Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Save the Date

The American Flock Association will celebrate their 30th anniversary at the Tewksbury Country Club on Thursday, October 15th, the night before their Annual Meeting. For more information visit http://flocking.org/

Federal Business Opportunities through July 29, 2015

Recently posted federal business opportunities.
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Title:             Tents with canopies
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
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Title:             FOOD SERVICE UNIFORMS
Agency:            Department of the Navy
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Title:             Vital Torso Protection - Full Rate Production
Agency:            Department of the Army
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Title:             Promotional T-Shirts
Agency:            Department of the Army
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Title:             Coat, Men's, Poly/Wool, GAB, MC, Green, Shade 2212 / Belt, Men's Coat, Poly/Wool, GAB, MC, Green, Shade 2212 / Keeper, Belt-Strap, Poly/Wool, GAB, MC, Green, Shade 2212
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
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Title:             Nylon Tarps
Agency:            Department of the Interior
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Title:             Rental Uniform Agreement  - Uniforms and Service
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
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Title:             Parachutes for SOCOM
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
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Title:             Aircrew Winter Ensamble
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
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Title:             HDT/DRASH Tents
Agency:            Department of the Army
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Title:             Coveralls for MSHA Mine Inspectors
Agency:            Department of Labor
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Title:             EOD Bomb Suit
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
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Title:             Promotional Back Packs and Duffle Bags
Agency:            Department of the Army
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Title:             16'x'16' Tarp
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
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Title:             15'x15' Tarp
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
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Title:             Bates Uniform Footwear
Agency:            Other Defense Agencies
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Title:             Cargo and Water Bags
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
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Title:             PROMOTIONAL APPAREL - NDARNG
Agency:            Department of the Army
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Title:             Hennessy "Deep Jungle Asylum Zip" Hammock
Agency:            Department of the Army
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Title:             Small Business Manufacturers for Moisture Wick Shirts made in the United States
Agency:            Department of the Army
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Title:             TENT,MX SHELTER, TAN,
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
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Title:             TENT, TAN, CAMSS
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
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Title:             Tents with canopies
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
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Title:             Roller Bags
Agency:            Department of the Army
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Title:             Multi-Agency Uniform Contract Industry Day
Agency:            Department of the Interior
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Title:             integrated life preserver, BC and armor carrier system
Agency:            Other Defense Agencies
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Title:             Promotional Back Packs and Duffle Bags
Agency:            Department of the Army
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Title:             Undershirt, Aramid
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
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Title:             Solicitation for Personal Protective Equipment for the Fire Department of USAG, Vicenza
Agency:            Department of the Army
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Title:             PROMOTIONAL APPAREL - NDARNG
Agency:            Department of the Army
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Title:             CLOTH,BATISTE
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
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Title:             Procurement of Linear Density Polyethylene Liner
Agency:            Department of the Army
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Title:             Ballistic Helmets
Agency:            Department of the Navy
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Title:             Frame Tent
Agency:            Department of the Navy
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Title:             Promotional Back Packs and Duffle Bags
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.

Kyber Outerwear Recalls Children’s Sweaters Due to Strangulation Hazard

Name of Product: Children’s Animal-themed Sweaters

Hazard: The sweaters have a drawstring around the neck area that poses a strangulation hazard to children. Drawstrings can become entangled or caught on playground slides, hand rails, school bus doors or other moving objects, posing a significant strangulation and/or entanglement hazard to children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines about drawstrings in children's upper outerwear. In 1997, those guidelines were incorporated into a voluntary standard. Then, in July 2011, based on the guidelines and voluntary standard, CPSC issued a federal regulation. CPSC's actions demonstrate a commitment to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on neck and waist drawstrings in upper outerwear, such as jackets and sweatshirts.

Remedy: Refund. Consumers should immediately take the recalled sweater away from kids and remove the drawstring, or return the sweater to Kyber Outerwear for a full credit for Kyber products.

