Public Hearings on Proposed Section 301 Tariff List

Agathon Associates Boston office will be closed Thursday, August 26, through Monday, August 27, while David Trumbull assists clients who are testifying at the hearings on proposed Section 301 tariffs.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) will hold public hearings from August 20 to August 24, 2018, and the following week, on August 27, 2018, regarding proposed tariffs on approximately $200 billion worth of Chinese products.

The hearings will take place at the U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436.

The proposed tariffs are a supplemental action in response to China’s unfair trade practices related to technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation, based on the findings in USTR’s investigation of China under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. Tariffs on $34 billion in goods from China are currently in effect, and tariffs on an additional $16 billion will take effect on August 23, 2018.

The Federal Register notice publishing the proposed tariff list and soliciting public comment can be viewed here.

The public hearings will be held at the following times:

• Monday, August 20, 2018 from 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM EDT
• Tuesday, August 21, 2018 from 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM EDT
• Wednesday, August 22, 2018 from 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM EDT
• Thursday, August 23, 2018 from 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM EDT
• Friday, August 24, 2018 from 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM EDT
• Monday, August 27, 2018 from 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM EDT

Click here to view a schedule of witnesses.

NOTE: Media and attendees should note that the hearing is on the record but off-camera; no cameras or video or audio recording will be allowed in the hearing room. A full transcript of the hearing will be posted on USTR.gov and the public docket

2018 Special 301 Out-of-Cycle Review of Notorious Markets: Comment Request

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) requests written comments that identify online and physical markets based outside the United States that should be included in the 2018 Notorious Markets List (List). Conducted under the auspices of the Special 301 program, the List identifies online and physical marketplaces that reportedly engage in and facilitate substantial copyright piracy and trademark counterfeiting. In 2010, USTR began publishing the Notorious Markets List separately from the annual Special 301 Report as an ``Out-of-Cycle Review.''

DATES: October 1, 2018 at midnight EST: Deadline for submission of written comments. October 15, 2018 at midnight EST: Deadline for submission of rebuttal comments and other information USTR should consider during the review.

USTR invites written comments concerning examples of online and physical notorious markets, including foreign trade zones that allegedly facilitate substantial trademark counterfeiting and copyright piracy. To facilitate the review, written comments should be as detailed as possible. Comments must clearly identify the market and the reasons why the commenter believes that the market should be included in the List. Commenters should include the following information, as applicable:

• If a physical market, the market's name and location, e.g., common name, street address, neighborhood, shopping district, city, etc., and the identity of the principal owners/operators.
• If an online market:
  • The domain name(s) past and present, available registration information, and name(s) and location(s) of the hosting provider(s) and operator(s).
  • Information on the volume of internet traffic associated with the website, including number of visitors and page views, average time spent on the site, estimate of the number of infringing goods offered, sold, or traded and number of infringing files streamed, shared, seeded, leeched, downloaded, uploaded, or otherwise distributed or reproduced, and global or country popularity rating (e.g., Alexa rank).
  • Revenue sources such as sales, subscriptions, donations, upload incentives, or advertising and the methods by which that revenue is collected.
• Whether the market is owned, operated, or otherwise affiliated with a government entity.
• Types of counterfeit or pirated products or services sold, traded, distributed, or otherwise made available at that market.
• Volume of counterfeit or pirated goods or services or other indicia of a market's scale, reach, or relative significance in a given geographic area or with respect to a category of goods or services.
• Estimates of economic harm to right holders resulting from the piracy or counterfeiting and a description of the methodology used to calculate the harm.
• Whether the volume of counterfeit or pirated goods or estimates of harm has increased or decreased from previous years, and an approximate calculation of that increase or decrease for each year.
• Whether the infringing goods or services sold, traded, distributed, or made available pose a risk to public health or safety.
• Any known contractual, civil, administrative, or criminal enforcement activity against the market and the outcome of that enforcement activity.
• Additional actions taken by right holders against the market such as takedown notices, requests to sites to remove URLs or infringing content, cease and desist letters, warning letters to landlords and requests to enforce the terms of their leases, requests to providers to enforce their terms of service or terms of use, and the outcome of these actions.
• Additional actions taken by the market owners or operators to remove, limit, or discourage the availability of counterfeit or pirated goods or services, including policies to prevent or remove access to such goods or services, or to disable seller or user accounts, the effectiveness of market policies and guidelines in addressing counterfeiting and piracy, and the level of cooperation with right holders and law enforcement.
• Any other additional information relevant to the review.

CPSC Commissioner Baiocco and Staff Meeting with Representatives from American Apparel and Footwear Association

On August 22, 2018, Consumer Product Safety Commissioner Dana Baiocco, Chris Hudgins, Director, CPSC Office of Legislative Affairs, and Dottie Yahr, CPSC Policy Advisor, are schedule to meet with representatives from American Apparel and Footwear Association: Rick Helfenbein, CEO and Kristen Kern, Government Relations Representative, for introductory meeting with representatives from the American Apparel and Footwear Association and to discuss their issues related to CPSC. The meeting was requested by Kristen Kern.

