NIGP 16533: Dispensers: Cup, Dish, Silverware, Tray, etc.

NIGP 16533, Dispensers: Cup, Dish, Silverware, Tray, Etc., is an Item code covering disposable food preparation, packaging, serving, and storage products—cups with lids, food trays, foam and paper containers, food storage bags, and related items—that state and local governments procure primarily for institutional food service operations. The scope of work is dominated by school districts buying these products to support federal meal programs (National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program), with procurement also evident from state corrections departments. Issuing bodies purchasing under this code include K–12 school districts as the primary buyers and state agencies managing institutional food service operations. Vendors responding to these opportunities typically stock established commercial product lines from manufacturers such as Dart Container Corporation, Pactiv Corporation, and Southern Champion Tray, and must meet FDA and USDA compliance standards and maintain institutional references from similar clients.

Recent procurement activity is concentrated in the Southwest, with the Washington County School District (Utah) posting a Non-Food Bid (WCSDMTH20261) on April 28, 2026, due May 19, 2026, for approximately 80 distinct product categories supporting 37 school sites across multiple campuses in St. George, Washington, Hurricane, Santa Clara, Enterprise, and Hildale, with evaluation weighted on price (40%), product quality (25%), delivery capability (20%), and vendor references (15%), and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice posting a cooperative purchasing solicitation (IW240434) for beverage carrier containers through the Texas General Services Commission with a response deadline of March 31, 2026. School district buyers typically require weekly or regular delivery schedules, award to single or multiple vendors based on aggregate or line-item pricing, and expect pricing to remain firm for the contract term unless written approval is granted for increases.