NIGP 735: Rags, Shop Towels, and Wiping Cloths

NIGP 735 Rags, Shop Towels, and Wiping Cloths is a Class code under which state and local governments procure low-lint cotton rags, disposable wiping cloths, shop towels, mats for cleaning and floor protection, and related janitorial textiles for facilities maintenance and operational use. Recent solicitations reflect a mix of rental-and-delivery models for garment and mat programs, as-needed supply contracts for bulk cotton rags, and integrated janitorial supply bundles. The issuing bodies include state departments, county governments, cities, school districts, and special-purpose districts; the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) appears as a repeat high-volume buyer, posting multiple quarterly paper towel and toilet paper RFQs across its regional prison facilities during 2026. The California Department of Motor Vehicles, Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, and city and school district purchasing offices also actively solicit under this code. Geographic activity concentrates in California—driven by CDCR's multi-region procurement—with secondary activity in Florida, Texas, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. Typical recent procurements include the California DMV's IFB 26-139 for weekly rental and delivery of linens, mats, and wiping cloths to four DMV offices (response due November 10, 2026, estimated budget $67,740 over thirty-six months); CDCR's multiple RFQs for toilet paper and paper towels restricted to California-certified small businesses with October 9, 2026 response dates and award ceilings of $249,999.99 each; and Hillsborough County's ITB-26-00351 for ongoing purchase of low-lint white cotton rags in 25-pound boxes (response due August 7, 2026, five-year estimated value $160,000). DVBE and SBE set-asides are common in California procurements; prevailing wage applies where state-mandated. Demand from correctional and detention facilities, public buildings, and school districts drives steady volume.