Department of Defense Apparel and Footwear Contracts Awarded

ORC Industries Inc., Brownsville, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $20,492,889 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for wet weather ponchos. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 41 U.S. Code 3304(a)(5). This is a two-year contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Texas, with an April 28, 2019, performance completion date. Using customer is Afghanistan National Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2017 through 2019 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-17-D-N012).

Propper International Inc., Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, has been awarded a maximum $13,914,654 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for hot weather combat boots. This was a competitive acquisition with three responses received. This is a three-year contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Puerto Rico, with an April 28, 2020, performance completion date. Using customers are Army and Afghanistan military. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2017 through fiscal 2020 defense working capital; and foreign military sales funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-17-D-1059).

Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind, Winston Salem, North Carolina, has been awarded a maximum $8,866,350 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for poncho liners. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 41 U.S. Code 3304(a)(5). This is a two-year contract with no option periods. Location of performance is North Carolina, with an April 28, 2019, performance completion date. Using customer is Afghanistan National Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2017 through 2019 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-17-D-B010).

Coming in May-- Free Webinar European-focused webinars to explore the EU’s Digital Single Market Strategy and what it means for U.S. retailers looking to acquire European customers.

The eCommerce Innovation Lab and the Commercial Service in Europe, in partnership with the Getting to Global public/private partnership and the Global Retail Insights Network (The GRIN Labs), have created this initial European-focused webinar to explore the EU’s Digital Single Market Strategy and what it means for U.S. retailers looking to acquire European customers.

Each of the three, 60-minute sessions will provide practical information to U.S. firms wanting to enter and engage with the European consumer market, selling products such as cosmetics, apparel, games, electronics, or online services.

In 2015, U.S. exports of digitally deliverable goods and services to Europe were more than double U.S. trade with Latin American and almost double U.S. trade with the entire Asia-Pacific Region. Meanwhile, European policymakers continue to promote the lowering of trade barriers between their countries and have been encouraging the free movement of goods and services.

More information and free registration at http://2016.export.gov/france/mission/index.asp.

Army Reserves Lt. Col. convicted for violating Buy American Act with Chinese backpacks, caps

An Alabama man has been convicted for using his Huntsville business in a scheme to defraud the Department of Defense of $6.2 million involving contracts for Army recruitment backpacks and baseball caps, according to this news story http://www.al.com/news/huntsville/index.ssf/2017/04/us_army_buy_america_act.html. THANKS, to Steve Warner at http://www.beaverlake6.com/ to bringing this to our attention!

Women’s Sweaters Recalled by FatFace Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standard

Recall Details

Units: About 400

Description: This recall involves two styles of FatFace women’s sweaters: overhead Cowes (style number 918043) and zip-up (style number 918041). The style numbers are printed on a care label on the inside seam of the sweaters.

The Overhead Cowes sweater is 97 percent cotton and 3 percent polyester sold in ivory. This sweater has a 3.5 inch cowl or funnel neckline that can be tightened or loosened by the drawstring located at the center front of the neckline. These sweaters also have a kangaroo-style pocket located at the bottom front of the sweater.

The zip-up sweater is 97 percent cotton and 3 percent polyester with a Yarmouth textured zip-up sweater. It sold in ivory, ocean surf (green) and lilac ice (lavender) colors. The sweater has a hood that can be tightened and loosened with a drawstring. The sweater has a silver metal zipper extending from the neckline to the bottom of the sweaters with two pockets on each side of the zipper.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received one report of a burn injury.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled sweaters and contact the firm for instructions on returning the sweaters for a $75 refund.

Sold Exclusively At: FatFace stores in Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island and online at www.fatface.com from September 2016 through January 2017 for about $60.

Importer(s): FatFace Corp., of Wilmington, Del.

Manufactured In China.

More information and photos at https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2017/Womens-Sweaters-Recalled-by-FatFace

Consumer Product Safety Commission Staff to Attend American Association of Textiles Chemists and Colorists Committee Meetings Next Week

On May 2-4, 2017, Paige Witzen, CPSC Directorate for Laboratory Sciences, will be attending AATCC Committee Meetings for Textiles; 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel & Convention Center, Research Triangle Park, NC.

