Wednesday, May 6, 2026

American Apparel and Footwear Association Announces September 15 Government Contractors Forum

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 - Wednesday, September 16, 2026, Philadelphia, PA.

AAFA’s Government Contractors Forum at the DoubleTree Philadelphia City Center. The event will kick off with a Welcome Reception on Tuesday, September 15, followed by a full-day program on Wednesday, September 16.

See: AAFA Announcemnt.

Notice of Industry Day - Dept. of the Interior Uniform Items, Including Articles of WOOL, Articles of APPAREL, FOOTWEAR, HEARGEAR

May 6, 2026, Notice of Industry Day - Dept. of the Interior Uniform Items.

The Department of the Interior will host an Industry Day on March 27, 2026, at 11:00 am at the Main Interior Building (1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240). DOI is exploring requirements that would prioritize or require uniforms and uniform components to be manufactured in the United States, consistent with federal Made in America policies and domestic sourcing priorities. Vendors capable of providing U.S.-manufactured uniforms and domestically sourced materials are encouraged to review the notice and participate.

The purpose of the event is to engage with industry regarding a future solicitation for civilian uniforms, patches, insignia, headwear, footwear, outerwear, and other related items, including a full service web-based ordering system, in support of the Department of Interior’s and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ employee uniform programs. The Government has not finalized the acquisition strategy and seeks input from industry about the best method(s) to accomplish its program and contract objectives during this market research phase.

NAICS Code 315210: Cut and sew apparel contractors. Small business size standard: 750 employees. Product Service Group 84: Clothing, Individual Equipment, and Insignia and Jewelry; primarily 8415: Clothing, Special Purpose

See: SAM Notification.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

President Trump Proposes Personnel Increases at Dept. of War

President Trump's Budget Request for the Department of War includes encreases in troop strength for five of five regular forces and three out of six reserve forces.

NCTO Elects Amy Bircher Bruyn CEO and Founder of MMI Textiles as Chair; Jay Todd, CEO and Managing Partner of Service Thread, as Vice Chair

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.

Contract Opportunity: Parka, Navy Working Uniform (NWU), Woodland Camouflage, Type III

May 5, 2026, Contract Opportunity: Parka, Navy Working Uniform, Camouflage.

Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).

See: SAM Notification.

Introduction to Selling to the Federal Government May 8, 2026

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.

Contract Opportunity: Coveralls

May 5, 2026, Contract Opportunity: Coveralls.

Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).

See: SAM Notification.