UNSPSC 60103921: Preserved life cycle specimens

UNSPSC 60103921 Preserved life cycle specimens, a Commodity code, covers preserved biological specimens—such as animal organs, anatomical models, dissection kits, and non-formalin-preserved materials—used in K–12 science instruction and laboratory work across school districts and higher education. State and local procurement activity under this code is dominated by independent school districts and consolidated school districts soliciting science supplies and instructional materials catalogs that bundle preserved specimens with complementary consumables, equipment, and digital resources. The code represents a subset of larger science procurement efforts rather than a standalone category; districts typically acquire preserved specimens as part of comprehensive science supply and instructional materials RFPs or IFBs that also include chemicals, glassware, lab equipment, and curriculum content. Issuing bodies include large districts serving urban and suburban populations (Cobb County School District in Georgia, Katy Independent School District in Texas) and smaller districts in rural areas (Donna Independent School District in Cameron County, Texas), with some procurements spanning consortia that serve multiple jurisdictions and municipalities, as exemplified by Cartwright Elementary School District acting on behalf of the Strategic Alliance for Volume Expenditures (SAVE) consortium serving Arizona school districts, municipalities, counties, and higher education institutions.

Recent activity across Texas, Georgia, Florida, and Arizona shows districts soliciting annual or multi-year contracts with multiple award structures and as-needed purchasing models. Representative procurements include Cobb County School District's IFB B26128 (due June 16, 2026) for science specimens, chemicals, supplies, and equipment across all 112 school sites serving over 105,000 students, with an estimated annual expenditure of $175,000 and requirements for preserved specimens using non-formalin preservatives; Katy Independent School District's RFP #2428KD-A (due May 29, 2026) for teaching and instructional materials spanning science instruction supplies across multiple grade levels through October 2027 with optional annual renewals; Donna Independent School District's RFP #011326-871 (due April 8, 2026) for science supplies via catalog bid on a discount-from-list model for the 2026–2027 school year; and Cartwright Elementary School District's RFP 260331 (due June 8, 2026) on behalf of the SAVE consortium for STEM and College & Career Readiness kits and materials, with an estimated annual usage of $1,346,000 across fifteen participating Arizona districts. Pricing is structured predominantly as percentage discounts off catalog, manufacturer's suggested retail, or published price lists, with F.O.B. Destination delivery including inside delivery to school sites standard across solicitations. Contracts typically run one year with options to renew for two to four additional one-year periods by mutual agreement, with no guaranteed minimum purchase volumes and awards often made to multiple vendors to provide districts flexibility in sourcing individual products based on value and service.