Federal Prison Industries Award Army Contract

Federal Prison Industries Inc., doing business as UNICOR, Washington, District of Columbia, has been awarded a maximum $18,194,250 modification (P00125) exercising the fourth one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPM1C1-13-D-F502) with four one-year option periods for physical fitness uniform trunks. This is an indefinite-delivery contract. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $54,678,213 from $36,483,963. Locations of performance are Minnesota, Louisiana, Colorado and, the District of Columbia, with an April 30, 2018, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2017 through 2018 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Fiber Glass Fabrics FTZ Approved for Export and Warehousing and Distribution

On April 25, 2017, the FTZ Board published notice in the Federal Register (82 FR 19021) Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 68—El Paso, Texas; Authorization of Production Activity; PGTEX USA, Inc.; (Fiber Glass Fabrics) El Paso, Texas.

On December 19, 2016, PGTEX USA, Inc. (PGTEX) submitted a notification of proposed production activity to the FTZ Board for its facility within FTZ 68--Site 3, in El Paso, Texas.

The notification was processed in accordance with the regulations of the FTZ Board (15 CFR part 400), including notice in the Federal Register inviting public comment (82 FR 1316-1317, January 5, 2017). The FTZ Board has determined that no further review of the activity is warranted at this time. The production activity described in the notification is authorized, subject to the FTZ Act and the FTZ Board's regulations, including Section 400.14, and further subject to a restriction requiring that foreign-status yarns (glass fiber) (HTSUS 7019.19), glass fibers (HTSUS 7019.90), and polyester yarn (HTSUS 5402.33) be admitted to the subzone in privileged foreign status (19 CFR 146.41).

The restriction that glass fibers and polyester yarn be admitted in "privileged foreign status" precludes inverted tariff benefits on such items on its domestic sales of fiber glass fabrics. Production under FTZ procedures will exempt PGTEX from customs duty payments on the foreign-status components used in export production. Customs duties also could possibly be deferred or reduced on foreign-status production equipment.

Certain Woven Modal-Polyester Printed Fabric Added to DR-CAFTA Short Supply List

The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements has published a notice in today’s Federal Register of its determination to approve a request to modify Annex 3.25 of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) to add certain woven modal-polyester printed fabric, as specified below, in unlimited quantities.

Specifications: Certain Woven Modal-Polyester Print Fabric

HTSUS: 5516.14; 5516.24

Fiber Content: 52-95% spun modal rayon; 5-48% filament polyester

Yarn Size:
Spun Modal Rayon - 32/1 to 88/1 (metric)
Filament Polyester - 52 to 122 (metric)

Thread Count: 31 to 60 warp ends per cm (metric); 25 to 40 filling picks per cm (metric)

Weave type: Plain weave, or twill or dobby or jacquard or oxford or satin

Weight: 100 - 300 grams per sq. meter

Width: 137 to 153 cm (metric)

Coloration: Print

Finishing processes: Sandwash in combination with or without one or more of the following: Wicking, UV blocker, peached, stain-resistant, teflon finish, insect resistance

Army and Navy Apparel Contracts Awarded

San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind, San Antonio, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $8,286,377 firm-fixed-price contract for fire resistant environmental ensemble trousers. This contract is a one-year contract with two one-year option periods. This was a directed award under the Ability One program. Location of performance is Texas, with an April 16, 2018, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2017 through fiscal 2018 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-17-D-B017).

