NIGP 85024: Cloth (Yard Goods): Blends, Mixtures, and Synthetics

NIGP 85024 Cloth (Yard Goods): Blends, Mixtures, and Synthetics, an Item code, encompasses synthetic and blend fabrics that state and local corrections agencies procure in volume for inmate and officer clothing, blankets, towels, and institutional furnishings. Recent opportunities show this code driving significant activity among corrections facilities in Texas and Illinois, which are acquiring jersey knit, thermal waffle knit, terry cloth, twill, broadcloth, ripstop, poplin, nylon, cotton duck, batting, mesh, and vinyl in bulk yardage or poundage for manufacturing jumpsuits, T-shirts, coveralls, pants, shirts, towels, washcloths, and blankets. Specifications emphasize performance durability, colorfastness, shrinkage limits, and compliance with ASTM and AATCC standards to withstand institutional laundry cycles and heavy use. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice and Illinois Department of Corrections—specifically Menard Correctional Center and Centralia Correctional Center—are the dominant repeat buyers, posting multiple solicitations across the past four months. Procurement mechanisms include IFBs, RFQs, and small-business set-asides; delivery typically occurs FOB destination with all transportation costs vendor-paid, firm pricing for 90 days, and firm contract terms through June 30, 2027 in most cases. Vendors must maintain general commercial liability insurance of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million annual aggregate, submit fabric samples for approval prior to award, and comply with extensive state certifications covering criminal history, tax compliance, conflict of interest, and employment practices.

Texas Department of Criminal Justice has solicited gray fabric (IW269326, due October 29, 2026), jersey knit (IW266476, IW263301), and blanket material (IW266467, IW257631) through the Bonfire Hub portal. Illinois Department of Corrections solicitations include Menard's 40,000-yard white terry cloth RFQ (B53828, due September 10, 2026), 225,000-pound white tubular knit jersey IFB (B53941, due September 29, 2026) at $1.84 per pound prevailing price, and 10,000-yard white thermal waffle knit small-business set-aside RFQ (B53634, due August 21, 2026); Centralia's multi-category twill IFB covering 105,000 yards in five colors (B53685, due September 1, 2026) and broad textile materials IFB spanning eight categories from broadcloth to vinyl (B53701, due September 17, 2026). The Texas Comptroller's statewide cooperative procurement (304T-26-850A2, due July 28, 2026) represents a larger-scale, multi-year contract for 39 line items of textile piece goods supplying TDCJ at five facilities, with certified laboratory testing reports and 1.5 percent SmartBuy administrative fees required. Illinois imposes $15 administrative fees on awards exceeding $1,000 and enforces domestic product preference where applicable.