Tuesday, June 30, 2015

On Independence Day Remember the History of American Freedom and Equality

This year Independence Day in the United States, the 4th of July, falls on a Saturday. National, state, and local government offices will close on Friday to give give government workers an additional day off. Many private businesses will close as well.

Locally, here in Boston, at ten o'clock on the morning of Saturday, July 4, the Declaration of Independence will be read out to the assembled people from the balcony of the Old State House just as it first was in Boston, 239 years ago on July 18, 1776. Yes, back in the Revolutionary (before E-mail) Period it could take two weeks to get a document from Philadelphia to Boston.

The memorable words of the Declaration:

We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness,

punctuate one scene in a sweeping drama of history going back thousands of years.

Liberty and equality before law can be traced back to the Great Charter of England (Magna Carta), signed by King John 800 years ago, on June 15, 1215, which declared:

No free man shall be seized or imprisoned, or stripped of his rights or possessions except by the lawful judgment of his equals or by the law of the land.

And that medieval declaration of rights echoes an earlier act in the drama of freedom. In the Institutes of the Roman Emperor Justinian (A.D. 535) we read:

The precepts of the law are these: to live honestly, to injure no one, and to give every man his due. Freedom, from which men are called free, is a man's natural power of doing what he pleases, so far as he is not prevented by force or law: Slavery is an institution of the law of nations, against nature subjecting one man to the dominion of another.

A thousand years earlier, Pericles (439 B.C.) said of Democratic Athens:

Our constitution favors the many instead of the few; this is why it is called a democracy. If we look to the laws, they afford equal justice to all.

And our founding fathers, who threw off allegiance to King George, must have agreed with the words of the Hebrew prophet Samuel who, half a millennium before Pericles warned the people that asked of him a king.

This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots. And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots. And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your olive yards, even the best of them. And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and ye shall be his servants. And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you. --1 Samuel Chapter 8.

As you enjoy the long weekend and all the events planned for Boston Harborfest, take some time out to reflect on the meaning of American Independence and our legacy of freedom. God bless America!

Saturday, June 27, 2015

Army and Air Force Uniform Contract Awarded

Aurora Industries LLC, Camuy, Puerto Rico, has been awarded a maximum $11,824,236 modification (P0004) exercising the second one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-14-D-1068) with three one-year option periods for flame resistant uniforms. This is a firm-fixed-price contract. Location of performance is Puerto Rico, with a June 15, 2016, performance completion date. Using military services are Army and Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2015 through fiscal 2016 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Friday, June 26, 2015

Tops with Elastic Draw Cords Recalled by lululemon athletica Due to Injury Hazard

Recall Details

Units: About 133,000 in the United States and 185,000 in Canada

Description: The recalled tops have an elastic draw cord with hard metal or plastic tips in the hood or around the neck area. Recalled tops come in a variety of colors and styles, including Carry and Go Hoodie; Cool Down Jacket; Course-ette Jacket; Cozy Up Jacket; Dance Studio Jacket; Dance Sweat Shirt; Don’t Hurry Be Happy Pullover; Gratitude Wrap; Necessity Jacket; Proactive Jacket; Refresh Snap Up; Run Sun Blocker Pullover; Run Track N Field Jacket; Run With It Jacket; Sanctuary Jacket; Savasana Tunic; Sing, Floss, Travel Jacket; Stow ’N Go Jacket; Stride Jacket; Summertime Tunic; Varsity Hoodie; Victory Jacket and Wear With All Jacket. Each top displays an embroidered or printed lululemon logo; the location of the logo varies with the style of the garment.

Incidents/Injuries: There were seven reported incidents, resulting in seven injuries to the face and eye.

Sold at: lululemon stores, online at www.lululemon.com and through select sales partners between January 2008 and December 2014 for $75-260.

Importer: lululemon athletica of Vancouver, B.C.

Manufactured in: Bangladesh, China, Indonesia and Peru.

More information at http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2015/lululemon-athletica-recalls-tops-with-elastic-cords/.