Golden Manufacturing Co. Inc., Golden, Mississippi, has been awarded a maximum $58,525,830 modification (P00134) exercising the fourth one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPM1C1-13-D-1047) with four one-year option periods for various types of coats. The modification brings the maximum dollar value of the contract to $105,029,845 from $46,504,015. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. Locations of performance are Mississippi and Georgia, with an April 17, 2018, performance completion date. Using military services are Army and Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2017 through 2018 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

FTC Approves Final Consents Settling Charges that Two Companies Made Misleading Made-in-the-USA Claims

Following public comment periods in two separate cases, the Federal Trade Commission has approved final consent orders settling charges that iSpring Water Systems, LLC, a Georgia-based distributor of water filtration systems, and Block Division, Inc., a Texas-based distributor of pulley block systems, made misleading Made-in-the-USA claims.

First announced in February 2017, the FTC’s complaint against iSpring alleged that the company’s unqualified claims that its products are built in the United States deceived consumers. In many instances – despite iSpring’s false, misleading or unsupported claims – its products either are wholly imported or are made using a significant amount of inputs from overseas, according to the complaint.

First announced in March 2017, the FTC’s complaint against Block Division alleged that for a period of several years, the company’s pulleys featured imported steel plates that were stamped “Made in USA” before they entered the United States. The complaint also alleged that Block Division used unqualified “Made in USA” claims in advertising to represent that these pulley blocks, other products, and the parts used to make them, were all or virtually all made in the United States. In fact, the complaint states, the company’s products include significant imported parts that are essential to their function.

These actions are part of the FTC’s ongoing, multi-faceted work to curb false and misleading claims about products labeled as “Made in the USA.” The Commission has an Enforcement Policy Statement on U.S. Origin Claims, and other business guidance on how companies can comply with the Made in the USA standard. The FTC’s Made in the USA page features cases, instructive closing letters, and the brochure Complying with the Made in USA Standard, which answers many of the questions companies ask.

Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 203--Moses Lake, Washington, Proposed Revision to Production Authority, SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers, LLC, (Carbon Fiber), Moses Lake, Washington

SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers, LLC (SGLACF), operator of FTZ 203--Site 3, submitted a notification that proposes a revision to its existing production authority at its facility located in Moses Lake, Washington. The notification conforming to the requirements of the regulations of the FTZ Board (15 CFR 400.22) was received on March 30, 2017.

SGLACF previously requested and received FTZ Board approval for authority to produce carbon fiber from foreign-status polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber for export only within Site 3 of FTZ 203 (see FTZ Board Order 1889, 78 FR 16247, 3/14/2013). Under that existing authority, SGLACF must export all carbon fiber made from foreign-status PAN fiber. In the current request, SGLACF proposes to replace the export-only limitation pertaining to carbon fiber produced from foreign-status PAN fiber with a requirement for the company to admit all foreign-status PAN fiber (duty rate 7.5%) in privileged foreign (PF) status (19 CFR 146.41).

SGLACF's notification indicates the following: Production under FTZ procedures with the proposed PF status requirement for admission of foreign-status PAN fiber could exempt the company from customs duty payments on foreign-status PAN fiber used in export production. For SGLACF's domestic sales of carbon fiber, PF status would not allow the company to elect the carbon fiber duty rate (free) on the value of foreign-status PAN fiber used to produce the carbon fiber, thereby precluding inverted tariff savings. In addition, at the time of customs entry for each shipment of carbon fiber to the U.S. market, the company would apply the PAN fiber duty rate (7.5%) on an estimated value of PAN fiber contained in scrap resulting from the production process (based on the actual percentage of scrap from the preceding year's production). SGLACF's scrap rate was about 1% in 2016. The company is seeking these changes to its FTZ authority for ``logistical recordkeeping purposes.''

Public comment is invited from interested parties. Submissions shall be addressed to the FTZ Board's Executive Secretary at the address below. The closing period for their receipt is May 30, 2017.

Milliken Acquires Keystone Aniline Corporation, Positions Chemical Division for Global Growth

Today, Milliken & Company, a global innovation company with historic commitments to specialty textile, chemicals and floor covering, announced its acquisition of the assets of Keystone Aniline Corporation, a global leader in dyes, pigments, pigment dispersions and polymers. Positioning Milliken for global growth, the initiative aligns two key industry players with complementary product portfolios and expertise to offer customers a broader array of advanced colorant solutions, technologies and services. Supporting their complementary product offerings are cultural parallels, including both being privately-held and family-owned, further aligning the acquisition strategically.

