The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) held its officer elections for fiscal year 2026 at its annual meeting April 14-16.
NCTO has elected Amy Bircher Bruyn, CEO and Founder of MMI Textiles as Chair, and Jay Todd, CEO and Managing Partner of Service Thread, as Vice Chair.
See: NCTO Press Release.
May 5, 2026, Contract Opportunity: Parka, Navy Working Uniform, Camouflage.
Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
See: SAM Notification.
Training Topics: Defense Industrial Base (DIB) Readiness, Government Contracting, Government Industrial Base (GIB) Readiness, SBA Mentor-Protégé Program Information, Socioeconomic Certification (WOSB/VOSB/HUBZone/etc.)
Each year, our government spends billions of dollars in goods and services purchases from private firms. The SBA works to create an environment for maximum participation by small, disadvantaged, and woman-owned businesses in federal government contract awards and large prime subcontract awards. SBA administers several programs and services that assist small businesses in meeting the requirements to receive government contracts, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. These include the 8(a) Business Development Program, SAM, HUBZone Program, Cybersecurity, and SBA Mentor Protege Program. Find out how these programs can help your business.
More information and registration HERE.
May 5, 2026, Contract Opportunity: Coveralls.
Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
See: SAM Notification.
The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements ("CITA") is considering Commercial Availability Request File Number CA2026001 for certain double weave nylon/polyester/spandex fabric, as specified below.
Interested Entities wishing to submit a Response with an Offer to Supply ("Response") must do so by the deadline of 11:59 P.M.(EDT) on May 14, 2026. Rebuttals to Responses are due by 11:59 P.M.(EDT) on May 20, 2026.
REQUESTED BY: Varsity Pro LTDA de CV, San Jose Villanueva, La Libertad, El Salvador.
SPECIFICATIONS: Certain Double Weave Nylon/Polyester/Spandex Fabric
HTS: 5407.72.00.60
Fabric Type: Woven – Double Weave
Fiber Content (AATCC 20A): 58–68% Nylon, 21-31% Polyester and 8–14% Spandex
Yarn Size
Warp Yarn: 65-70 Denier/48 Filaments Full-Dull Texturized +35 -45 Denier Spandex Textured Filament
Weft Yarn 1: 65-70 Denier /48 Filaments Full-Dull Texturized + 45 -35 Denier Spandex Textured Filament
Weft Yarn 2: 165-175 Denier /144 Filaments Semi-Dull Texturized
Weave Type: Woven, Double Weave Dobby
Thread Count (ASTM D3775): 66 - 72 warp ends × 55 - 60 filling picks
Fabric Weight (g/m²) (ASTM D3776): 232 – 242 g/m2
Width (cuttable) (ASTM D3774)
Metric: 124.5 – 149.9 cm, 137.2 cm cuttable
English: 49 - 59 inches, 54 cuttable
Stretch (%) (ASTM D3107)
Warp: 56.4% (45%-65%)
Weft: 26.4% (15%-35%)
Stretch Direction: Four-way stretch
Dye Type: Piece dye of various colors
Shrinkage (AATCC 135): +/- 5%
May 4, 2026, Contract Opportunity: Safety Shoes Base Plus 4
This is a Pre-solicitation notice. This Pre-solicitation notice is not a request for a formal quotes. Solicitation, 36C24626Q0528, will be issued on or about 30 April 21, 2026. The Department of Veterans Affairs has a requirement for Safety Shoes for the Salisbury VA Medical Center, Salisbury, North Carolina. This acquisition is set aside 100% for Small Businesses. The applicable NAICS Code is 316210 with a size standard of 1000 employees. All correspondence and responses shall be via e-mail to kenya.robinson@va.gov . Telephone requests for information or questions will NOT be accepted. Offerors are responsible for downloading all documents including amendments from Contracting Opportunities at sam.gov website without further notification from the Contracting Officer.
This is a Pre-solicitation notice. This Pre-solicitation notice is not a request for a formal quotes. Solicitation, 36C24626Q0528, will be issued on or about 30 April 21, 2026. The Department of Veterans Affairs has a requirement for Safety Shoes for the Salisbury VA Medical Center, Salisbury, North Carolina. This acquisition is set aside 100% for Small Businesses. The applicable NAICS Code is 316210 with a size standard of 1000 employees. All correspondence and responses shall be via e-mail to kenya.robinson@va.gov . Telephone requests for information or questions will NOT be accepted. Offerors are responsible for downloading all documents including amendments from Contracting Opportunities at sam.gov website without further notification from the Contracting Officer.
See: SAM Notification.
SDB Wear. Effective immediately, wear of the SDB Jacket or Eisenhower jacket for E-7 and above in office buildings or workspaces is optional throughout the fleet. This allows walking within the confines of a building without the SDB Jacket or Eisenhower jacket covering the white shirt and tie. Additionally, the black garrison cap is authorized as an acceptable substitute for the combination cover for wear with the SDB coat or Eisenhower jacket. This will allow individuals flexibility what to wear when working in an office setting while wearing SDBs. Additionally, it allows an individual to determine which cover makes the most sense for the situation.
NWU Type III Wear in the Pentagon. In coordination with the Acting Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV), effective 4 May 2026, NWU Type III wear is authorized in the Pentagon. This change is being made to ensure the Navy is aligned with the uniforms being worn in the Pentagon by other members of the Joint Force and in an effort to continue to instill a warrior ethos in our Sailors.
See: DoW Memo.
See: Navy Dress Uniform General Requirements and Information.
See: militarytimes.com.