Thursday, June 25, 2015

American Apparel Wins Navy and Marine Uniform Contracts

American Apparel Inc., Selma, Alabama, has been awarded a maximum $17,009,790 modification (P00117) exercising the third one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPM1C1-12-D-1039) with four one-year option periods for utility and working uniform trousers. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract. Locations of performance are Alabama and Mississippi, with a June 27, 2016, performance completion date. Using military services are Navy and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2015 through fiscal 2016 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

American Apparel Inc., Selma, Alabama, has also been awarded a maximum $15,751,371 modification (P00116) exercising the third one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPM1C1-12-D-1038) with four one-year option periods for utility and working uniform blouses. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract. Locations of performance are Alabama and Mississippi, with a June 27, 2016, performance completion date. Using military services are Navy and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2015 through fiscal 2016 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Federal Business Opportunities through June 24, 2015

Recently posted federal business opportunities.
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             LETC Body Armor    
Agency:            Department of Veterans Affairs
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             M00263-15-T-0020 LAPTOP CASES
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             TENT
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Fabric storage structure/Tent
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             NON WOVEN WOOL FABRIC - BERRY AMENDMENT COMPLIANT
Agency:            Department of Justice
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             QUAKER Safety Structural Firefighting Clothing
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Duffle Bags and Backpacks
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             AIR-4.6.7.2 Mid-Weight Material for Undergarments
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Fabric Bag, Tan, Modular Command
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Revision Military Viper
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             WELDING BOOTS
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Disposable (Otto Fuel) Coverall, TYPE IV
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             INSIGNIA,GRADE,ENLI
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             TENT
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             WEBBING,TEXTILE
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             INSIGNIA,GRADE,ENLI
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             TORSO EXTREMITY PROTECTION(TEP)- BLAST PELVIC PROTECTOR (BPP)
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             FLIGHT SUIT (ROYAL BLUE COLOR) UNIFORMS & FLIGHT BOOTS (MFG BELLEVILLE)
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Intermediate Cold Flyer's Glove
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Blauer TACSHELL Extreme Cold Weather Pants
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             RFI for Special Tactics Personnel Equipment Management System
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Propulsor Covers - Naval Submarine Base New London Groton, CT
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Suspenders
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             TORSO EXTREMITY PROTECTION(TEP)- BLAST PELVIC PROTECTOR (BPP)
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             FLIGHT SUIT (ROYAL BLUE COLOR) UNIFORMS & FLIGHT BOOTS (MFG BELLEVILLE)
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Intermediate Cold Flyer's Glove
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Blauer TACSHELL Extreme Cold Weather Pants
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             RFI for Special Tactics Personnel Equipment Management System
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Propulsor Covers - Naval Submarine Base New London Groton, CT
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Armor Tactical Response Kit
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Request for Information (RFI)/Market Survey for Textile Materials or Garments Providing Passive Cooling and/or Cooling Effect
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             APRON, BLACKSMITH'S,PLAIN
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Deployment Gear
Agency:            Department of Justice
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Nuclear Deterrence Operations Medal
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             GLOBE PROXIMITY GEAR
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             05 jacket
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Chin Straps
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             FAST Ballistic High Cut XP  OpsCore Helmet
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Duffle Bags and Backpacks
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             TORSO EXTREMITY PROTECTION(TEP)- BLAST PELVIC PROTECTOR (BPP)
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             FOOTWEAR COVERS,DIS
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Adaption Kit, Flash Blindness, 55/P
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------

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.

Friday, June 19, 2015

Flock Cutter Files Acrylic and Rayon FTZ

On June 19 15, 2015, the FTZ Board published in the Federal Register (80 FR 35303) Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 27--Boston, Massachusetts, Notification of Proposed Production Activity, Claremont Flock, (Textile Flock), Leominster, Massachusetts.

The Foreign-Trade Zone Board has received Notification of Proposed Production Activity filed by the Massachusetts Port Authority on behalf of Claremont Flock division of Spectro Coating Corporation. The Notice was drafted by Agathon Associates. Claremont Flock imports acrylic and rayon tow, with a rate of duty of 7.5 percent and produces textile flock by precision cutting the tow. There is no import duty on flock, therefore Claremont is competing against companies that import the flock duty free, while Claremont, which provided employment in Leominster, Massachusetts, is saddled with the 7.5 percent import duty.