“Milliken and Keystone Aniline Corporation share a long history of innovation, environmentally responsible manufacturing and relationship building – core values which connect us in practice, perspective and approach to values-based business,” shared Milliken President, CEO and Chairman, J. Harold Chandler. “We look forward to welcoming Keystone to the Milliken family of companies and competing together as we leverage meaningful innovation and environmentally responsible manufacturing.” Founded in 1920, Keystone is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and has operations in Europe and North America, including the company’s largest manufacturing facility in Inman, South Carolina.

“Milliken and Keystone each have individual expertise in chemical colorants; Milliken with unparalleled new molecule development, and Keystone with leading formulation capabilities,” shared David Moody, president of the global Milliken Chemical division. “I look forward to combining our shared resources for ground-breaking chemical innovations that will continue to serve our customers in significant and meaningful ways.”

“By combining our product portfolios and specialized colorant knowledge with Milliken’s solutions and expertise, we create business and market synergies that will drive new global opportunities and better meet the evolving needs of our customers,” said John Andrews, Chief Executive Officer of Keystone. “The strengthened organization will possess greater breadth and depth across the board, from research and development to formulation capabilities, to quality control and product stewardship. This partnership will be a part of Milliken’s future growth and success.” About Milliken Chemical - Milliken is an innovation company that has been exploring, discovering and creating ways serve customer needs since 1865. Working from our laboratories, application and development centers around the world, our scientists and engineers create coatings, specialty chemicals, and advanced additive and colorant technologies that transform the way we experience products from automotive plastics to children's art supplies. With expertise across a breadth of disciplines that also includes floor covering and performance materials, the people of Milliken work every day to add value, improve health and safety, and impact global sustainability. For more information, visit http://www.millikenchemical.com or http://www.milliken.com.

About Milliken - For 150 years, Milliken has been innovating with the purpose to explore, discover and create ways to enhance people’s lives. Our community of innovators has developed one of the larger collections of United States patents held by a private U.S. company. With expertise across a breadth of disciplines, including specialty chemical, floor covering and performance materials, we work around the world every day to add true value to people’s lives, improve health and safety, and help make this world more sustainable. For more information, visit http://www.milliken.com and join us on Twitter and Facebook.

About Keystone – Keystone Aniline Corporation was founded in Chicago, Ill. in 1920 to produce pigments and dyes. The company steadily expanded, both in geography and markets, establishing the first of several international locations in Huddersfield, England, in 1950. In the 1960s, Keystone broadened its portfolio into aqueous and solvent-based pigment dispersions at its Inman, S.C. facility. With a 35,000-square-foot expansion in 2016, the Inman operation became the largest analytical, production and warehousing facility within Keystone. Also that year, Keystone acquired Colour Synthesis Solutions, a UK provider of fine chemicals and custom chemistry services. Before being acquired by Milliken, the company offered specialized solutions including FDA-compliant dyes, biodegradable colorants, CleanGredients database listed products and sub-micron pigment dispersions, all of which are now part of the Milliken portfolio.

Global Textile Company to Open First U.S. Manufacturing Location

MAS Holdings, a global apparel technology and manufacturing company, will locate its first manufacturing and development center in the United States in Randolph County, creating 133 new jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company plans to invest nearly $20 million in a facility located in Asheboro, providing additional payroll impact exceeding $4 million annually.

“North Carolina enjoys a worldwide reputation as a center for textile research and workers,” Governor Cooper said. “Our excellent business climate and location offer international firms an ideal place to reach and serve customers in the United States.”

MAS is an innovative textile company headquartered in Sri Lanka, employing more than 85,000 associates worldwide, operating 48 state-of-the-art facilities in 15 countries including design offices, apparel and component manufacturing plants and private industrial parks. MAS also provides technology solutions to the apparel and footwear industry. Recently, the company has been working to integrate technology into clothing, partnering with startup companies in the Silicon Valley region of California and in New York in the fields of wearable technology and health & wellness.

