P25-0019a Corn Cob Grit

The California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) is conducting an informal competitive Request for Quote (RFQ) under solicitation number P25-0019a for corn cob grit, a critical component in Mediterranean Fruit Fly larval rearing. The procurement requires 120,000 pounds of Corn Cob Grit #2040 Grade, which must be diamond cut and dust free, packaged in either 40-pound bags (3,000 total) or 50-pound bags (2,400 total). Delivery will be to Waimanalo, Hawaii, with a minimum monthly order requirement of 40,000 pounds, though months may be skipped. The contract will operate on an "as needed basis" and is structured as a term purchase agreement, beginning upon execution and expiring on December 31, 2025, or when funds are depleted. Bid responses are due by 5:00 PM PT on August 19, 2025, with questions accepted until 12:00 PM PT on August 11, 2025, and answers to be published via addendum on August 14, 2025. The procurement requires FOB Destination pricing with all freight, shipping, and handling charges included in unit pricing, and delivery must occur Monday through Friday between 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM HST.

The state offers specific set-aside preferences and incentives for California businesses, including a 5% bid preference for California certified small businesses, microbusinesses, and non-small businesses with at least 25% California certified small business subcontractor participation. A Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) incentive scale applies with potential incentives ranging from 1% to 5% based on participation levels. Contract award will be made on an "All or None" basis to the lowest responsible bidder. Successful bidders must submit comprehensive documentation, including a Payee Data Record, Bidder Declaration form, Recycled Content Certification, and other compliance certifications. Payment will be processed within 45 days in accordance with the California Prompt Payment Act. While no specific incumbent vendors are mentioned, the procurement appears to be part of an ongoing agricultural pest control or research program. The total contract value is implied by the 120,000-pound requirement, though specific pricing details are not provided in the available documentation.