UNSPSC 50406800: Yams

The type of vegetable known as yams

UNSPSC 50406800 Yams is a Class code that encompasses the supply of fresh yams and yam products to state and local institutions, though recent solicitations show the code is being applied more broadly to fresh produce procurement generally. State and local governments soliciting under this code are primarily correctional facilities, mental health and state-supported living centers, school districts, and senior service programs. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission are the most active repeat buyers, issuing multiple solicitations for fresh produce, frozen foods, and food service supplies to support institutional food service operations. State-supported living centers, correctional facilities, and school nutrition programs procure produce (including yams as one line item among dozens) through sealed bids and RFPs that typically specify firm, fixed unit pricing, delivery on FOB Destination terms with prepaid freight, and compliance with USDA quality standards and food safety regulations. Vendors are expected to carry commercial general liability insurance ranging from $500,000 to $1 million per occurrence and to comply with E-Verify requirements, debarment verification, and state procurement affirmations. Contract terms typically run fiscal year (one to three years with renewal options), and evaluation criteria weight specification compliance, delivery performance, past vendor performance tracking, and price competitiveness.

Recent procurement activity concentrates in Texas and Georgia, with significant activity from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (fresh produce for multiple warehouse locations and food distribution centers), the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (consumables and food service supplies for state-supported living centers), and Georgia school districts (Bartow County, Dougherty County, Bryan County, and Early County boards of education seeking local fresh produce for school nutrition programs). The Illinois Department of Corrections and Illinois Department of Mental Health have also posted fresh produce and produce contracts. Representative recent opportunities include the Texas HHS Commission IFB HHS0018082 (consumables and prepared foods for Lufkin State Supported Living Center, bids due October 23, 2026), the Texas Department of Criminal Justice fresh fruit and vegetable procurements for Snyder and Wynne food warehouses (proposals due October 14, 2026), the Illinois Department of Corrections small-business-set-aside RFQ for fresh produce delivery to Joliet Treatment Center (quotes due September 3, 2026), and the Bartow County School System RFP for local fresh fruits and vegetables within 400 miles of the system (proposals due June 22, 2026, with contract award anticipated July 20, 2026). Madison Metropolitan School District in Wisconsin is soliciting fresh fruit and vegetable snacks via RFB 4163 (bids due July 29, 2026) requiring Wisconsin sourcing within 400 miles and diversity-owned-business preferences, and Dougherty County Board of Education in Georgia is seeking sealed bids for fresh produce across 24 school nutrition sites (bids due June 16, 2026). Most solicitations emphasize local or regional sourcing, quality compliance, reliable delivery logistics, and alignment with federal nutrition program requirements.