It is well known in the textile industry that there is no domestic U.S. production of acrylic or rayon tow of the kind used in flock production. Production under FTZ procedures could exempt Claremont Flock from customs duty payments on foreign status materials used in export production. On its domestic sales, Claremont Flock would be able to choose the duty rate during customs entry procedures that applies to textile flock (free) for the acrylic and rayon tow (duty rate – 7.5%) sourced from abroad. Customs duties also could possibly be deferred or reduced on foreign status production equipment.

Approval of FTZ procedures would place Claremont at parity with it's sole domestic U.S. competitor, Cellusuede Products of Rockford, Illinois. Cellusuede was granted authorization for FTZ procedures for acrylic and rayon in 2009.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Procedures To Request Assistance on Tariff Classification and Customs Valuation Treatment by Other Customs Administrations Affecting United States Exports.

On June 18, 2015, U.S. Customs and Border Protection published in the Federal Register Notice of Opportunity and Procedures To Request Assistance on Tariff Classification and Customs Valuation Treatment by Other Customs Administrations Affecting United States Exports.

This document describes opportunities available to U.S. exporters to obtain assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection ("CBP") to resolve matters concerning the tariff classification and customs valuation applied to U.S. exports by other governments. By publication of this notice, CBP invites U.S. exporters to submit requests for such assistance.

For example, in 2014 CBP was contacted by a U.S. exporter who believed that its textile article was being misclassified by another customs administration. The company brought to CBP's attention the analysis applicable to the merchandise under published CBP rulings available at http://rulings.cbp.gov. The company requested that CBP contact the foreign customs administration to resolve the tariff classification matter.

Within 30 days of receiving the technical assistance request, attorneys from the Tariff Classification and Marking Branch and import specialists from the National Commodity Specialist Division, within the Office of Regulations and Rulings ("R&R"), Office of International Trade reviewed the underlying classification issue and determined that the foreign customs administration's treatment of the merchandise was inconsistent with the proper interpretation of the Harmonized System. Following CBP's determination of the correct classification of the merchandise, R&R attorneys raised the issue bilaterally with the foreign customs administration and asked them to consider the matter.

Following this bilateral exchange, and within seven months of the initial technical assistance request, CBP secured a favorable decision by the foreign customs administration to classify the merchandise in a manner consistent with the U.S. position and as requested by the exporter. As a result of CBP's engagement with the foreign customs administration, the U.S. company was able to obtain the correct tariff treatment of its imported merchandise in the foreign country.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Product Safety - AAFA Restricted Substances List 16 Released

On June 15, the American Apparel and Footwear Association released the 16th edition of the Restricted Substance List, the industry’s chemical management resource for banned or restricted chemicals and substances in finished home textile, apparel, and footwear products around the world.

Federal Business Opportunities through June 17, 2015

Recently posted federal business opportunities.
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Textile Tape 
Agency:            General Services Administration
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Tactical Boots
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             FAST Ballistic High Cut XP OpsCore Helmet
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Coveralls for MSHA Mine Inspectors
Agency:            Department of Labor
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Cloth, Coated Nylon, Green
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Waterproof Outergear
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Annual Flag and Pennant acquisition for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             LETC Body Armor    
Agency:            Department of Veterans Affairs
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Duffle Bags and Backpacks
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             TENT
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             TAPE, TEXTILE, PLAIN WEAVE GLASS
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             OPTION - FIRE BOOTS
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Parachutist Equipment
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Police Uniforms
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             FOREIGN MILITARY SALES PASGT HELMETS
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Tactical Boots and Mobile Fitting
Agency:            Other Defense Agencies
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Blauer TACSHELL Extreme Cold Weather Pants
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             White Dress Shields
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             LEVEL 3 CUT RESISTANT GLOVES LARGE
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             FLAG,NATIONAL
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             FASTENER TAPE, LOOP; POLYAMIDE NYLON
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             TENT,MX SHELTER, TAN,
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Tri-corner hats
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             PRE-SOLICITATION MEETING for Product Manager Soldier Protective Equipment (PM SPE) Advanced Combat Helmet Generation II (ACH GEN II)
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             CLOTH,LAMINATED
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------

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.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Report on 84th Congress of the International Wool Textile Organisation.

