In conjunction with Art Basel Hong Kong, Loro Piana -- one of the world’s most prestigious cashmere and luxury fabric manufacturers -- pays homage to its most renowned material known as The Gift of Kings. It's quite a bold name but it represents an incredibly fine, feather-light and rare wool sourced by Loro Piana through a 30-year-long collaboration with a selection of Merino sheep breeders in Australia and New Zealand. This material, measuring only 12 microns (one thousandth of a millimeter), is far finer than cashmere and only available in very limited quantities, meaning it's quite extraordinary that it was used as the principal source material for this installation. READ MORE.
Saturday, March 31, 2018
Department of Defense Footwear and Clothing Contracts Awarded
McRae Industries Inc., Mt. Gilead, North Carolina, has been awarded a maximum $75,476,836 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for temperate-weather combat boots. This was a competitive acquisition with two responses received. This is a one-year base contract with four one-year option periods. Maximum dollar amount is for the life of the contract. Location of performance is North Carolina, with a March 29, 2023, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2018 through 2023 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-18-D-1034).
National Industries for the Blind, Alexandria, Virginia, has been awarded a maximum $8,739,000 modification (P00005) exercising the second 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. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery contract. Locations of performance are Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina, with an April 6, 2019, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2018 through 2019 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
On March 30, 2018, the Office of the United States Trade Representative released the 2018 National Trade Estimate Report
On March 30, 2018, the Office of the United States Trade Representative released the 2018 National Trade Estimate Report
The National Trade Estimate (NTE) covers 64 countries, customs territories and regional associations, as well as all 20 of the United States’ free trade agreement (FTA) partners.
Among the notable changes in the last year in the U.S. export market:
Africa
South Africa
Conformity Assessment for Information Technology (IT): South African authorities require conformity assessment that demonstrates that IT products imported into that country meet the relevant South African standard. The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications, part of the South African Bureau of Standards, had been taking nearly a year to issue the required documentation. The resulting delays were especially damaging to U.S. producers of IT goods, since the products are frequently updated to incorporate the latest technological developments. Following direct engagement with South African authorities, the timeframe required to issue the letters has dropped to about 80 days.
Restrictions on U.S. Turkey Meat: Prior to January 2018, South Africa required that exports of U.S. poultry meat to South Africa be produced from U.S. birds hatched and raised within the United States. This requirement restricted exports of U.S. turkey from meat produced from Canadian poults. In January 2018, USDA and South African authorities reached agreement on an amendment to the USDA export health certificate for poultry to allow the importation of U.S. turkey meat produced from turkeys grown from Canadian poults under certain conditions.
Kenya
Import Restrictions: In June 2016, Kenya doubled the import duty rate on articles of used clothing to $0.40/kg or 35 percent ad valorem, whichever is higher, as a first step to implement a March 2016 East Africa Community (EAC) decision to eliminate imports of used clothing and footwear within three years. According to the Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association, a U.S. industry association, shutting this market would negatively impact U.S. exports representing thousands of U.S. jobs. In response to U.S. concerns, in July 2017 Kenya revised down the import duty rate on articles of used clothing back to the pre-June 2016 rates of $0.20/kg or 35 percent ad valorem, whichever is higher.
Japan
Autos: In January 2018, Japan recognized a number of U.S. automotive safety standards, including frontal and rear crash standards, thereby reducing the cost and burden for U.S. auto exporters.
Sanitary and Phytosanitary: In September 2017, Japan agreed to expand market access for U.S. chipping potatoes by adding Idaho, starting with the 2018 season, to the list of U.S. states listed as eligible for export to Japan.
Western Hemisphere
Argentina
Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights: In 2017, Argentine authorities undertook significant enforcement actions against the sale of counterfeit goods. Authorities seized millions of dollars’ worth of illicit goods and made key arrests to dismantle organized crime operations in La Salada, one South America’s largest black markets for counterfeit and pirated goods.