Consumer Contact: Call Kyber collect at (613) 724-2579 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or email kyberouterwear@gmail.com or online at www.kyberouterwear.com and click on the link in the “Our Latest News” box in the bottom, left-hand corner of the homepage for more information.

Photos available at http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2015/Kyber-Outerwear-Recalls-Childrens-Sweaters/

Units: About 3,100

Description: These animal-themed, hooded children’s sweaters are 100 percent wool when produced in Nepal and 50 percent wool and 50 percent acrylic when produced in Bangladesh. The sweaters have a tag sewn on the left seam several inches above the hem with the company name and the place of origin. The company name is also located on a patch on the left sleeve at the cuff and on a patch in the collar.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Sold at: Independent children’s stores nationwide and online from January 2010 through December 2013 for between $10 and $50.

Distributor: Kyber Outerwear USA Corp., of Ogdensburg, NY

Manufactured in: Nepal and Bangladesh

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Mexico: Proposed Revision to Textile Labeling Standards

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Textiles and Apparel.
Last Update: 07/24/2015

Mexico’s standards agency, the Dirección General de Normas (DGN), has published a notice (http://otexa.trade.gov/PDFs/DOFNMXA240INNTEX.pdf) inviting interested parties to comment on a proposed modification to textile labeling standard NMX-A-240-INNTEX-2009, which covers the use of graphics/symbols in care labels. Comments must be submitted within 60 calendar days of the notice’s publication, or by August 29, 2015.

Mexico proposes to cancel NMX-A-240-INNTEX-2009 and replace it with an updated standard, NMX-A-3758-INNTEX-2014. The differences between the two standards are not specified in the notice. Interested parties may review the complete document by visiting DGN’s offices in Mexico City or request a copy from Mexico’s Instituto Nacional de Normalización Textil (INNTEX). There may be a charge associated with obtaining the full version of the standard from INNTEX.

Parties interested in providing comments on the proposed standard should do so well in advance of the August 29, 2015 deadline. Comments must be submitted to INNTEX, via email to rpineda@inntex.org.mx and vpalacios@inntex.org.mx. If submitting comments by mail or courier, they should be sent to the following address:

Instituto Nacional de Normalización Textil, A.C. (INNTEX)
Calle Tolsá número 54
Colonia Centro
Delegación Cuauhtémoc
Código postal 06040, México, D.F.

We advise U.S. exporters with customers in Mexico to be in close contact with their customers, agents, and/or customs brokers to ensure that they are aware of Mexico’s current standards and other requirements. Specifically, Mexico’s NMX-A-2076-INNTEX-2013 and NMX-A-6938-INNTEX-2013 were updated earlier this year, and the changes will be effective on September 7th, 2015. These standards cover labeling rules for natural and synthetic fibers. In response to numerous requests for clarification from industry, last month DGN issued a “dictamen” (opinion) (http://otexa.trade.gov/PDFs/criterio_NMX6938.pdf) for NMX-6938 to clarify that natural fibers may be listed in all capital letters, all lower case letters, or with the first letter capitalized and the rest in lower case.

For more information, please contact:

Laurie Mease
U.S. Department of Commerce
Office of Textiles and Apparel
Laurie.Mease@trade.gov
Tel: 202-482-3400

Army and Marine Boot Contracts Awarded

Original Footwear Holding Inc., Morristown, Tennessee, has been awarded a maximum $14,880,340 modification (P00113) exercising the third one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPM1C1-12-D-1053) with four one-year option periods for temperate weather combat boots. This is a firm-fixed-price contract. Location of performance is Tennessee, with a July 27, 2016, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. 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.

McRae Industries Inc.,Mount Gilead, North Carolina, has been awarded a maximum $14,745,326 modification (P00113) exercising the third one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPM1C1-12-D-1057) with four one-year option periods for hot weather combat boots. This is a firm-fixed-price contract. Location of performance is North Carolina, with a July 29, 2016, performance completion date. Using military services are Army 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.

