UNSPSC 50405200: Okras

The type of vegetable known as okras

UNSPSC 50405200 Okras, a Class code, captures fresh vegetable procurement by state and local governments, though the recent opportunities block shows the code applied to a broader range of produce and food-service items than the nominal scope suggests. State and local buyers are purchasing fresh produce (apples, carrots, onions, peppers, lettuce, potatoes, tomatoes, and other vegetables and fruits) for institutional food service — state-supported living centers, correctional facilities, mental health centers, school districts, and senior services programs. Issuing bodies include state health and human services agencies, departments of criminal justice, school nutrition programs across multiple states, county school systems, senior services divisions of cities, and regional food coalitions. Work is solicited through IFB, RFP, and RFQ notices with typical response windows of two to four weeks. Food vendors must meet USDA quality and grading standards, comply with prevailing-wage and E-Verify requirements, carry commercial liability and workers' compensation insurance, and often deliver on F.O.B. Destination terms with transportation costs included in bid pricing. Many procurements require compliance with federal child nutrition programs (CACFP, USDA Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program, National School Lunch Program) and state-level certifications on debarment, human trafficking, and cybersecurity.

The bulk of recent activity clusters in Texas and Georgia. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (Lufkin and Mexia State Supported Living Centers) and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (food warehouses in Snyder, Wynne, and Palestine) have issued multiple IFBs for fresh produce and grocery items in August and September 2026 with response dates in late August through mid-October. Georgia school systems (Bartow County, Dougherty County, Bryan County, Early County) issued RFPs and IFBs for fresh produce in May and June 2026. Illinois Department of Corrections (Joliet Treatment Center) and Illinois Department of Mental Health (Madden Mental Health Center) issued small-purchase solicitations in August 2026. The Wisconsin-based Madison Metropolitan School District issued RFB 4163 for fresh fruit and vegetable snacks in July 2026, requiring in-state sourcing within 400 miles and offering a 5% preference for diverse-owned businesses. The City of San Antonio Parks & Recreation and the City of San Antonio Department of Human Services each posted service contracts for produce procurement in May 2026. Head Start of Greater Dallas issued IFB 26-GP for grocery products supporting child care programs in June 2026, estimated at $969,460.94. Contract terms typically run one year with options for one to four renewal periods; pricing must remain firm for 30 to 240 days from submission. Set-asides and preferences vary — Texas emphasizes HUB subcontracting plans, Wisconsin offers diversity-owner preference discounts, and Georgia school districts highlight local-sourcing and domestic-product preferences where applicable.