Canada
Supreme Court Strikes Down the “Utility Doctrine”: In June 2017, the Supreme Court of Canada rejected lower Canadian courts’ rulings that if a patent promised more than it could provide, it could be invalidated for lack of utility. Canadian courts had used this “utility” or “promise doctrine” to invalidate a number of patents held by U.S. pharmaceutical companies. The Supreme Court of Canada struck down this doctrine as “unsound,” ruling that it is inconsistent with Canada’s Patent Act.
Colombia
Movement of Data: In August 2017, following U.S. engagement, Colombia’s Superintendency of Industry and Trade (SIC) added the United States to the list of countries that provide an adequate level of data protection. This corrected the original circular which did not include the United States and would have been a significant impediment to digital trade.
Guatemala
Chicken Leg Quarters: The United States gained immediate tariff elimination for U.S. exports of fresh, frozen and chilled chicken leg quarters, zeroing out tariffs five years earlier than planned and creating market opening benefits for U.S. poultry exporters. El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua also established duty-free TRQ volumes through 2023, when U.S. poultry will have unlimited duty-free access.
Peru
Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights: In 2017, the United States worked closely with Peruvian prosecutors and members of the Peruvian National Police to coordinate IPR enforcement, including a September 2017 seizure of the domain for pelis24.com, a prolific pirate site, and arrested its administrators in Lima. The site infringed on more than 5,000 properties belonging to U.S. copyright holders and attracted more than 25 million monthly visitors from Latin America.
Europe and the Middle East
Israel
Simplifying Declaration of Origin: Israel required U.S. exporters seeking to claim preferential treatment under the United States – Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to provide an original, consularized form (the “Form A” or UNCTAD green form). For many years, U.S. exporters shipping to Israel wishing to take advantage of these tariff preferences struggled to locate and obtain a hard copy “Form A.” To eliminate this barrier to U.S. exports, USTR negotiated an approach with Israel, reflected in a decision of the Joint Committee under the FTA that would allow Israel to accept self-declarations of origin for U.S. exports and to dispense with the use of the UNCTAD green form. The new simplified procedure went into effect on January 10, 2018.
China
Chinese Industrial Plans and Forced Technology Transfer: China uses a range of measures, including industrial plans such as “Made in China 2025,” to engineer the transfer of foreign technology to China. Made in China 2025 provides massive subsidies to high technology manufacturing industries, calls for preferences for Chinese goods and services, seeks to extract technologies from other countries and sets explicit goals for dominating China’s market and seeking increased market share abroad. To accomplish its industrial policy goals, for example, China denies certain financial or regulatory incentives to companies that do not own their intellectual property (IP) in China, do not conduct large amounts of R&D in China, and/or do not manufacture products in China. China also conditions foreign investment approvals on technology transfers to Chinese entities; mandates adverse licensing terms on foreign IP licensors; uses anti-monopoly enforcement to extract technology on unreasonable terms; and subsidizes acquisitions of foreign high-technology firms to bring technology to Chinese parent companies. Additionally, structural gaps and inconsistencies in intellectual property rights protection and enforcement allow Chinese entities to appropriate foreign IP. For example, misappropriation of trade secrets for the benefit of Chinese companies has occurred both within China and outside of China.
Excess Capacity: Chinese government industrial policies and financial support have contributed to massive excess capacity in China, with the resulting over-production and increased exports distorting global markets and hurting U.S. producers and workers in both the U.S. market and third country markets where U.S. exports compete with Chinese exports. This excess capacity has led to lower global prices and a glut of supply that undermine the viability of even the most competitive manufacturers, and policies like Made in China 2025 call for this pattern of distortion to continue.
Cybersecurity Regime: U.S. and global partners continue to have serious concerns regarding a series of Chinese cybersecurity measures that would impose severe restrictions on a wide range of U.S. and other foreign information and communications technology (ICT) products and services to replace such foreign ICT products and services with Chinese-made ICT products and services in China’s market. Concerns center on requirements in sectors that China deems “critical” to ensure that ICT equipment and other ICT products and services be “secure and controllable”. In addition, China would impose severe restrictions on cross-border data flows and requirements for data localization. Notwithstanding the negative U.S. and international reaction, China continues to move forward with its cybersecurity regime and problems continue to arise.