McRae Industries Inc.,Mount Gilead, North Carolina, has been awarded a maximum $10,786,319 modification (P00111) exercising the third one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPM1C1-12-D-1055) with four one-year option periods for temperate weather combat boots. This is a firm-fixed-price contract. Location of performance is North Carolina, with a July 26, 2016, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. 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.

Rocky Brand Inc., Nelsonville, Ohio, has been awarded a maximum $15,495,797 modification (P00107) exercising the third one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPM1C1-13-D-1017) with four one-year option periods for hot weather combat boots. This is a firm-fixed-price contract. Location of performance is Ohio, with a July 21, 2016, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. 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.

ITC Releases Report on Dominican Republic 2-for-1 Program

On July 24, 2015, the U.S. International Trade Commission ("USITC") published Earned Import Allowance Program: Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Program for Certain Apparel from the Dominican Republic.

Six years after the implementation of the Earned Import Allowance Program (EIAP), the government of the Dominican Republic and U.S. and Dominican apparel industry sources continue to indicate that the program is not providing enough incentives to help reverse the decline in Dominican apparel exports to the U.S. market, as intended, reports the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) in its publication Earned Import Allowance Program: Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Program for Certain Apparel from the Dominican Republic; Sixth Annual Review.

The EIAP allows apparel manufacturers in the Dominican Republic who use U.S. fabric to produce certain apparel to earn a credit that can be used to ship eligible apparel made with non-U.S.-produced fabric into the United States duty free. The Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, as amended, requires the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, to evaluate annually the effectiveness of the EIAP program and make recommendations for improvements.

The USITC's sixth annual review was submitted to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means and the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance on July 24, 2015. Highlights of the report follow.

  • Of the 13 registered firms, only five firms are currently using the program, the same number reported in the fifth annual review.

  • In 2014, U.S. imports of woven cotton bottoms from the Dominican Republic totaled less than 8 percent of the value and quantity of imports under the program in 2010, the first full year of the program. Also, U.S. exports to the Dominican Republic of cotton fabrics of a weight suitable for making bottoms fell for the third year in a row, declining by 12 percent by quantity and 19 percent by value between 2013 and 2014.

  • The recommendations offered during the sixth annual review of the EIAP were virtually the same as those received by the Commission during the previous five annual reviews—1) lowering the 2-for-1 ratio of U.S. to foreign fabric to a 1-for-1 ratio; 2) expanding the program coverage to enable other types of fabrics and apparel items to be included in the EIAP; and 3) eliminating the requirement that dyeing and finishing of eligible fabrics occur in the United States.

Clients of Agathon Associates may see more information on the Dominican Republic 2-for-1 program at http://agathonassociates.com/textile-pri/cafta-dr/dr-2-for-1.htm.

Monday, July 27, 2015

Chile Asks to Exempt Rayon Filament Yarn from FTA Rules of Origin

On Friday, July 24, 2015, the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) published in the Federal Register Request for Public Comment concerning a request for modification of the U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement rules of origin for certain woven fabrics of artificial filament yarn.
On June 11, 2015, the Government of the United States received a request from the Government of Chile to modify the U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement's (FTA) rules of origin for woven fabrics of artificial filament yarn in subheadings 5408.22-5408.23 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) to allow the use of non-U.S. or Chilean filament yarn of viscose rayon classified in subheadings 5403.10, 5403.31, 5403.32, and 5403.41 of the HTSUS. As provided in Article 3.20.3-3.20.5 of the U.S.-Chile FTA, the Parties shall consult to consider whether the rules of origin applicable to particular textile and apparel goods should be revised to address issues of availability of supply of fibers, yarns or fabrics in the territory of the Parties. The United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act provides the President with the authority to proclaim a modification to the U.S.-Chile FTA rules of origin necessary to implement an agreement with Chile on the modification. CITA hereby solicits public comments on this request, in particular with regard to whether filament yarn of viscose rayon classified in subheadings 5403.10, 5403.31, 5403.32, and 5403.41 can be supplied by the domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner. Comments must be submitted by August 24, 2015.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Agathon Associates' Comments at Meeting of U.S. Manufacturing Council

The United States Manufacturing Council met today at the Department of Commerce. David Trumbull, Principal, Agathon Associates, attended and submitted the following comments.