May 18-20, 2015, David Trumbull, principal, Agathon Associates, was in Zhangjiagang, China, attending the 84th Congress of the International Wool Textile Organisation ("IWTO"). Agathon's client, the American Sheep Industry Association, sent him as a member of the eight-person U.S. delegation. Also in the American delegation were representatives of Agathon's clients, Burlington Industries and The Brickle Group. The U.S. delegation included representatives of every stage of wool processing in the U.S. It was one of the largest Congresses ever, with over 400 attendees.

In addition to attending the sessions, Trumbull co-lead a "coffee table discussion" on Super S labeling in the U.S. He explained how the U.S. Wool Production Label Act of 1939 provision relating to Super S labeling differs from the IWTO Code of Practice regarding Super S. Co-leader, Kenneth Shimizu of the Cashmere and Camel Hair Manufacturers Institute discussed the prospects for amending the law to make it closer to the IWTO Code.

TOPICS

The theme of the Congress was "Wool Forward" and stressed such topics as --

Quality assurance through provenance.

Presenters discussed the growing consumer preference away from "fast fashion" (cheap clothing worn for a season and discarded) and toward higher quality, durable garments, and garments with a documented history -- a looking beyond simply brand names but to what that brand means in terms of where and how the garment was sourced. The American wool textile industry's positive story, in terms of our practice of animal husbandry, working conditions, and environmental standards may present an opportunity for promoting American wool to this new type of consumer who is savvy about the supply chain.

Sustainability of wool.

Many presenters touted the "sustainability" of wool. Yet none offer a clear and concise definition. Much was made of The Campaign for Wool and how H.R.H. the Prince of Wales buried a wool sweater and a man-made fiber sweater in his garment for four months and dug them up to show that the wool was largely decomposed while the MMF was intact. One "take away" was that the American sheep and wool textile industries need to work closely with the brands and retailers to assure that whatever "sustainable" program they choose to pursue is one that reflects the realities of the American farm and factory experience and does not unfairly disadvantage wool relative to other fibers.

Wool's performance in outdoor and sportswear.

Wool for outdoor and sportswear was much discussed. Of course, we already know it's marvelous properties -- moisture wicking, less odor than for example cotton, cool in the summer, warm and in the winter, and natural give and spring back performance. Nearly all the discussion seemed directed toward knits.

Luxury items.

The final theme that was addressed by several speakers was the need to move up-market from commodity items to luxury. This sentiment was primarily directed by and toward the local Chinese industry. The discussion touched on moving to ever finer wools (Supers) and cashmere, as well as capturing more of the entire supply chain, rather than basic processing. We have witnessed these same attempt to move "up market" in the U.S.A. with American Woolen Company and Burlington Industries both recently launching collections of superfine worsted for men's suiting fabrics.

New England Golf Outing & Banquet ~ Friday June 19, 2015

New England Golf Outing & Banquet ~ Friday June 19, 2015

Golf Outing
Cranston Country Club
69 Burlingame Road, Cranston, RI 02921 401 826 1683 directions www.cranstoncc.com Cranston CC strictly prohibits personal coolers and alcoholic beverages. Beverage cart is staffed by CCC
Registration 7:30am Shot Gun Start 8:00am

Dinner Banquet
Venus de Milo Restaurant
75 Grand Army Highway, Route 6, Swansea, MA 02777
Social Hour begins at 6:00 pm - Famous Grand Buffet Dinner 7:00 pm
Traditional Prize Giveaway – all attendees paid tickets handed in at reception table are entered in drawing

Be an individual or corporate sponsor
<$100 FRIEND OF NE AATCC
$100-499 GOLD
$500-799 PLATINUM – One (1) complimentary dinner ticket
$800+ PREMIER – Two (2) complimentary dinner tickets

Send below form completed with your check payable to: NEAATCC or the complete credit card information to be charges for the total amount.

