RFQ-LED-0627-01, Lobster Tags

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is soliciting quotes for injection-molded elastomer lobster trap tags under RFQ-LED-0627-01, with responses due October 30, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. and quote opening at 3:00 p.m. the same day. A 5% preference is available to California certified small businesses, or to non-small businesses committing to at least 25% California certified small business subcontractor participation. A separate 5% Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) incentive is available based on confirmed DVBE participation levels. The attached solicitation document is labeled RFQ-LRB-0627-01.

The solicitation requests 46,800 tags for the First Batch and up to 1,200 tags for the Second Batch. Each tag measures 4.25 by 3 by 0.15 inches, is colored PMS Purple 256U, and has a molded grommet with a 1/2-inch hole. Tags must be permanently imprinted by hot foil stamping or laser etching in indelible black ink, showing CDFW branding, six-digit permit numbers, three-digit serial numbers, a year designation, and recycling code numbers. Tags must withstand UV exposure, freezing temperatures, and salt water, and must be manufactured within the United States.

Bidders must hold a valid California seller's permit and submit the Darfur Contracting Act Certification (DFW 1080), which is mandatory for bid eligibility, along with the Payee Data Record (STD 204), Bidder Declaration (DFW 1082), and Postconsumer-Content Certification (CalRecycle 74). The Commercially Useful Function and DVBE Declarations (STD 843) apply if applicable.

The First Batch must be delivered by May 3, 2027. The Second Batch must be printed and delivered within 18 business days of receiving electronic data files, between May 3, 2027 and March 17, 2028. The contract period runs through June 30, 2028. All tags go to the CDFW Business Management Branch Warehouse in West Sacramento, California, on an F.O.B. Destination, Freight Prepaid basis, with no additional charges permitted after award. Vendors must submit weekly progress reports, and invoices are payable in arrears upon delivery and acceptance. Pricing is submitted on the State's RFQ form, and quotes must remain valid for at least 60 days from issuance.

The State will award on an all-or-none basis, by group, or by line item at its discretion, to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.