Army Sewn Product Contract Awarded

May 14, 2024, Mississippi Industries for the Blind,** Jackson, Mississippi, has been awarded a maximum $12,381,525 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for barracks bags. This is a three-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is May 13, 2027. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2027 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-24-D-B016).

**Mandatory Source

Smith Introduces Legislation Renewing Key Trade Program to Reduce Input Costs for American Industry

On May 14, 2024, Ways and Means Committee Trade Subcommittee Chair Adrian Smith (R-NE) introduced the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Reform Act with support from 19 Republican colleagues including 17 fellow Ways and Means Committee members.

Chairman Smith released the following statement:

"Renewing the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill is essential to reducing barriers for American manufacturing and agriculture, supporting jobs, private sector growth, and our overall economic competitiveness, while upholding Congress’ constitutional authority over trade," said Chairman Smith. "While the Biden administration continues to place new hurdles in the path of American manufacturers, Congress must renew this historically bipartisan legislation which passed unanimously out the Ways and Means Committee in 2016. Fighting for American workers and industry demands we do everything we can to make U.S.-manufactured goods more competitive in both domestic and international markets. This legislation will deliver input cost relief to American producers, in turn benefiting consumers worldwide. I thank my colleagues for their support."

The cosponsors include: Reps. Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Mike Kelly (R-PA), David Schweikert (R-AZ), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), Jodey Arrington (R-TX), Drew Ferguson (R-GA), Ron Estes (R-KS), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), Kevin Hern (R-OK), Carol Miller (R-WV), David Kustoff (R-TN), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Blake Moore (R-UT), Michelle Steel (R-CA), Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), and Mike Carey (R-OH), House Maj. Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN), and Ralph Norman (R-SC).

The legislation is supported by numerous stakeholder groups, including the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the American Chemistry Council (ACC), and CropLife America (CLA).

“For more than three years, manufacturers—particularly small and medium-sized manufacturers—have been paying millions of dollars in higher prices for critical inputs due to the expiration of the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill. The MTB Reform Act is a significant step forward for manufacturers, which are losing more than $1.3 million every day on products not available in the U.S.—more than $1.5 billion overall.

“Restoring the MTB would strengthen manufacturing here at home, giving our sector the ability to source raw materials and components that can’t be produced domestically at scale or at competitive prices.

“Historically, the MTB has always had bipartisan support, and we thank House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Adrian Smith for his leadership and efforts to introduce MTB legislation. We urge the House to act quickly so that we can get one step closer to getting this critical legislation to President Biden’s desk," said NAM Managing Vice President of Policy Chris Netram.

“The “Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) Reform Act” is one of the most important pieces of trade legislation in several years. House consideration and passage of this MTB would not only significantly benefit U.S. domestic chemical manufacturing by reducing domestic production costs, but benefit nearly every economic sector in the country. The American Chemistry Council applauds House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Adrian Smith (R-NE) for taking this important step towards MTB consideration and passage which demonstrates real leadership in advancing a trade agenda that benefits consumers and all downstream users of chemical products,” said Chris Jahn, President and CEO of the ACC.

“CropLife America (CLA) is appreciative of Representative Smith’s leadership in this first step to re-establish an MTB process that is fully retroactive which allows for investments to support research and development of the important innovations and technology farmers need to grow the world’s food, fiber and fuel, and other pesticide professionals need to keep our communities safe from pests and disease,” said Alexandra Dunn, President and CEO of CLA. “We continue to work with other stakeholders to support the passage of a fully retroactive MTB that will benefit our members, U.S. farmers, and consumers.”

The MTB Reform Act would:

• Approve duty-free treatment of products recommended under the 2019 application process created by the American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act through December 31, 2025, in order to support domestic manufacturers who participated in that process in a good faith manner.
• Provide retroactive duty relief on those items, back to January 1, 2021.
• Make technical changes to align exemptions with the most recent revision of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
• Align MTB exclusions with our trade policy toward China, excluding products subject to Section 301 tariffs while allowing American manufacturers to continue accessing parts which had Section 301 exclusions as of December 31, 2020.
• Reauthorize the ITC-based process for future Miscellaneous Tariff Bills, creating new opportunities for American manufacturers to apply for domestically unavailable inputs in 2025 and 2028.

FTC Sends Refunds to Consumers Harmed by False Made in USA Claims by Cycra

The Federal Trade Commission is sending more than $180,000 in refunds to consumers who were harmed by false Made in USA claims by the motocross and ATV parts maker Cycra.

Read the FTC press release HERE

Children’s Nightgowns Recalled Due to Burn Hazard and Violation of Federal Flammability Standards; Sold Exclusively on Amazon.com; Imported by Zegoo Home

This recall involves Zegoo-branded 100% cotton children’s nightgowns sold in light pink, pink, and blue. The nightgowns are short-sleeved, and have a double-lace layer at the collar with a small ribbon bow. A side-seam label lists the size, “100% Cotton,” and “MADE IN CHINA.”