* * *

I thank the Council for this opportunity to submit public comments. I am a consultant to the textile industry. My clients are engaged at every stage of textile manufacturing in the United States, from fiber processing through finished articles. I am pleased to note that since the establishment of the Council in 2004, the textile industry has been represented among its members, including, currently, by Warwick Mills of New Ipswich, New Hampshire. No discussion of manufacturing in America is complete without including our first industry, the textile industry. According to the American Textile History Museum in Lowell, Massachusetts, Samuel Slater, by constructing a fully functional water-powered yarn spinning mill in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, in 1790, became known as the Father of the Industrial Revolution in America.

The quality and creativity of today's American textile industry makes this one of our newest industries as well; one that is attracting companies that desire to operate within the world's most desirable consumer market. In recent years we have seen a trend toward "reshoring" textile manufacturing and jobs. I am pleased to say that I played a small role in helping a new wool fabric-weaving mill open in Connecticut last year. In recent years there has also been investment in yarn spinning capacity in the United States.

However, the American textile industry faces obstacles to achieving full potential growth. According to my client Max Brickle, of the Brickle Group, Woonsocket, Rhode Island, "The problem is poorly educated workforce and [lack of] manufacturing skills." Mr. Brickle believes that workforce-training grants could be a great help. He also stated that our high schools and colleges should do more to direct students toward, and prepare them for, careers in manufacturing.

Don Rongione of Bollman Hat Company in Adamstown, Pennsylvania, echoed the need for grants for training when I recently spoke with him. He also called for grants for machinery purchases. One of Bollman's current projects is reshoring knit hat manufacturing. He believes that high quality manufacturing can be a strategy for America to compete internationally, but that we are limited due to lax enforcement of trading rules. According to Mr. Rongione, "We need government policy to police and penalize trade partners who violate currency and human rights for workers."

America has a very broad industrial base, nevertheless, we don't make everything, and therefore some inputs must be imported. For 30 years, from 1982 to 2012, Congress gave relief to manufacturers by suspending the import duties on products not domestically available. The current 114th Congress is the third Congress in a row to fail to pass a Miscellaneous Tariff Bill ("MTB") to promote American Manufacturing by eliminating tariffs that do not protect any American industry.

American textile manufacturers face additional obstacles, in the form of non-tariff barriers and lack of enforcement of intellectual property rights when they attempt to export their products.

With support in these critical areas of workforce development, trade law enforcement, tariff relief via the MTB, and international enforcement of intellectual property rights, the current trend of reshoring textile manufacturing jobs with continue and expand.

2015 Top Markets Report – Technical Textiles and Apparel

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce: "The technical textile industry is as broad and diverse as the products it generates, with new and innovative applications being developed on a daily basis. The technical textile industry is also increasing proportionally relative to whole textile industry. Therefore, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) has committed to develop a tool for prioritizing U.S. Government export promotion efforts to help target resources towards technical textile markets and sectors most likely to result in U.S. exports. This study examines the U.S. technical textile industry and highlights key markets that will see increased exports by U.S. technical textile producers. This study examines both past performance of exports in this sector and projects estimates for growth through 2016."

The full report, "2015 Top Markets Report Technical Textiles and Apparel," is available at http://trade.gov/topmarkets/pdf/Textiles_Top_Markets_Report.pdf.

USTR Initiates Review of South Africa Eligibility for AGOA

On July 21, 2015, the Office of the United States Trade Representative published in the Federal Register (80 FR 43156) African Growth and Opportunity Act: Notice of Initiation of an Out-of-Cycle Review of South Africa Eligibility for Benefits; Scheduling of Hearing, and Request for Public Comments.