MAS Holdings’ selection of a North Carolina location includes a pending acquisition of Acme-McCrary, a 108-year-old textile manufacturer currently located in Asheboro with additional facilities in Chatham County and the Republic of Honduras. The company produces legwear and active wear for large U.S. retailers.

Mahesh Amalean, Chairman of MAS Holdings stated, “We are delighted to be associated with Acme-McCrary, whose values and philosophy are very much in alignment with MAS. Our presence in the Western Hemisphere enables us to strengthen our value propositions of speed and flexibility offered through on-shore and near-shore operations to our customers. It also enables us to engage and strengthen our continued association with academia and research institutions in the U.S. We are appreciative of the support and assistance extended to us by the State, County, City and its officials and look forward to integrating and contributing to the community in North Carolina.”

W.H. Redding Jr., Chairman of Acme-McCrary stated, “We are pleased to be a part of MAS Holdings’ location of a manufacturing facility in our hemisphere. MAS Holdings brings to North Carolina an exemplary corporate culture and a growing business. Their concern for environmental impact is world class and keeping and growing textile jobs in North Carolina is exciting.”

A performance-based grant of $575,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate MAS Holdings’ location into Randolph County. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance to support local government efforts to attract economic investment and create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. In the case of MAS Holdings’ grant, in addition to its new job-creation target, the company is also required to retain 374 existing jobs currently located in North Carolina at Acme-McCrary. All One NC grants are also contingent upon a matching grant from local governments.

“This decision reinforces our region’s strengths as a business location for this industry,” said N.C. Representative Pat Hurley. “We look forward to MAS Holdings’ contributions to our community.”

N.C. Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. led the state’s response to the company’s search for a business location.

Other key partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, North Carolina State University, Duke Energy, the City of Asheboro, Randolph County, and the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation.

Gilbert B. Kaplan to be Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade

On April 11, 2017, President Donald J. Trump today announced his intent to nominate key additions to his Administration, including Gilbert B. Kaplan to be Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade. Mr. Kaplan is a partner at King & Spalding, in the International Trade Group. While at the firm, he filed and won the first ever successful United States anti-subsidy cases against China (on coated paper and standard pipe). He is the co-founder of the Manufacturing Policy Initiative at Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs, the first and only university program in the country focusing on what public policy actions should be taken to revitalize United States manufacturing. He previously served as Deputy Assistant Secretary and the First Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Import Administration, where he supervised over 500 trade remedy cases. He was a key negotiator of the United States-Japan Semiconductor Agreement. Previously, he was the Director of the Office of Investigations at the Department of Commerce, in charge of day-to-day trade remedy law administration. He is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School.

New England Textile Meeting Set for April 27th

The New England Section of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists will meet Thursday, April 27, 2017. Mr. Michael Woody of Trans-Tex, Inc. will present "An Introduction to the Rhode Island Textile Innovation Network."

Army Parka Contract Awarded

Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind Inc., Winston Salem, North Carolina, has been awarded a maximum $10,387,080 firm-fixed-price contract for fire resistant environmental ensemble parkas. This is a one-year base contract with two one-year option periods. This was a directed award to the awardee under the Ability One program. Location of performance is North Carolina, with an April 11, 2018, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2017 through 2018 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-17-D-B016).

Report on MTB Duty Suspensions Released

Under the new process, the Department of Commerce (Commerce) was tasked with coordinating interagency input for the Administration and with providing a report to the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees, as well as the USITC, on each of two determinations for each product under review:

1. Does domestic production of the product subject to petition for duty suspension or reduction exist?

2. Does a domestic producer of the product object to the petition for the duty suspension or reduction?

The definitions used for “domestic production” and “domestic producer” are set out in the MTB legislation.

“Domestic production” is the production of a product that is identical to, or like or directly competitive with, a product to which a petition for a duty suspension or reduction would apply, for which a domestic producer has demonstrated production, or imminent production, in the United States.