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled nightgowns away from children, stop using them, and contact Zegoo Home to receive a full refund. Consumers should destroy the garments by cutting them in half and disposing of them in accordance with local and state recycling laws, and send an image of the destroyed or disposed-of garment to zegoohome@126.com. Zegoo Home is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Sold Exclusively At: Online at Amazon.com from April 2018 through January 2024 for between $13 and $17.

Importer(s): Zegoo Home, of China

Manufactured In: China

Recall number: 24-230

More information and photos HERE

Children’s Robes Recall Expansion Announced Due to Burn Hazard and Violation of Federal Flammability Standards; Imported by SIORO; Sold Exclusively on Amazon.com; Additional Units Added

This recall involves SIORO-branded 100% cotton, terry cloth children’s robes. They are long-sleeved with a hood, two front pockets, and a matching belt. The robes were sold in the following additional colors: Rose Pink, Light Pink, Pure White, Falcon Gray and Green Mist, with Light Blue, Navy, Peacock Blue, Gray Blue and Plum colors in the original recall. Sizes sold include 4-5T, 6-7 Years, and 8-10 Years. On the front of the neck label is a flamingo, “100% Cotton”, and “Made in China”. On the back of the neck label are washing instructions.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled robes away from children, stop using them, and contact SIORO for a full refund. Consumers should destroy the garments by cutting them in half, and send a photo of the destroyed garment to amazonus@sioro.com. Upon receipt of the photo, SIORO will refund consumers the purchase price. Afterwards, consumers should dispose of the destroyed garments in accordance with local and state recycling laws.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Sold Exclusively At: Online at Amazon.com from November 2021 through July 2023 for between $20 and $27.

Importer(s): SIORO, of China

Manufactured In: China

Recall number: 24-233

More information and photos HERE

Skims Body Recalls SKIMS Children’s Pajama Sets Due to Burn Hazard; Violation of Federal Regulations for Children’s Sleepwear; Sold Exclusively by Skims Body

This recall involves SKIMS fleece children’s pajama sets. The two-piece, button-up pajamas have long sleeves and wide-legged pants. They were sold in blue and black, multi-colored, green and black (cypress), and burgundy and black (wine) plaid patterns, and in sizes 2T, 3T, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10. “SKIMS”, the size, and “Made in Philippines” are printed on the neck label. The side seam label lists the size, fiber content, washing instructions, “Made in Philippines”, and “RN158973”.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled pajamas away from children, stop using them, and contact SKIMS for a full refund. Consumers will be asked to destroy the garment by cutting the top and bottom in half, and upload a photo of the destroyed garments to: https://www.recallrtr.com/pajamasets. Upon receipt of the photo, consumers will be issued a full refund of the purchase price, plus a credit toward a future SKIMS purchase. SKIMS will contact all known purchasers directly.

ncidents/Injuries: None reported.

Sold Exclusively At: Online at skims.com and in-store at the SKIMS store in Austin, Texas, from November 2023 through January 2024 for about $54.

Importer(s): Skims Body Inc., of Los Angeles, California

Manufactured In: Philippines

Recall number: 24-216

More information and photos HERE

Designation of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid (PFOS) as CERCLA Hazardous Substances

On May8, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency published in the Federal Register (89 FR 39124 Designation of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid (PFOS) as CERCLA Hazardous Substances.

The notice includes a long list of North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) codes identifies entities that may be directly or indirectly affected by this action. It is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather a guide to help readers determine whether this action applies to them. The list begins at page 39133.

Sole Source Contract Awarded for Wool Fabric

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Human Systems Division, AFLCMC/WNUK, intends to award a contract on a sole source basis to Burlington Industries LLC for 80,000 yards of Dark Navy Suiting Fabric comprised of a unique blend of polyester, wool, elastane, and stretch for the design and development of service uniforms.

More information HERE>

Uniform Dress Coat Contract Awarded

May, 2, 2024, Gil Sewing Corp.,* Chicago, Illinois, has been awarded a maximum $15,773,400 modification (P00012) exercising the third one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-21-D-1467) with four one-year option periods for men’s uniform dress coats. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The ordering period end date is May 6, 2025. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

*Small Business

Determination Under the Textile and Apparel Commercial Availability Provision of the Dominican RepublicCentral America-United States Free Trade Agreement (‘‘CAFTA–DR’’)

On April 25, 2024, the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements published in the Federal Register (89 FR 31737)

On March 14, 2024, CITA received a Commercial Availability Request (``Request'') from Lacoste for certain double-knit jacquard fabric. On March 18, in accordance with CITA's Procedures, CITA notified interested parties of the Request, which was posted on the dedicated website for CAFTA-DR Commercial Availability proceedings. In its notification, CITA advised that any Response with an Offer to Supply (``Response'') must be submitted by March 28, and any Rebuttal to a Response (``Rebuttal'') must be submitted by April 3, in accordance with sections 6 and 7 of CITA's Procedures.

