P25-1724 Powdered Agar

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Administrative Services Purchasing Unit is requesting quotes for 2,500 kilograms of powdered agar agar via informal competitive RFQ P25-1724, with quotes due June 10, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Bidders claiming California Certified Small Business status, including nonprofit veteran service agencies or non-small businesses with at least 25% small business subcontractor participation, are eligible for a 5% preference.

The agar must be USP and NF compliant, derived from water-soluble extracts of Pterocladium, Gelidium, or Gracilaria confervoides seaweed with all material sourced from the same seaweed type and geographical origin. Specifications include maximum total ash content of 6.5% on dry weight basis, maximum acid-insoluble ash of 0.5%, particle size with more than 75% passing through a #60 U.S. Standard sieve, minimum gel strength of 900 grams pressure, gel point between 32–45 degrees Celsius, melting point between 85–89 degrees Celsius, dissolution in boiling water within 5 minutes, and microbial content not exceeding 10,000 micro-organisms per gram. All equipment and supplies must be new and current production models; used, shopworn, demonstrator, prototype, or discontinued items are not acceptable.

Delivery must occur in a single shipment via truck with liftgate and pallet jack under FOB Destination terms to CDFA at 3802 Constitution Avenue, Los Alamitos, California 90720. Award will be made on an all-or-none basis to a single responsive bidder. Pricing must be quoted on company letterhead and include all freight, shipping, and handling charges in unit pricing. Payment will be made within 45 days of acceptance of goods or receipt of invoice, whichever is later, in accordance with the California Prompt Payment Act. Questions are due by June 1, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. PT, with answers published by June 4 via addendum. Bidders must complete the Bidder Declaration (GSPD-05-105), Recycled Content Certification, Darfur Contracting Act Certification, and GenAI Disclosure. If federal funding is involved, bidders must provide a UEI number and certification of non-debarment.