P26-0126A Cotton Plugs

The State of California is issuing an Informal RFQ for 2,000,000 cotton plugs under P26-0126A, with quotations due September 18, 2026.

The plugs are specified at 2 inches long by 0.50-inch diameter, weighing 1.5 grams each, constructed from 100% cotton with no substitutions accepted. The plugs must be tightly compressed with braided rayon thread construction for shape retention, exhibit no holes or openings on either end, and be supplied sealed in bags of 4,000 plugs per bag, 2 bags per case. The material must absorb a 5-milliliter liquid lure and pesticide mixture for use in exotic fruit fly detection traps held by Jackson trap bait hanger clips. While the Richmond #200512 brand is referenced, it is stated to be descriptive rather than restrictive.

Evaluation centers on two mandatory performance standards, each weighted at 160 points with a minimum passing threshold of 152 points (95 percent). The first criterion assesses tight fit when inserted into a bait hanger clip with no loose fittings. The second criterion measures absorption capacity of 5 milliliters of liquid lure in two formulations: Methyl-eugenol (80 test samples) and Cue-lure (80 test samples). Both performance categories must achieve a score of 160 out of 160 points (100 percent) to pass evaluation.

No contract value, term, or place of performance is specified in the source materials. The specification document was posted September 8, 2026.