Thursday, March 23, 2023

USITC Investigation: Certain Flocked Swabs, Products

On March 23, 2023, the U.S. International Trade Commission published in the Federal Register (88 FR 17617) [Investigation No. 337–TA–1279] Certain Flocked Swabs, Products Containing Flocked Swabs, and Methods of Using Same; Notice of a Commission Determination To Review in Part a Final Initial Determination; and, on Review, To Find No Violation of Section 337; Termination of the Investigation.

On September 2, 2021, the Commission instituted this investigation under section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930. Under section 337, the USITC determines whether there is unfair competition in the importation of products into, or their subsequent sale in, the United States. Section 337 declares the infringement of a U.S. patent, copyright, registered trademark, or mask work to be an unlawful practice in import trade.

The investigation was based on a complaint filed by Copan Italia S.p.A. and Copan Industries, Inc. The complaint alleged a violation of section 337 in the importation into the United States, the sale for importation, or the sale within the United States after importation of certain flocked swabs, products containing flocked swabs, and methods of using same. The notice of investigation named numerous respondents

In today's Federal Register notice was given that the U.S. International Trade Commission has determined to review in part the presiding administrative law judge's final initial determination issued on October 28, 2022, finding no violation of section 337, in the above-referenced investigation. On review, the Commission has determined to find no violation of section 337. The investigation is terminated in its entirety.

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Navy Boot Contract Awared

McRae Industries Inc.,* Mount Gilead, North Carolina, has been awarded a maximum $14,258,628 modification (P00003) exercising the first one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-22-D-1532) with two one-year option periods for general purpose and flight deck safety boots. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The ordering period end date is March 22, 2024. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

*Small business

Athletic Shoes Contract Awarded

San Antonio Shoe Inc., San Antonio, Texas, has been award a maximum $90,590,940 fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for men’s and women’s athletic shoes. This was a competitive acquisition with one response received. This is a three-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is March 21, 2026. Using customers are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2026 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-23-D-0036).

Navy Fleese Liner Contract Awarded

BestWork Industries for the Blind Inc.,** Cherry Hill, New Jersey, has been awarded a maximum $12,638,208 modification (P00004) exercising the first one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-22-D-B124) with two one-year option periods for blue, black and coyote brown fleece liners. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The ordering period end date is March 23, 2024. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

**Mandatory source

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Air Force Trouser Contract Awarded

Creighton AB Inc., Reidsville, North Carolina, has been awarded a maximum $8,890,772 modification (P00018) exercising the fourth one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-20-D-1211) with four one-year option periods for dress trousers. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. Location of performance is New York, with a March 17, 2024, ordering period end date. Using military service is Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Sunbeam Heated Blankets Recalled Due to Burn and Fire Hazards; Distributed by Star Elite

This recall involves the Sunbeam Queen Size Heated Blanket, model number 32810027. The blankets were sold with detachable controllers and in the following colors: beige, ivory, light green, dark blue, light blue, burgundy, dark gray, light gray and gray violet. The Sunbeam logo and the model number are printed on the wash label affixed to the blanket.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using and unplug the recalled blankets and contact Star Elite for a full refund. Consumers will be asked to complete the online recall registration form available at www.productrecall.sunbeamhome.com and to destroy the blanket by cutting the power cord at the plug, marking an “X” with permanent marker on the wash label and sending the recalling firm a photo of the destroyed blanket.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 13 reports of the blankets overheating. No injuries have been reported.

Sold At: Online at Amazon.com and small independent stores nationwide from September 2022 through January 2023 for about $120.

Distributor(s): Star Elite Inc., of Canada

Manufactured In: China

Recall number: 23-157

More information and photos HERE.

Saturday, March 11, 2023

Marine Corps Apparel Contract Awarded

Pentaq Manufacturing Corp.,** Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico, has been awarded a maximum $14,255,460 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for blouses and trousers. This was a competitive acquisition with four responses received. This is a one-year base contract with four one-year option periods. The ordering period end date is March 9, 2024. Using military service is Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-23-D-0035).

**Small business in historically underutilized business zones