April 13, 2026, for fresh fruits and vegetables under the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program across approximately 18 elementary school sites with an estimated annual budget of $600,000, proposals due March 11, 2026. Butts County School System (Georgia) issued IFB PE55683NONST2027000000020 on April 27, 2026, for food supplies to support its School Nutrition Program for School Year 2026-2027, with bid submission due May 26, 2026. All three solicitations emphasize competitive pricing, multi-year renewal options, and compliance with federal food safety and domestic sourcing requirements.