Taiwan
Pharmaceuticals: There continues to be a need for greater transparency and predictability in Taiwan’s pricing and reimbursement policies for pharmaceuticals, including innovative pharmaceuticals, in Taiwan’s health care system. In December 2017, Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan passed an amendment to the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act establishing a patent-linkage system that should address patent issues expeditiously in connection with applications to market pharmaceutical products. However, implementation remains incomplete.
Korea
In July 2017, USTR called for a special session under the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) to seek changes to rebalance the agreement in ways that will be more favorable to American workers and businesses. On March 28, 2018, an agreement in principle was announced and the agreement is being finalized.
In its discussions to improve KORUS, the United States achieved steps to improve the large trade deficit in industrial goods with Korea and to address KORUS implementation concerns that have hindered U.S. export growth.
Growing U.S. Auto Exports: Exports of U.S. motor vehicles to Korea will be improved through the following steps:
- Greater Access for U.S. Exports: Korea will double the number of U.S. automobile exports, to 50,000 cars per manufacturer per year that can meet U.S. safety standards (in lieu of Korean standards) and enter the Korean market without further modification.
- Harmonization of Testing Requirements: U.S. gasoline engine vehicle exports will be able to show compliance with Korea’s emission standards using the same tests they conduct to show compliance with U.S. regulations, without additional or duplicative testing for the Korean market.
- Recognition of U.S. Standards for Auto Parts: Korea will recognize U.S. standards for auto parts necessary to service U.S. vehicles, and reduce labeling burdens for parts.
- Improvements to CAFE Standards: Korea will expand the amount of “eco-credits” available to help meet fuel economy and greenhouse gas requirements under the regulations currently in force, while also ensuring that fuel economy targets in future regulations will take U.S. regulations into account and will continue to include more lenient targets for small volume manufacturers.
Customs Improvement: Korea will address long-standing concerns with onerous and costly verification procedures through agreement on principles for conducting verification of origin of exports under KORUS and establish a working group to monitor and address future issues that arise.
Pharmaceutical Reimbursements: In 2018, Korea will amend its Premium Pricing Policy for Global Innovative Drugs to make it consistent with Korea’s commitments under KORUS to ensure non-discriminatory and fair treatment for U.S. pharmaceutical exports.
South and Central Asia
India
Price Controls on Medical Devices: In 2017, India implemented price controls on coronary stents and knee implants that do not fully differentiate for advanced technologies within a product class. U.S. companies have applied to withdraw technologically advanced products from the market, but the requests have been rejected, forcing the United States to sell certain products at a loss. India has indicated it may apply similar price controls on additional medical devices.
Tariff Increases: India continues to maintain some of the highest average tariff rates worldwide. The large gap between India’s WTO bound and applied tariff rates allows India to make frequent adjustments to the level of protection provided to domestic producers by modifying tariff rates. For example, in 2017 India increased tariffs on pulses from zero to 30 and 50 percent. India also raised tariffs on certain high-tech information and communication technology products from zero to between 10 and 20 percent. U.S. companies have raised significant concerns with these actions.
The United States continues to raise these concerns through bilateral engagement with the Indian government, including through the U.S.-India Trade Policy Forum.
Southeast Asia
Vietnam
Electronic Payments Restrictions: Southeast Asian governments are implementing measures that favor national monopolies and champions at the expense of U.S. and other payments companies. Vietnam is implementing a plan to develop its own local electronic payments industry by requiring that all credit and debit payment transactions be processed by a government-owned monopoly, the National Payments Corporation of Vietnam (NAPAS). Implementation of the new system has been postponed until January 2019. The United States continues to urge Vietnam to adopt a competitive approach in which U.S. electronic payment companies are able to supply services without disruption or harm to commercial arrangements that have been in place for many years.