Mail completed form below with payment to: Mary Reardon, Tweave LLC, 138 Barrows St, Norton, MA 02766

AATCC member name:____________________________ Company name:_____________________________ 
Email address:____________________________________ Phone #:__________________________________

        Subtotal Golf  $80 pp EARLY BIRD SPECIAL for registration received before June 1st
                                 $100 pp for registration received June 1st or after
                     rain or shine – includes Greens fees, Cart, Boxed Lunch, Practice Range balls  
         All Golfer’s names required:_____________________________________________________________

        Subtotal Meals - $49.00 pp Grand Buffet Dinner Banquet at Venus de Milo, Swansea, MA

       Total $ Enclosed Check #_____Or Credit Card type/number/expiration date/name on card_____________

Navy and Marine Clothing Contracts Awarded

Sterlingwear of Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, has been awarded a maximum $48,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for men's and women's overcoats. This was a competitive acquisition with one response received. This is a one-year base contract with four one-year option periods. The maximum dollar amount includes the base year and all option periods. Location of performance is Massachusetts, with a Sept. 10, 2020, performance completion date. Using service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2015 through fiscal 2020 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-15-D-1053).

Crown Clothing Co, Vineland, New Jersey, has been awarded a maximum $7,826,730 modification (P00104) exercising the second one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPM1C1-13-D-1059) with four one-year option periods for men's coats. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. Location of performance is New Jersey with a June 23, 2016, performance completion date. Using military service is Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2015 through fiscal 2016 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Friday, June 12, 2015

Navy Uniform Contract Awarded

M&M Manufacturing LLC, Lajas, Puerto Rico, has been awarded a maximum $25,400,632 modification (P00009) exercising the first one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-14-D-1048) with four one-year option periods for working uniforms. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. Location of performance is Puerto Rico, with a June 15, 2016, performance completion date. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2015 through fiscal 2016 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Massachusetts Flock Company Applies for Foreign Trade Zone for Acrylic and Rayon Tow

The Foreign-Trade Zone Board has received Notification of Proposed Production Activity filed by the Massachusetts Port Authority on behalf of Claremont Flock division of Spectro Coating Corporation. The Notice was drafted by Agathon Associates. Claremont Flock imports acrylic and rayon tow, with a rate of duty of 7.5 percent and produces textile flock by precision cutting the tow. There is no import duty on flock, therefore Claremont is competing against companies that import the flock duty free, while Claremont, which provided employment in Leominster, Massachusetts, is saddled with the 7.5 percent import duty.

It is well known in the textile industry that there is no domestic U.S. production of acrylic or rayon tow of the kind used in flock production. Production under FTZ procedures could exempt Claremont Flock from customs duty payments on foreign status materials used in export production. On its domestic sales, Claremont Flock would be able to choose the duty rate during customs entry procedures that applies to textile flock (free) for the acrylic and rayon tow (duty rate – 7.5%) sourced from abroad. Customs duties also could possibly be deferred or reduced on foreign status production equipment.

Approval of FTZ procedures would place Claremont at parity with it's sole domestic U.S. competitor, Cellusuede Products of Rockford, Illinois. Cellusuede was granted authorization for FTZ procedures for acrylic and rayon in 2009.

Following publication in the Federal Register, within a few days, there will be a 40 period for public comment. Approval is expected by October.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Federal Business Opportunities through June 10, 2015

Recently posted federal business opportunities.
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Bed Linens 
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             ABU Utility and Canteen Pouches
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             FLAG,NATIONAL
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             OCP Nametapes and Patches
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             TENT, DRASH, MX5 Green
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Suspenders
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             "THIS IS A SUBCONTRACTING OPPORTUNITY" Vendor needed to supply uniform clothing items to our Academy
Agency:            Department of Labor
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Synopsis of USMA Cadet Grey Shirts and Overblouses Requirement
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             T-Shirts W/Logo
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Jacket, Army Physical Fitness Uniform
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------

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.

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Army Parachute Contract Awarded

Mills Manufacturing Corp., Ashville, North Carolina, was awarded a $6,783,244 firm-fixed-fee contract for 22-foot cargo extraction parachutes. The minimum guaranteed quantity is 246 each and the estimated maximum four year quantity is 6,150 each. Performance location and funding will be determined with each order. Estimated completion date is June 6, 2019. Bids were solicited via the Internet with three received. Army Contracting Command is the contracting activity (W56HZV-15-d-0040).