SUMMARY: This notice announces the initiation of an out-of-cycle review of the eligibility of the Republic of South Africa to receive the benefits of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), as required by the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015 (TPEA). The AGOA Implementation Subcommittee of the Trade Policy Staff Committee (Subcommittee) is requesting written public comments for this out-of-cycle review and will conduct a public hearing on this matter. The Subcommittee will consider the written comments, written testimony, and oral testimony in developing recommendations for the President on South Africa's AGOA eligibility. This notice identifies the eligibility criteria under AGOA that will be considered in the review.

Federal Business Opportunities through July 21, 2015

Recently posted federal business opportunities.
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Title:             Rental Uniform Agreement  - Uniforms and Service
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
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Title:             INSIGNIA,SHOULDER S
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Bates Uniform Footwear
Agency:            Other Defense Agencies
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Title:             Female Overblouse
Agency:            Department of Homeland Security
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Title:             Survival Alert Tents
Agency:            Department of the Army
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Title:             NFPA-Compliant 100% Cotton ABUs
Agency:            Department of the Army
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Title:             Multi-Agency Uniform Contract Industry Day 
Agency:            Department of Commerce
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Title:             Massif Cold Weather Jackets
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Winter Clothing and Safety Shoes for DPW personnel of USAG Vicenza
Agency:            Department of the Army
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Title:             Frame Tent
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Promotional Back Packs and Duffle Bags
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Ballistic Helmets
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Tents with canopies
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Embroidered Polo Shirts, Embroidered Quarter Zip Running Shirts, Embroidered Weather Proof Medium Weight Jackets.
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Marine Corps, Running Suit Jacket and Pants
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             DRASH Tents
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Personal Protection Equipment
Agency:            Other Defense Agencies
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Frame Tent
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             NYCO - Ripstop Woodland Camouflage Cloth
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Commerative Patch for Members of Boy Scouts  of America
Agency:            Department of the Interior
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             MC, Frame, Service Cap, Black
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Sun Helmet
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Mattresses
Agency:            Department of Labor
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             integrated life preserver, BC and armor carrier system
Agency:            Other Defense Agencies
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Anti-Graviy Suits, CSU-13B/P & CSU-15A/P
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Marine Corps, Running Suit Jacket and Pants
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Boots for Belize Prison
Agency:            Department of State
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Body Armor for Social Security Administration
Agency:            Social Security Administration
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Drogue Parachutes
Agency:            Department of Agriculture
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Ready Fold Flooring
Agency:            Department of the Army
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Title:             Velcro high-top shoes, black
Agency:            Department of Homeland Security
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Title:             Helmets
Agency:            Department of Justice
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Title:             SUMMER CLOTHING FOR DPW EMPLOYEES
Agency:            Department of the Army
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Title:             Flame Resistant Clothing (FRC) for Chemical Incident Investigators
Office:            U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Promotional Back Packs and Duffle Bags
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             USFS Canopies & Deployment Systems
Agency:            Department of Agriculture
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Aviation flight suits, helmets and gloves
Agency:            Department of the Interior
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             05-CLOTH
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Marine Corps Unisex Dress Glove
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Light Duty Utility Glove
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Multi-Agency Uniform Contract Industry Day
Agency:            Department of the Interior
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             NYCO - Ripstop Woodland Camouflage Cloth
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Men's & Women's Temperate Weather Sage Boot
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             White Ceremonial Gloves, The Old Guard
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Aviation flight suits, helmets and gloves
Agency:            Department of the Interior
-------------------------------------------------------

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.

$49 Million Soldier Protection System Modular Vest Contract Awarded

Bethel Industries, Jersey City, New Jersey, (W91CRB-15-D-0019); Hawk Protection Inc., Pembroke Pines, Florida, (W91CRB-15-D-0020); and KDH Defense Systems Inc., Eden, North Carolina, (W91CRB-15-D-0021), were awarded a $49,000,000 shared firm-fixed-price contract for the Soldier Protection System modular vest. Funding and work will be determined with each order with an estimated completion date of Jan. 20, 2019. Bids were solicited via the Internet with five received. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Recently Wool/Cashmere Dyehouse Get Loan from Maine Technology Institute.

