UNSPSC 50524621: Non GMO icebox melons

The variety of non GMO melons known as non GMO icebox melons. 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 50524621 Non-GMO icebox melons (Commodity) encompasses fresh melon procurement for school nutrition programs, though recent state and local opportunities show this code applied primarily to broader fresh produce categories rather than melons specifically. School districts are the dominant issuing body, with activity concentrated in Georgia and Florida, soliciting fresh fruits and vegetables for child nutrition and farm-to-school programs through RFPs, RFQs, and IFBs. The scope of work under this code reflects institutional food service procurement: weekly or scheduled deliveries of fresh produce meeting USDA standards, HACCP compliance, food safety documentation, traceability by farm of origin, Buy American requirements (minimum 51% domestic content for processed goods), and delivery to multiple school sites within specified time windows (typically 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM, Monday through Friday). Districts emphasize product quality, shelf-life minimums (commonly 5–7 days from delivery), temperature control during transport, and vendor experience with school nutrition programs. Many solicitations include local-sourcing preferences—produce grown within 200–400 miles of the district—and eligibility for preferences on diverse-owned business certifications where applicable.

Georgia school districts dominate recent activity: Hancock County Board of Education (IFB SN002-2027, June 2026, 200+ produce line items, July 2026–June 2027), Bartow County School System (RFP 10-2026-019, June 2026), Early County Board of Education (IFB, June 2026), Bulloch County School District (IFP, May 2026, local produce within 200 miles), Liberty County Board of Education (two IFBs, April 2026), Muscogee County School District (ITB 26-017, April 2026), Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (Bid 26-34, April 2026, 72 line items), Glynn County Board of Education (IFB 27-02, April 2026, 60 line items), and Douglas County School System (RFP SN 26-004 through GEC Buying Cooperative, March 2026, estimated $4.4 million and $1.1 million for two areas, 72 line items). Outside Georgia, Madison Metropolitan School District in Wisconsin issued RFBs 4162 (petite bananas, $78,000 annual value, July 2026) and 4163 (fresh fruit and vegetable snacks, local sourcing within 400 miles, July 2026), McAllen Independent School District in Texas (RFP 2026-1029, March 2026, 20,000 students across 31 campuses), Hillsborough County Public Schools in Tampa, Florida (RFP 26039RFQDST, fresh fruit and vegetable program, March 2026, $600,000 estimated annual budget), and Austin Independent School District in Texas (RFP 26RFP034, March 2026). The State of Georgia also solicited food, supplies, and other kitchen products (May 2026, due June 2026) with full details in attached specification documents. Award cycles typically span 60 days post-bid opening; contracts run July 1 through June 30 with renewal options for one to four additional one-year terms at the same or redetermined pricing, and vendor selection is based on lowest responsive and responsible bidding with line-item allocation to multiple vendors common practice.