Wonder of Wool: Ancient Fiber to Modern Marvel

The American Textile History Museum in Lowell, Massachusetts is proud to present Wonder of Wool: Ancient Fiber to Modern Marvel, on view May 20 through December 21, 2015.

Wool is one of the most commonly used fibers in the world and easily the most misunderstood. Wonder of Wool: Ancient Fiber to Modern Marvel takes a fascinating look at the significance of sheep and wool in our culture and our everyday lives, shattering myths and giving visitors a new understanding and appreciation of this fabulous fiber. - See more at: http://www.athm.org/museum_exhibition/wonder-of-wool-ancient-fiber-to-modern-marvel/.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Industry Advocate Jean Lineberger Passes

The BeaverLake6 Report notes that Jean Lineberger died May 27. Ms. Lineberger was the general manager of Brawer Technical Yarns of Cramerton, N.C., USA, a division of Brawer Bros. Inc. Prior to working for Brawer, she was a long time employee of Celanese and Hoechst-Celanese. Ms. Lineberger was a very active member of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), serving on its board of directors from 1989-1995. In 1986 she helped organized the United States Industrial Fabrics Institute, a division of IFAI that advocated for US policy decisions. She was also a long-time member of the US Department of Commerce's International Trade Advisory Committee (ITAC). Ms. Lineberger was recognized for her contributions to the industry when she was awarded the IFAI Honored Life Member status in 2005 and IFAI's Volunteer of the Year award in 2012. She was most recently recognized at the USIFI/NFI Outlook Conference just last week by being awarded the Inaugural USIFI Advocacy Award.

Federal Business Opportunities through June 3, 2015

Recently posted federal business opportunities.
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             NOXEX MATERIAL - BLACK
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Shoe, Deck, Boatcrew (Coast Guard)
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             J&A OTS Suits & Parts
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             INSIGNIA,BERET
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             SYNOPSIS - Soldier Protection System Torso Extremity Protection- Modular Scalable Vest(SPS TEP MSV)
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             GLOVE SHELLS, LEATHER MATERIAL; ELECTRICAL WORKER'S
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             GLOVES, ELETRICAL WORKERS'
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             T-Shirt, White, V-Neck
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             RMMV COVERS
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Cold Weather Gear
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Police Supplies
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             TENT
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             BAR,SERVICE RIBBON
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             GLOVES MEDIUM
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Thermal Covers
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Synopsis of USMA Cadet Grey Shirts and Overblouses Requirement
Agency:            Department of the Army
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Title:             clothing
Agency:            Department of the Navy
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Title:             Beyond Clothing Requirement; Camp Murray, WA
Agency:            Department of the Army
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Title:             Tent, 12" Steel Pin, Type II
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
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Title:             Steel Toe Safety Shoes/Footwear - OSHA Regulation
Agency:            Department of the Treasury
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Title:             DENIER VECTRAN BROADCLOTH
Agency:            National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Title:             LEVEL 3 CUT RESISTANT GLOVES
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             BOOT WALL, MCP
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
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Title:             SYNOPSIS - Soldier Protection System Torso Extremity Protection-Load Distribution System (SPS TEP LDS)
Agency:            Department of the Army
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Title:             NOMAS MATERIAL - BLACK
Agency:            Department of the Navy
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Title:             Mercury Luggage Deployment Bag (Brand Name Only) and Camelback Hydration Pack (Brand Name Only)
Agency:            Department of the Army
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Title:             T-Shirts W/Logo
Agency:            Department of the Army
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Title:             APEX 2 Carriers /STP /Body Shields
Agency:            Department of the Army
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Title:             OTS Dry Suits
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             SYNOPSIS - Soldier Protection System Torso Extremity Protection- Modular Scalable Vest(SPS TEP MSV)
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             TORSO EXTREMITY PROTECTION(TEP)- BLAST PELVIC PROTECTOR (BPP)
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             UTILITY COVERALLS
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------

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