RFQ-LRB--0625-01 (Lobster Tags)

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is seeking a procurement of injection-molded elastomer lobster trap tags for the 2026 lobster season through Request for Quotation RFQ-LRB-0625-01. The solicitation requires 48,600 tags in the first batch with an additional potential 1,800 tags in a second batch, with specific manufacturing requirements including U.S. production, precise dimensional specifications (4.25 inches by 3 inches by 0.15 inch), and PMS Blue 310U coloration with black printing. Tags must feature a molded grommet, maintain UV package durability for two years, remain unbreakable in below-freezing temperatures, and be salt water impervious. Delivery timelines are stringent, with the first batch due no later than May 1, 2026, and the second batch delivered within eighteen business days after CDFW emails data files between May 1, 2026, and March 19, 2027. Bids are due by 2:00 PM on December 18, 2025, with quote opening at 3:00 PM the same day, and quotes must remain valid for a minimum of 60 days. Award will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder meeting all administrative and technical requirements, potentially on an all-or-none, group, or line-item basis.

The procurement includes several set-aside and preference designations, specifically a 5% preference for California-certified small businesses or non-small businesses committing at least 25% participation with certified small business subcontractors. Additionally, a Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) incentive of 3% to 5% is available based on confirmed DVBE participation levels. Bidders must submit multiple mandatory documents including a California seller's permit, Darfur Contracting Act Certification, Payee Data Record Form, Bidder Declaration Form, Postconsumer-Content Certification Form, and GenAI Reporting Factsheet. Failure to submit any required document will result in bid disqualification. While no specific incumbent vendor is mentioned, the contract period extends from purchase order execution through June 30, 2027, with invoicing occurring in arrears upon delivery and acceptance of shipments. Although no explicit budget range is provided, the solicitation indicates an expectation of producing 50,400 total lobster trap tags with specific technical and manufacturing requirements.