UNSPSC 50405600: Peppers

The type of vegetable known as peppers

UNSPSC 50405600 Peppers is a Class code encompassing fresh pepper supply and delivery to state and local institutional food service operations, correctional facilities, mental health centers, school districts, and senior services programs. State and local buyers procure fresh peppers — typically bell peppers in bulk cases — as line items within broader produce and food service solicitations, often alongside complementary vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and root crops. The work involves F.O.B. Destination delivery with vendor responsibility for transportation, temperature maintenance, quality assurance, and replacement of damaged goods at no cost to the buyer. Recent solicitations across Texas, Illinois, and Georgia show institutional buyers emphasizing USDA quality standards, bi-weekly to weekly delivery schedules, compliance with food safety regulations, competitive pricing on a per-unit or per-case basis, and documentation of product traceability and farm of origin where specified.

Activity spans a diverse issuing-body mix: the Texas Department of Criminal Justice posts multiple fresh-produce RFQs and IFBs (e.g., IW267376 for Palestine facility, IW267420 for Snyder Food Warehouse, IW267411 for Wynne Food Warehouse); Texas Health and Human Services Commission solicits produce as part of canteen and food service grocery bundles for state-supported living centers; Illinois Department of Corrections and Department of Mental Health procure produce for institutional facilities (Joliet Treatment Center and Madden Mental Health Center); Georgia school districts including Bartow County Schools, Dougherty County Board of Education, and Bryan County Schools request sealed bids for fresh produce meeting local-sourcing preferences within 400 miles; and municipal buyers such as the City of San Antonio and Collier County operate produce-focused food service contracts for parks and senior centers. Recent opportunities clustered in May through October 2026 show Texas (particularly TDCJ and HHS facilities) as the most active buyer, followed by Georgia school districts and Illinois institutional food service. Representative recent solicitations include the Texas Health and Human Services Commission's IFB HHS0018082 (Lufkin State Supported Living Center canteen and campus consumables, IFB, due October 23, 2026) and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's RFQ IW267376 (fresh fruit and vegetables for Palestine facility, due October 19, 2026); the Illinois Department of Corrections' RFQ 27426DOCJOLIEB53849 (fresh produce for Joliet Treatment Center, IFB with small business set-aside, due September 3, 2026); and the Bartow County School System's RFP 10-2026-019 (local fresh fruits and vegetables for 2026-2027, due June 22, 2026, with evaluation weighted toward cost, seasonal variety, product quality, and delivery proficiency). Most opportunities impose firm pricing requirements for 30 to 240 days, require vendor compliance with E-Verify and debarment certifications, demand general liability insurance of $500,000 to $1,000,000 per occurrence, and award based on lowest responsive bidder or best value including past performance verification.