Thanks to our friends at the BeaverLake6 report for first alerting us to this story in the Biddeford-Saco Courier about Saco River Dyehouse. The dyehouse, which founded in 2012 by Claudia Raessler, is the recipient of a $220,000 development loan from Maine Technology Institute.

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Military Shoe Contract Awarded

Wolverine World Wide Inc., Rockford, Michigan, has been awarded a maximum $39,205,428 firm-fixed-price contract for men's and women's leather dress shoes. This was a competitive acquisition with two responses received. This is a one-year base contract with three one-year option periods. Location of performance is Michigan, with a July 9, 2016, performance completion date. Using services are Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. 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 (SPE1C1-15-D-1067).

Friday, July 10, 2015

Northwest Woolen Mills Awarded $2.16 Million Contract for Wool Blankets

Northwest Woolen Mills of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, had been awarded a$2,160,000 contract for nonwoven wool blankets for UNICOR, Federal Prison Industries, Inc. This is a Berry Amendment contract, meaning the blankets must be made in America of American wool.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Federal Business Opportunities through July 8, 2015

Recently posted federal business opportunities.
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Title:             ANTI- CONTACT GLOVES
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Fabric storage structure/Tent
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Embroidered Polo Shirts, Embroidered Quarter Zip Running Shirts, Embroidered Weather Proof Medium Weight Jackets.
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             FAST Ballistic Helmets
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Fabric Bag, Tan, Modular Command
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             83--TENT,MX SHELTER, TAN,
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Flame Resistant Jackets Requirement
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Back Packs and briefcases
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Fabric Bag, Green, Modular Command Post
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             FLAG,NATIONAL
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             REFRASIL CLOTH - MFG HITCO
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             OPTION - TROOPER CAPS
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             QUAKER Safety Structural Firefighting Clothing
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Body Armor & Ballistic Helmets
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             CRYE PRECISION PPE (JECC)
Agency:            Other Defense Agencies
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Request for Information for Compression Test Data on Helmets
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Insignia Name Badges for the new Department of Defense (DoD) Flame Resistant Variant (FRV) Coveralls.
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Shoe, Deck, Boatcrew (Coast Guard)
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Coveralls for MSHA Mine Inspectors
Agency:            Department of Labor
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             CRT-SO Optics Equipment
Agency:            Department of State
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Pretrail Services Agency Apparel
Agency:            Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Body Armor & Ballistic Helmets
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Boots for Belize Prison
Agency:            Department of State
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             FAST Ballistic Helmets
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             TRACK-RUNNER 
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Long and Short Sleeve Moisture Wicking T-Shirts
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Solicitation for Fire Station Uniform
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Aviation flight suits, helmets and gloves
Agency:            Department of the Interior
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Bed Linens 
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Vector III Harness/Container
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             EMS Response Jackets
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Personal Protection Equipment
Agency:            Other Defense Agencies
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Cloth, Coated Nylon, Green
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             INSIGNIA, GRADE, ENLISTED
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             FIRE BOOTS
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Aviation flight suits, helmets and gloves
Agency:            Department of the Interior
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Wyoming Army National Guard ACU Lanyards
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             TRACK-RUNNER 
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             BALL CAPS
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Duffle Bags and Backpacks
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Provide an assortment of Church Style Banners for Both Chapels on Fort Wainwright, AK 99703
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             LEVEL III CUT RESISTANT GLOVES X-LARGE
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             MODIFICATION KIT, HELM
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             FLAG,NATIONAL
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             GLOVES, CHEMICAL PROTECTIVE
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             INSIGNIA,GARRISON CAP 
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             GLOVES, CHEMICAL & OIL, PROTECTIVE
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             TENT,MX SHELTER, TAN,
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Fabric storage structure/Tent
Agency:            Department of the Air Force
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Deployment Gear
Agency:            Department of Justice
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Bath Linens
Agency:            Department of Labor
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             TAPE,TEXTILE
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:              Total Solutions for Law Enforcement, Security, Facilities Management, Fire, Rescue
Agency:            General Services Administration
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Coveralls for MSHA Mine Inspectors
Agency:            Department of Labor
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             OPTION - TROOPER CAPS
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             OPTION - TRICORNER HATS
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Suspenders
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Final Bid - RFI ONLY- Promotional T-Shirts
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             LEVEL III CUT RESISTANT GLOVES X-LARGE
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             SHOULDER CORD,INFAN
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Tents and Tarpaulins
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             OPTION - FIRE BOOTS
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             North Face Duffel Bags
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Ceremonial White Gloves
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             J&A 6.302-2 SPM1C1-15-C-0102
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             M00263-15-T-0020A LAPTOP CASES AMENDMENT A
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Fabric Bag, Tan, Modular Command
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             TROUSERS HARD SHELL, COLD WET WEATHER GEN III LAYER 6
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             INSIGNIA,RANK,OFFIC
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             INSIGNIA,BRANCH OF
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             SERVICE RIBBON,AWAR
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             INSIGNIA,SERVICE CAP
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             FIRE BOOTS
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Protective (Safety) Footwear Sources Sought
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             DECORATION SET, INDIV
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Back Packs and briefcases
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             UTILITY COVERALLS
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             OPTION - DES Uniforms
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Ready Fold Flooring
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             TENT,MX SHELTER, TAN,
Agency:            Defense Logistics Agency
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             BALL CAPS
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Back Packs and briefcases
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             GLOVE ANTI-C SZ9
Agency:            Department of the Navy
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             Duffle Bags and Backpacks
Agency:            Department of the Army
-------------------------------------------------------
Title:             USFS CR-360 M1 Smokejumper Parachute
Agency:            Department of Agriculture
-------------------------------------------------------