“Domestic producer” is a person that demonstrates production, or imminent production, in the United States of a product that is identical to, or like or directly competitive with, a product to which a petition for a duty suspension or reduction would apply.

Commerce’s Administration Report also includes input from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other relevant Federal agencies, including any technical changes to the product’s article description (as the product is described in the tariff schedule) for each petition that are necessary for purposes of administration when products are presented for importation. Commerce is expected to deliver the report containing its findings for each petition to the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees, as well as the USITC, in mid-April 2017.

Commerce’s task as set out in the legislation is consistent with the Department’s previous role in the MTB process, wherein for more than 20 years Commerce has been responsible for investigating whether there is domestic production of products proposed for an MTB, in order to prevent domestic manufacturers from being inadvertently injured by the tariff cuts.

Read the report at http://trade.gov/mas/ian/build/groups/public/@tg_ian/documents/webcontent/tg_ian_005536.pdf.

CPSC to Meet with American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)

On April 27, 2017, Commissioner Robert S. Adler and Staff meeting with Kristen Kern, Government Relations Representative at the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), to discuss her new role and ways AAFA can work with CPSC on product safety issues affecting the apparel and footwear industry.

Monday, April 17th, Is Patriots' Day in Massachusetts

Monday, April 17, 2017, is Patriots' (plural possessive) Day in Massachusetts and Patriot's (singular possessive) Day in Maine. State and local government offices in Massachusetts and Maine will be closed, as will some businesses.

"Listen, my children and you shall hear
of the midnight ride of Paul Revere,
On the eighteenth of April, in Seventy-five."

New England’s original "On the Road" man looms large in these parts --life-sized, in fact, in bronze, in Boston's North End. There, as well, you'll find his house preserved, just as his ride is preserved in the Longfellow poem.

"You know the rest. In the books you have read,
How the British Regulars fired and fled--"

And that morning of April 19 officially marks the beginning of the American War of Independence. In Massachusetts and Maine (part of Massachusetts until 1820, when, under the "Missouri Compromise" Maine, a free State was admitted to the Union, paired with Missouri, a slave State) we celebrate it as Patriots'/Patriot's Day, and, like Revere, take to the road – a renowned twenty-six miles of road from Hopkinton to Boston.

At the original Marathon, 26 miles from Athens, Greece, free, Democratic, Western civilization faced and defeated the forces of absolutism. It is a battle that has been fought many times. It will be fought many more times. Freedom must always be prepared to fight just to be free.

On September 11, 2001, after the unprovoked terrorists' attacks on thousands of innocent, unsuspecting civilians, President George W. Bush spoke of why we were attacked, and why we shall prevail: "America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining."

Our patriot forefathers (and every America is a Son of Liberty, regardless of when your people came here) knew that freedom is worth fighting for. This Patriots' Day let's reflect on the cause of freedom, and thank the brave American men and women who, in every war from the Revolution to our current engagements in the Near and Middle East, have made it possible for us to enjoy this April 17th as a free people.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection 2017 West Coast Trade Symposium: ‘‘Looking Ahead Together: What’s Next for Trade?’’

U.S. Customs and Border Protection will convene the 2017 West Coast Trade Symposium in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Wednesday, May 24, 2017, and Thursday, May 25, 2017. The 2017 West Coast Trade Symposium will feature panel discussions involving agency personnel, members of the trade community, and other government agencies, on the agency's role in international trade initiatives and programs. Members of the international trade and transportation communities and other interested parties are encouraged to attend.

Details available at https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2017-04-07/pdf/2017-06990.pdf.

AMERICAN TEXTILE HISTORY MUSEUM TO BE SOLD

The American Textile History Museum ("ATHM") today announced that it has signed a purchase and sale agreement for the Museum’s remaining 65,000-square-foot condominium space at 491 Dutton St., Lowell.