No interested entity submitted a Response to the Request advising CITA of its objection to the Request with an offer to supply the subject product. Certain Double-Knit Jacquard Fabric

Request for Public Comment on a Commercial Availability Request Under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement

On April 24, 2024, the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements published in the Federal Register (89 FR 31145) Request for Public Comment on a Commercial Availability Request Under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement

SUMMARY: On February 20, 2024, the Government of the United States received a request from the Government of Canada to initiate consultations under Article 6.4.1 of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Canada is requesting that the United States and Mexico with Canada, collectively consider changing the rules of origin for certain end-use fabrics used in the production of fire hose based on the lack of commercial availability for certain high-tenacity polyester yarns in the territories of the Parties. The yarns are described as high-tenacity polyester yarn, single or multiple, multifilament, untwisted, untextured, and measuring more than 920 decitex, used in the production of fire hose, with or without lining, armor or accessories of other materials. The President of the United States may proclaim a modification to the USMCA rules of origin for textile and apparel products if the United States reaches an agreement with Canada and Mexico on a modification under Article 6.4.3 of the USMCA to address issues of availability of supply of fibers, yarns, or fabrics in the territories of the Parties. The President authorized, in Presidential Proclamation 10053 (July 1, 2020), the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements to review requests for modifications to a rule of origin for textile and apparel goods based on a change in the availability of the textile or apparel good in the territory of the Parties, and to make a recommendation as to whether a requested modification is warranted. CITA hereby solicits public comments on this request to modify the USMCA rules of origin, particularly regarding whether certain high-tenacity polyester yarns used in the production of fire hose can be supplied by the U.S. domestic industry in commercial quantities in a timely manner.

DATES: Comments must be submitted by May 24, 2024.

Williams-Sonoma Will Pay Record $3.17 Million Civil Penalty for Violating FTC Made in USA Order

Company violated 2020 order by advertising multiple foreign-made products as "Made in USA."

Home products company Williams-Sonoma will be required to pay a record civil penalty of $3.175 million for violating a 2020 Federal Trade Commission order requiring the retailer to tell the truth about whether the products it sells are Made in USA.

Read more HERE

Sant and Abel Recalls Children’s Pajamas Due to Burn Hazard; Violation of Federal Regulations for Children’s Sleepwear

This recall involves two styles of Sant and Abel children’s 100% cotton long pajama sets. They were sold in sizes 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, and 9-10. The neck label lists “Sant and Abel”, the size, and the fabric content. The side seam label lists the fabric content, washing instructions, and “MADE IN CHINA” and “MADE IN INDIA”. The long Henley and pant sets came in nine prints including Kids' Sky Blue Stripe, Peony Stripe, Red Stripe and Navy Stripe PJ Sets; Kids' Daisy, Horse, Candy Cane, Christmas and Wreath PJ Sets. The two-piece shirt and pant sets came in thirteen prints including Kids' Leaf Pink, Green and Blue PJ Sets; Kids' Gingham Pink, Blue and Green PJ Set; Kids' Palm Tree Pink, Blue and Green PJ Sets; Kids' Houndstooth PJ Set; Boys' & Girls' White Cambric PJ Sets; and the Girls' Billie Neon PJ Set.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled pajamas away from children, stop using them, and contact Sant and Abel for a full refund. Consumers should destroy the garments by cutting them in half and disposing of them in accordance with local and state recycling laws. Consumers should send the recalling firm a photo of the destroyed garment at returns@santandabel.com to receive a refund. Sant and Abel is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Sold At: Online at santandabel.com, neimanmarcus.com, maisonette.com, SAKS.com and Flip.com from January 2021 through February 2024 for about $59.

Importer(s): Sant and Abel, of Los Angeles, California

Manufactured In: China and India

Recall number: 24-207

More information and photos HERE.

Running Suit Jacket Contract Awarded

April 29, 2024, SND Manufacturing, Dallas, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $8,806,876 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for running suit jackets. This was a competitive acquisition with five responses received. This is a one-year base contract with four one-year option periods. The ordering period end date is April 28, 2025. Using military services are Navy and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-24-D-0052).

Dress Trouser Contract Awarded

April 26, 2024, Fechheimer Brothers Co., Cincinnati, Ohio, has been awarded a maximum $9,418,500 modification (P00012) exercising the third one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-21-D-1468) with four one-year option periods for men's uniform dress trousers. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. Location of performance is Illinois, with a May 4, 2025, ordering period end date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Silk Weight Drawers Contract Awarded

April 26, 2024, Peckham Vocational Industries Inc.,** Lansing, Michigan, has been awarded a maximum $12,033,000 modification (P00005) exercising the second one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-22-D-N162) with four one-year option periods for silk weight drawers. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The ordering period end date is April 28, 2025. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

**Mandatory source

Aramid Fibrous Rope Contract Awarded

April 25, 2024, Phillystran Inc., Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania, has been awarded a maximum $25,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for aramid fibrous ropes. This was a competitive acquisition with one response received. This is a one-year base contract with four one-year option periods. The ordering period end date is April 24, 2025. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE8EG-24-D-0006).

Dress Oxford Shoe Contract Awarded

April 25, 2024, Belleville Shoe Manufacturing Co.,* Belleville, Illinois, has been awarded a maximum $16,912,795 fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for men’s and women’s dress oxford shoes. This was a competitive acquisition with three responses received. This is a three-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is April 24, 2027. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2027 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-24-D-0039).

*Small Business