Sources Sought: DLA Innovative Textile Webbing Solutions

April 13, 2026

DLA TS C&T has partnered with the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) with a Commercial Solutions Offering (CSO) for addressing industry concerns on webbings. The CSO is aimed at finding a solution from industry on how we move the manufacturing processes, materials, and/or machinery required for shuttle-looms into the 21st century without sacrificing on the quality that a shuttle-loom brings to our critical webbings.

As the nation’s combat logistics support agency, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) manages the end-to-end global defense supply chain—from raw materials to end user disposition—for the US military services; 11 combatant commands; other federal, state, and local agencies; and partner and allied nations. Specifically, NCMS is assisting DLA Troop Support Clothing & Textiles Directorate (DLA TS C&T) in identifying a company to improve production rates and output on domestically sourced critical safety textile webbings. <[>Background

Shuttle loom Class 1 Textile webbings are used in rigging, safety equipment, parachute, and tentage applications. As a result, they require higher working & breaking tensile ratings, in addition to abrasion, heat, and UV resistance. Most commonly they are made of nylon or polyester and flat or tubular in design. DLA currently manages at least 36 national stock numbers that call for shuttle loom construction.

Currently, there are only two known domestic manufacturers that use shuttle looms in the manufacturing process. This legacy technology produces a true woven edge (selvage) on both sides of the webbing, which is critical for preventing fraying. Modern shuttle-less looms, while faster and more efficient, typically create one woven edge and one knitted edge. This knitted edge is susceptible to fraying, which can lead to catastrophic failures in critical applications such as parachute-assisted cargo drops, potentially resulting in severe injury or death.

Objectives

The primary objective is to develop, evaluate, and implement an improved production process for critical safety webbings. This can be achieved by either enhancing current shuttle loom manufacturing processes to increase efficiency and reduce lead times, or by introducing new or alternative technologies that can produce webbing with two durable, fray-resistant woven edges, equivalent or superior to that of a shuttle loom. The new process must be scalable, cost-effective, and capable of meeting all requirements within the specification for tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and other critical safety specifications. The goal is to create a sustainable domestic supply chain for this critical material.

See: National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) Press Release

Dr. Peter Navarro, Senior Counselor to the President, & Amb. Rick Switzer, Deputy USTR, to Address NCTO’s 22nd Annual Meeting

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Dr. Peter Navarro, Senior Counselor to the President, and Ambassador Rick Switzer, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative, will address the National Council of Textile Organizations’ (NCTO) 22nd Annual Meeting on April 16, 2026, offering insights into the administration’s trade agenda and its impact on the U.S. textile industry.

FTC Announces “Made in the USA” Sweep, Including Three Law Enforcement Actions to Protect American Consumers and Businesses

On April 14, 2026, the Federal Trade Commission announced law enforcement actions involving three companies that deceived American consumers by falsely claiming, in advertising and labeling, that their products were made in the United States. These actions follow President Trump’s March 13, 2026, Executive Order 14392

Americana Liberty LLC and Three Nations LLC

"The FTC alleges that Americana Liberty, Three Nations, and their principals violated Section 5 of the FTC Act, Section 45a, the MUSA Labeling Rule, the Textile Act, and the Textiles Rules."

Contract Opportunity: USAF Safe-to-fly Boot

April 14, 2026, This announcement constitutes a Request for Information (RFI) only. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Human Systems Division (AFLCMC/ROU) is conducting a market assessment to identify potential sources and companies that may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience with Air Force Safe-to Fly (StF) Boot program. AFLCMC is issuing this RFI to develop an expanded listing of Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) Boots the AF can purchase to provide newer and a greater variety of boots to USAF Aircrew personnel. The Government is issuing this RFI solely for information and planning purposes. The Government will consider responses to determine the expanded listing for Air Force (AF) Safe-to-Fly registry.

See: SAM Notification.

Contract Opportunity: USAF Safe-to-fly Glove Program

April 14, 2026, This announcement constitutes a Request for Information (RFI) only. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Human Systems Division (AFLCMC/ROU) is conducting a market assessment to identify potential sources and companies that may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience with Air Force Safe-to Fly (StF) Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) Glove program. AFLCMC is issuing this RFI to develop an expanded listing of Gloves the AF can purchase to and provide a greater variety to USAF Aircrew personnel. The Government is issuing this RFI solely for information and planning purposes. The Government will consider responses to determine the expanded listing for Air Force (AF) Safe-to-Fly registry.

See: SAM Notification.

Contract Opportunity: CG Dress Trousers and Slacks

April 14, 2026, This synopsis is for the procurement of the Coast Guard Dress Trousers and Slacks. This acquisition will be issued as a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Berry Amendment Applies.

The Defense appropriations and authorization acts and other statutes (including what is commonly referred to as “The Berry Amendment”) impose restrictions on the DoD’s acquisition of foreign products and services. Generally, Clothing and Textile items (as defined in DFARS clause 252.225-7012) and “specialty metals” (as defined in DFARS clause 252.225-7014), including the materials and components thereof (other than sensors, electronics, or other items added to, and not normally associated with clothing), must be grown, reprocessed, reused, melted or produced in the United States, its possessions or Puerto Rico, unless one of the DFARS 225.7002-2 exceptions applies.

See: SAM Notification.

Sources Sought: Gloves, Heavy Duty Leather

Apil 13, 2026, SOURCE SOUGHT NOTICE: DLA Troop Support Clothing and Textiles is seeking eligible contractors to furnish the Gloves, Heavy Duty Leather (PGC:03999) in accordance with 6170-5E, DATED JUNE 5, 2021.

See: SAM Notification.