The Museum has agreed to sell the mixed-use space to The Textile Group, LLC. The Edge Group, Inc., a Lowell broker, was engaged by the ATHM Board of Trustees for the sale of the ATHM property, which encompasses space on the first through fourth floors. The remaining property at 491 Dutton Street comprises 45 residential condominiums and commercial space owned by Gazebo Realty Trust and Manchester Property Group, LLC, including space occupied by The Sun newspaper.

ATHM, initially located in North Andover, Massachusetts, purchased the Kitson Building at 491 Dutton Street in 1992 and opened to the public in April 1997. Due to an ongoing financial deficit, the ATHM Board of Trustees voted in May of 2016 to permanently close. The Museum is engaged in the process of transferring the Museum’s collections to other museums and charitable organizations. Learn more at www.athm.org.

Navy Parka Contract Awarded

Valley Apparel LLC, Knoxville, Tennessee, has been awarded a maximum $43,417,281 firm-fixed-price contract for various types of Navy parkas. This was a competitive acquisition with four responses received. This is a 24-month contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Tennessee, with an April 3, 2019, performance completion date. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2017 through 2019 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-17-D-1054).

Consumer Product Safety Commission to Meeting the American Apparel & Footwear Association

On April 27, 2017, Commissioner Robert S. Adler and Staff are meeting with Kristen Kern, Government Relations Representative at the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), to discuss her new role and ways AAFA can work with CPSC on product safety issues affecting the apparel and footwear industry.

New Request for Commercial Availability Determination under the U.S.-Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR): Certain Polyester/Rayon/Spandex Twill Weave Fabric

The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) is considering Commercial Availability Request File Number 209.2017.04.03.Fabric.ST&RforMedline for certain cotton shirting fabrics, as specified below. Responses are due by 11:59 P.M. (EST), April 17, 2017. Rebuttals to Responses are due by 11:59 P.M. (EST), April 21, 2017. If an Interested Entity wishes to submit a Response with an Offer to Supply, or provide a Rebuttal to a Response, please note the following:

SPECIFICATIONS: Two-way Stretch Polyester/Rayon/Spandex Twill Weave Fabric

HTS: 5515.11.00

Fiber Content: 69-75% polyester; 20-26% rayon, 2-8% spandex

Warp: plied polyester/rayon staple with spandex filament

Filling: plied textured polyester filament with spandex filament

Thread count: 120-130 warp ends per liniear inch (47.2-51.2 warp ends per linear cm); 90-100 filling ends per linear inch (35.43 - 39.37 filling ends per linear cm).

Fabric weight: 194 to 206 grams per meter squared (5.7 to 6.1 ounces per square yard).

Finishing process: Softened

Coloration: piece dyed, yarn dyed, bleached and printed.

Performance Criteria:

Dimensional Stability/Shrinkage (AATCC 135): +/- 3%

Colorfastness to Laundering (AATCC 61): >/= 4.0 color change; >/= 3.5 staining for light colors (3.0 for dark colors)

Colorfastness to Crocking (AATCC 8): >/= 4.0 dry; >/= 3 wet for light colors (2.5 for dark colors).

NOTE: The yarn size designations describe a range of yarn specifications for yarn before knitting, dyeing and finishing of the fabric. They are intendd as specifications to be followed by the mill in sourcing yarn used to produce the fabric. Dyeing, finishing and knitting can alter the characteristic of the yarn as it appears in the finished fabric. This specification therefore includes yarn sizes provided that the variation occurs after processing of the greige yarn and production of the fabric. The specifications for the fabric apply to the fabric itself prior to cutting and sewing of the finished garment. Such processing may alter the measurements.

2017 World Directory of Manufactured Fiber Producers

The Fiber Economics Bureau-A Division of the American Fiber Manufacturers Association has published 2017 World Directory of Manufactured Fiber Producers.