Federal Business Opportunities through August 15, 2018

Recently posted federal business opportunities.

-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Tent Rental
Sol. #:            W912LMQ7003
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Cold Weather Gear
Sol. #:            FA4528-18-Q-DP13
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Sig P320 Compact (m18) 9mm Cloak Mod OWB Holster
Sol. #:            BRAGG10MPBNRJG0019
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Cold Weather Boot Insulators
Sol. #:            HAAF175AML0053
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Combat Mobility Kit
Sol. #:            W91ZRU-18-Q-5021
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             SOFFE PPI Shorts
Sol. #:            FTKNOXSORBPB0006
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Floor, MGPTS
Sol. #:            8340-01-477-1397
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             SORB PPI T-shirts
Sol. #:            FtKnoxSORBPB0004
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             TENT
Sol. #:            SPE1C118T1855
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Tents And Equipment
Sol. #:            PR7402485
Agency:            Department of State
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Solicitation for Thread
Sol. #:            SPE1C118Q0260
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Knit Fabric, Polyester, Black, Berry Amend. Compliant
Sol. #:            CT2249-18
Agency:            Department of Justice
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             TEMPER TYPE XLI, AIR S
Sol. #:            SPE1C118T1874
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             KATUSA Athletic Running Shoes
Sol. #:            W91QVN18R0220
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Overload Pack
Sol. #:            D-18-SF-0120
Agency:            Department of Justice
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Liner Kits Used in Assembly of M8E1 Chemical and Biological Protective Shelters
Sol. #:            W52P1J-18-R-LINR
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             SALOMON HIKING BOOTS
Sol. #:            N0018918Q0460
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Soft Seal Hush Kit
Sol. #:            F1D1048127AW01
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Option Final Bid - Clothing for Detainees
Sol. #:            192118FPHUNIF3039
Agency:            Department of Homeland Security
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             FBI Tactical Uniform IDIQ
Sol. #:            RFQ-0003773
Agency:            Department of Justice
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Tents
Sol. #:            W912PB18Q3155
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Leavenworth Firefighter Turnout Gear
Sol. #:            W91QF418Q0058
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             PPE, GEAR & WEBSITE
Sol. #:            PR-0004428
Agency:            Department of Justice
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             SOFFE PPI Shorts
Sol. #:            FTKNOXSORBPB0006
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             BAG,WATER
Sol. #:            SPE1C118T1868
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             CHEF UNIFORMS AND TABLE COVERS
Sol. #:            N00244-18-Q-0268
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Command and Control UTC
Sol. #:            FA441718Q0178
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             SERE Wool Uniforms
Sol. #:            FA4620-18-Q-A051
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             INMATE JUMPSUITS
Sol. #:            15B61618Q00000169
Agency:            Department of Justice
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             M100 SDS CLOSURE STRAPS
Sol. #:            PANROC-18-P-0000_062775
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Men and Women Clothing and Shoes
Sol. #:            N0018918Q0450
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             M100 SDS MITTS
Sol. #:            PANROC-18-P-0000_062771
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             EFB Pilot Gloves
Sol. #:            FA3099-18-Q-0043
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Turnouts Yell
Sol. #:            140P1418Q0123
Agency:            Department of the Interior
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Ballistic Shields
Sol. #:            15A00018R00000091
Agency:            Department of Justice
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Blauer B. Dry Parka with removable nylon Liner or equal product. 
Sol. #:            DESPS1824
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Fire Resistant Clothing
Sol. #:            140R1018Q0009
Agency:            Department of the Interior
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Tents with HVAC, Lights, Floor, Electrical
Sol. #:            W911RX-18-Q-0092
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             STATIC DISSIPATIVE FABRIC - BERRY AMENDMENT COMPLIANT
Sol. #:            CT2248-18
Agency:            Department of Justice
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             CLEARBORE AND PANEL ASSEMBLIES 
Sol. #:            N0016418Q0225
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Command Ball Caps
Sol. #:            N50054-18-R-0026
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             USSOUTHCOM Global Peace Operations Initiative Peru - Campaign Tents
Sol. #:            W91QEX-18-Q-0044
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Navy Canvas Slip-On Shoes
Sol. #:            192118FAO00000152
Agency:            Department of Homeland Security
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             5.11 Tactical Gear
Sol. #:            IQ1_LOG201800136
Agency:            United States Capitol Police
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Bomb Suit
Sol. #:            F3A3Q88207AW01
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Tent Rental
Sol. #:            W912LMQ7003
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Temper End section green and cover Tan
Sol. #:            8340-01-186-3014
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Liner, Tent 16' x 16'
Sol. #:            8340-01-452-7049
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Intent to Sole Source - Chin Strap Extender
Sol. #:            M67854-18-P-1409
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             BALLCAPS WITH LOGO
Sol. #:            N6809418R6094
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Torraka Field CPA-08 Winter TSUP Camo -Overwhites 
Sol. #:            10th_SFG_WWD0110
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Active Shooter Kit    
Sol. #:            36C25618U0180
Agency:            Department of Veterans Affairs
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Turnouts Yell
Sol. #:            140P1418Q0123
Agency:            Department of the Interior
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             HAMMOCK,JUNGLE
Sol. #:            SPE1C118Q0320
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Tents And Equipment
Sol. #:            PR7402485
Agency:            Department of State
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Command Ball Caps
Sol. #:            N50054-18-R-0026
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Tent Rental
Sol. #:            W912LMQ7003
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Notice of Intent
Sol. #:            FA5000-18-Q-0161
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Military Ski System
Sol. #:            M67854-18-R-1402
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             ESAPI - Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts  - Synopsis
Sol. #:            SPE1C118R0033
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Knit Fabric, Polyester, Black, Berry Amend. Compliant
Sol. #:            CT2249-18
Agency:            Department of Justice
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Ballistic Equipment
Sol. #:            MCNAIRPMPDDJR004
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             HELMET,PARACHUTISTS
Sol. #:            SPE1C118Q0308
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Tactical Helmets
Sol. #:            FA4661-18-Q-0141
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             TEAMWORK JACKETS
Sol. #:            W25G1V18Q0403
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Tents
Sol. #:            W912PB18Q3155
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             KATUSA Athletic Running Shoes
Sol. #:            W91QVN18R0220
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             HEXCEL TEF7 THORSTRAND FABRIC
Sol. #:            N63394-18-T-0055
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Request for Quotation (RFQ) GSA-SPB-18-Q-00013 - SELF-HELP TARPS
Sol. #:            GSA-SPB-18-Q-00013
Agency:            General Services Administration
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             PPE, GEAR & WEBSITE
Sol. #:            PR-0004428
Agency:            Department of Justice
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Two Piece Indoor Oak Flag Fole with Brass Joints
Sol. #:            SGSMMR0003
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Men and Women Clothing and Shoes
Sol. #:            N0018918Q0450
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             U.S. Territories  Flag (3x5)
Sol. #:            SGSMMR0002
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             50 United Staes Flags (3x5)
Sol. #:            SGSMMR0001
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Army Spear
Sol. #:            SGSMMR0004
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Flag Equipment
Sol. #:            SGSMMR0005
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Ballistic Shields
Sol. #:            15A00018R00000091
Agency:            Department of Justice
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             MDCLA_Clothing Trust Fund
Sol. #:            TC150042
Agency:            Department of Justice
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Mobile Ballistic Shiled 
Sol. #:            FA8601-18-Q-0146
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             316210
Sol. #:            70CDCR18Q00000027
Agency:            Department of Homeland Security
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Safety Boots
Sol. #:            W91RUS-18-R-DD06
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             IMCOM Retention Items
Sol. #:            SAMRET0001
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             EASPI PLATE CARRIER
Sol. #:            POLKDESPOLICELJP0037
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Brigade TAC Tent
Sol. #:            FBNC382PJS00010
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------