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.

Heimtextil 2016: OTEXA Presents U.S.A. Pavillion

Show Description: Held annually in Frankfurt, Germany, Heimtextil is the world’s largest trade show for home and contract textiles. It is the global benchmark for quality designed textiles, trends and innovation. Heimtextil is a platform for manufacturers, retailers and designers to create new business opportunities on a global scale.

Amenities: The U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Textiles and Apparel offers two options for exhibiting. The first option is participation in the OTEXA Sample Booth. The second option is to have your own booth in the U.S.A. pavilion. Messe Frankfurt U.S.A. offers booths with a 9 sq. minimum which includes the following features:

  • Organization and onsite management
  • Promotional activities
  • Partition walls
  • Carpeting
  • Company Sign
  • 2 Shelves
  • 1 table (30x30 inch) and 2 chairs
  • Halogen spot lights
  • 3 electricity connections & triple outlet, 240 volt
  • Preliminary and daily cleaning
  • Overnight Perimeter Security
  • 2 exhibitor badges
  • Marketing Package- Standard entry

*The total cost for a 9 sq. inline booth is 5,940 Euros.*

Register Now! Limited Space!

Date: January 12-15th, 2016

Location: Frankfurt, Germany

Visitors: With around 68,000 trade visitors from 128 countries, Heimtextil is the world’s largest trade fair for home and contract textiles. Its strong international orientation and high visitor proportion of 81% key decision makers create the ideal venue for developing new target groups and order taking.

Exhibitors: Over 2,759 exhibitors from 68 countries were attracted to Heimtextil 2015.

Cost: Participation is $950 for the OTEXA Sample Booth and limited to 5 U.S. companies. For companies seeking to have their own booth in the U.S.A. pavilion, please contact Jennifer Bacon, International Sales Manager at Tel: 678-732-2425 or Email: Jennifer.Bacon@usa.messefrankfurt.com.