Includes contact details for 1,400 fiber producers in 65 countries

Available in digital format on CD-ROM or via download

• Published for 42 consecutive years
• Mailing list feature in Excel format
• Over 700 fiber trademarks
• The only global directory of the manufactured fiber industry
• All generic fiber products cross-referenced by producer and country
• Updated company names, addresses, Tel/Fax numbers and email
• Excel mailing list files broken down by fiber type
• Over 1,000 Email Addresses

Order at https://www.fibersource.com/feb/2017-word-directory-order-form-tw/.

U.S. Manufacturers Sought for Golf Trade Show

Agathon Associates has been contacted by the organizers of the PGA Merchandise Show held annually in January in Orlando, Florida. It features everything that has to do with the business of Golf. It includes equipment, services, and the largest segment, apparel. They are actively seeking U.S. manufacturers to satisfy attendees' interest in American-made products. If you are interested contact David Trumbull at david@agathonassociates.com to be put in touch with the show organizers.

Fred Meyer Recalls Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts and Girls Bomber Jackets Due to Choking and Laceration Hazards

Recall Details

Units: About 48,000

Description: This recall involves Kids Korner brand fleece hooded sweatshirts and girls bomber jackets with a front zipper, two front pockets, and knit ribbing around the wrists and waist. The sweatshirts were sold in 18 different prints and solid colors in infant, toddler, and children’s sizes 9 months to youth size 7. Kids Korner is printed on the label at the back of the neck. A white label sewn into the lower left inside seam has the manufacture date of “11/16” and style numbers ending in 8701P, 8701YD, 8671P, 9019, or 9022P.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the sweatshirt or jacket, and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Sold At: Fred Meyer, Kroger, Smith’s and Fry’s Marketplace from February 2017 through March 2017 for between $7 and $10.

Importer(s): Fred Meyer, Inc., of Portland, Ore.

Manufactured In: China.

Army Uniform Contract Awarded

National Industries for the Blind, Alexandria, Virginia, has been awarded a maximum $8,568,000 modification (P00002) exercising the first one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-16-D-B006) with four one-year option periods for Army physical fitness uniform pants. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $16,968,800 from $8,400,000. This is an indefinite-delivery contract. Locations of performance are Tennessee; and North Carolina, with an April 6, 2018, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2017 through 2018 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

CBP to Implement Executive Order: Establishing Enhanced Collection and Enforcement of Antidumping and Countervailing Duties and Violations of Trade and Customs Laws

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has announced that it will begin to implement the Executive Order “Establishing Enhanced Collection and Enforcement of Antidumping and Countervailing Duties and Violations of Trade and Customs Laws.” The Executive Order, March 31st, promotes the efficient and effective administration of U.S. customs and trade laws by establishing enhanced measures to collect duties and a heightened enforcement posture for trade violations that threaten the safety and economic security of the United States.

The Executive Order authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security, through the Commissioner of CBP to:

• Develop implementation plans within 90 days to require importers who CBP has determined pose a risk to the revenue of the United States to provide security for antidumping and countervailing-duty liability through bonds;

• Develop and implement a strategy and plan for enabling interdiction and disposal of inadmissible goods, including through methods other than seizure.

Additionally, the Executive Order enhances CBP’s authorization to share with rights holders information to determine Intellectual Property Rights infringements or violations, and information regarding merchandise voluntarily abandoned that violates trade laws. The Order also directs the Attorney General to develop prosecution practices and allocate resources to treat significant trade law violations as a high priority.

CBP will lead the Department of Homeland Security’s efforts to implement the provisions set forth in the Executive Order, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Commerce, and the United States Trade Representative.

The Executive Order aligns with CBP’s operational approach to enhance U.S. economic competitiveness and security by combating U.S. trade violations through detection, determent and disruption of illicit trade practices.

On a typical day, CBP screens more than 74,000 truck, rail, and sea cargo containers at 328 U.S. ports of entry—with imported goods worth approximately $6.3 billion. In Fiscal Year 2016, CBP seized more than 31,500 of counterfeit shipments and collected more $40 billion in duties, taxes, and fees, making CBP the U.S. government’s second largest source of revenue.

For additional information on the Executive Order, visit www.dhs.gov/executiveorders.