Clients of Agathon Associates and subscribers to Agathon Associates' Trade Advisor Service can find links to the full solicitations at www.agathonassociates.com/textile-pri/berry/fbo.htm. You will need to enter your username and password. If you do not know your username and password email David Trumbull at david@agathonassociates.com.

Today is the Last Day to Request to Speak at Hearing on Latest China Tariffs

The U.S. recently announced proposed additional import tariffs on thousands of classifications of goods of Chinese origin. The list appears to include all, are nearly all of the classifications for fiber, yarn, fabric, and carpet (Harmonized Tariff Schedule Chapters 50 through 60).

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is accepting public comments on the proposal and request to speak on hearings to be held the week of August 20th. the deadline to request to speak at the heading is TODAY.

Department of Defense Sandbag Contract Awarded

Huntsville Rehabilitation Foundation doing business as Phoenix* Huntsville, Alabama, has been awarded a maximum $32,500,000 firm-fixed price contract for polypropylene and cotton duck sandbags. This is a two-year base contract with three one-year option periods. Maximum dollar amount is for the life of the contract, including options. Location of performance is Alabama with an Aug. 9, 2023, performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2018 through 2023 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE8E6-18-D-0006).

Military Clothing Contracts Awarded

M&M Manufacturing LLC, Lajas, Puerto Rico, has been awarded a maximum $37,733,400 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for female coats and trousers for the Army Combat Uniform. This was a competitive acquisition with nine responses received. This is a one-year base contract with four one-year option periods. Maximum dollar amount is for the life of the contract, including options. Location of performance is Puerto Rico, with a Feb. 8, 2024, estimated performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2018 through 2023 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-18-D-1077).

Crown Clothing Inc., Vineland, New Jersey, has been awarded a maximum $12,268,595 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for men’s Marine Corps dress blues coats. This was a competitive acquisition with two responses received. This is a one-year base contract with four one-year option periods. Location of performance is New Jersey, with an Aug. 9, 2019, performance completion date. Using customers are Marine Corps and Defense Logistics Agency. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2018 through 2019 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-18-D-1079).