Why Should You Exhibit: Heimtextil is a meeting place for buyers from all over the world and consequently offers new points of contact to highly promising business regions. More than 67% of trade buyers came from outside Germany at the Heimtextil 2014 trade fair.

For questions please call Mary Lynn Landgraf at 202-482-7909 or email her at Mary-Lynn.Landgraf@trade.gov.

Monday, July 6, 2015

U.S. Manufacturing Council to Meet July 22nd

The United States Manufacturing Council will hold the second meeting of the current members' term on Wednesday, July 22, 2015. The Council was established in April 2004 to advise the Secretary of Commerce on matters relating to the U.S. manufacturing industry.

The purpose of the meeting is for the Workforce, Energy, Innovation, Research, & Development, and Tax, Trade, & Export Growth subcommittees to provide relevant updates on their fact finding efforts to the Council as the subcommittees work towards drafting recommendations for consideration by the Manufacturing Council. The Council will also receive briefings from various senior officials across the Department on international trade policy, Manufacturing Day, and Industry & Analysis policy updates. The Council members will follow-up from the Council's initial meeting to discuss their views on major priorities facing the manufacturing industry and issues that they propose for the Council to advise on during their appointment term. The agenda may change to accommodate Council business.

The textile industry is represented on the Council by Jenny Houston, Executive Vice President, Warwick Mills; New Ipswich, N.H., who appointed in February, 2015, by Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritsker.

Opportunity for U.S. Textile Manufacturers at World’s Largest Land, Sea, Air Defense and Security Exhibition

The U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Textile and Apparel is offering U.S. textile companies a cost effective way to get exposure at the world’s largest land, sea, air defense and security exhibition, which will be held in London, England, in September. For additional information or to receive a participation kit, please contact Mary Lynn Landgraf at (202) 482-7909 or Mary-Lynn.Landgraf@trade.gov.

USA PAVILION At Defense & Security Equipment International (DSEI) September 15-18, 2015

LOCATION: ExCel, Docklands, London.

SHOW DESCRIPTION: DSEI is the world’s largest land, sea, air defense and security exhibition bringing together senior international trade and military experts from across the entire supply chain in an optimal business environment. DSEI provides the opportunity to create relationships in the supply chain, win international business, raise the profile of your company and align your brand with current military requirements.

VISITORS/EXHIBITORS: In 2013, DSEI hosted over 32,169 attendees and attracted more than 97 official delegations from 56 countries. An additional 1034 VIPs were in attendance. 1,489 global defense and security suppliers of all sizes exhibited and the show recorded 40 international pavilions. The audience will include top level international military staff, major procurement officials, and the entire industry supply chain, from large prime contractors to supplying companies. DSEI has a proven track record of bringing the entire supply chain together on an unrivalled scale.

AMENITIES: OTEXA maintains a USA Business Information Office (BIO) at DSEI 2015 for up to 12 qualified U.S. manufacturers and suppliers of military/defense, industrial, and specialty technical textiles to include the oil and gas sectors. Participants in this catalog/sample show will receive a package of services, including the collection of leads that will be sent to each company in a spreadsheet after the show, promotion of samples and pre-concurrent and post- show publicity. A trained OTEXA staff member is on-site at the booth daily to promote your products. COST: $950 for 4-5 samples not to exceed 10 yards or four book samples, company literature and business cards. Shipment of samples to and from DSEI 2015 is the responsibility of the participant.

WHY SHOULD YOU EXHIBIT? DSEI is one of the most successful defense shows in the world. 75% of the visitors are involved in purchasing. DSEI will feature six themed zones in conjunction with an enhanced seminar program. The zones are: Land Zone, Air Zone, Naval Zone, Security Zone, Unmanned Zone and Medical Innovation Zone. Year on year DSEI shows strong growth in attracting the key players worldwide in the defense and industry.

For additional information or to receive a participation kit, please contact Mary Lynn Landgraf at (202) 482-7909 or Mary-Lynn.Landgraf@trade.gov.