UNSPSC 50522906: Non GMO halawi/halawy dates

The variety of non GMO dates known as non GMO halawi/halawy dates. This means that they are produced without the use of methods that genetically modify organisms by means that are not possible under natural conditions. Such methods include cell fusion, microencapsulation and macro-encapsulation, and recombinant DNA technology (including gene deletion, gene doubling, introducing a foreign gene, and changing the positions of genes when achieved by recombinant DNA technology).

Traditional methods of breeding, conjugation, fermentation, hybridization, in vitro fertilization, or tissue culture are considered to be non-GMO.

UNSPSC 50522906 Non GMO halawi/halawy dates is a Commodity code. State and local governments buying under this code are actually procuring fresh produce — bananas, apples, berries, peppers, tomatoes, leafy greens, eggs, and other staple fruits and vegetables — to supply school nutrition programs, child nutrition services, and food service operations. The recent solicitation stream shows school districts, not date-specific purchasing; the code's nominal scope (halawi dates, non-GMO) does not match the work actually being bought. The issuing bodies are predominantly independent school districts and county boards of education, with secondary participation from consolidated school systems and regional cooperative purchasing vehicles such as the GEC Buying Cooperative. School nutrition programs drive the majority of activity, funding through the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program grants. Evaluation criteria typically weight cost at 30–50 percent, with vendor qualifications, product quality, delivery performance, and compliance credentials splitting the remainder. Common requirements include HACCP plans, traceability systems, 24/7 recall accessibility, Buy American compliance (minimum 51 percent domestic agricultural content in processed products), liability insurance ($500,000 to $2 million general liability minimums), E-Verify authorization, and debarment certification. Many solicitations include affirmative action plans and diverse-owned business documentation as evaluation factors or prerequisites.

Geographic concentration is heavy in Georgia, with recent opportunities from Glynn County, Liberty County, Muscogee County, Savannah-Chatham County, Bulloch County, Hancock County, Douglas County, and Bartow County school districts. Texas school districts (Austin ISD, McAllen ISD) and Wisconsin (Madison Metropolitan School District) also show recent activity. Representative opportunities include Madison Metropolitan School District RFB 4162 (petite bananas, due July 29, 2026, $78,000 annual value), Hancock County Board of Education IFB (fresh produce for 2026-27, due June 26, 2026, 200+ line items spanning apples, berries, cruciferous and root vegetables, citrus, melons, leafy greens), Glynn County Board of Education IFB 27-02 (fresh produce, due April 14, 2026, 60 line items with weekly Tuesday delivery to 16 schools), and Douglas County School System RFP SN 26-004 through GEC Buying Cooperative (30 school districts across two Georgia areas, $5.5 million estimated annual spending, due March 4, 2026). Award timelines typically run 60 days post-opening. The code shows little relevant recent activity for its stated commodity; pursue only if repositioning for broad fresh produce distribution to school nutrition programs.