Motor Vehicles: In October 2017, Vietnam released Decree 116, which imposes onerous new requirements on imports, including new certification and testing requirements. The decree took effect on January 1, 2018 and has resulted in significant trade disruptions. The United States continues to engage Vietnam for a solution to these concerns that allows trade to resume for the benefit of both countries.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Export Opportunities for Defense Contractors
The Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA) at the U.S. Department of Commerce participates in international military events to promote Made in USA textiles and apparel military products. Through OTEXA's events, attendees will have the opportunity to:
- Meet with potential foreign buyers
- Discuss directly with project owners/developers about procurement needs
- Learn nuanced licensure and registration requirements for the target markets
- Receive guidance on trade barriers and market access issues for your firm
- Leverage U.S. Government international contacts to support your international sales growth
- Gain market insight on geopolitical and economic issues affecting the industries
Eurosatory in Paris, June 11-15, 2018: Eurosatory is the largest biennial land and air defense trade show serving the global defense market.
Land Forces in Adelaide Australia, September 4-6, 2018: Land Forces is Australia’s premier land defense exhibition and a leading land defense forum for Australia, Asia and the Indo-Pacific Region.
OTEXA will have a booth at these events to promote Made in USA products. To participate or for more information on these events, please contact, Kim-Bang Nguyen at Kim-Bang.Nguyen@trade.gov or on 202-482-4805.
U.S. and Mexico Border Agencies Sign Memorandum of Cooperation on Customs and Trade Enforcement
On March 26, 2018, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Kevin McAleenan and the Mexico Tax Administration Service (SAT) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on Customs and Trade Enforcement, which will facilitate the development and implementation of joint and coordinated programs aimed at increasing trade and customs compliance, as well as combating illicit activities.
Additionally, CBP and SAT signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cargo Pre-Inspection Program and Unified Cargo Processing (UCP). This MOU states the bilateral commitment for the further implementation of cargo-pre inspection and UCP programs, through which Mexican customs officers and CBP officers will work together to inspect and process cargo shipments.
Textiles Continue to be a "No Go" for FTZs
PBR, Inc. d/b/a/ SKAPS Industries (SKAPS) has submitted a notification of proposed production activity to the Foreign-Trade Zone Board for its facility in Athens, Georgia. The facility currently has authority to produce non-woven geotextile fabric using polypropylene staple fiber (PPSF) for a five-year period (until August 23, 2018) subject to a restriction requiring admission of all foreign-status PPSF (duty rate 4.3%) be admitted to the zone under privileged foreign status (19 CFR 146.41), thereby precluding inverted tariff benefits.
SKAPS' current notification would extend that restricted authority indefinitely.
Until 2009 most textile articles were not eligible for consideration for an FTZ operation. Since then there have been several applications relating to textiles and in each case where the U.S. textile industry objected because they were willing and able to supply the textile article in question, the application was denied in whole, or at least as regards the textile component that was available from a domestic source. The latest SKAPS application appears to be yet another example of an applicant recognizing that they were unlikely to succeed in getting FTZ inverted tariff benefits for the textile component and that excluding textiles from the application would avoid having the whole application held up due to a dispute over textiles.
Navy Parka Contract Awarded
M&M Manufacturing LLC, Lajas, Puerto Rico, has been awarded a maximum $23,529,600 firm-fixed-price contract for cold-weather parkas. This was a competitive acquisition with six responses received. This is a one-year base contract with one one-year option period. Maximum dollar amount is for the life of the contract. Location of performance is Puerto Rico, with a March 26, 2020, performance completion date. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2018 through 2020 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-18-D-1038).
Federal Business Opportunities through March 28, 2018
Recently posted federal business opportunities.
------------------------------------------------------- Title: Fire Resistance Organizational (FROG) Uniforms Sol. #: W90VN918R0008 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FELT STRIP Sol. #: SPE1C118T1028 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: T-Shirt Purchase Sol. #: W912L1-18-0080 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Total Solutions for Law Enforcement, Security, Facilities Management, Fire, Rescue Sol. #: 7FCI-L3-030084-B Agency: General Services Administration ------------------------------------------------------- Title: N61331-17-R-0011 Neutrally Buoyant Ballistic Plates (NBBPs) Sol. #: N61331-17-R-0011 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: T-Shirt w/ National Guard custom Logo Sol. #: W912JM-18-Q-0001-01 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Aircrew Laser Eye Protection Block 3 IDIQ Draft RFP Sol. #: FA8606-18-R-0013 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Ballistic Vests & Accessories Sol. #: HQ0034-18-R-0043 Agency: Other Defense Agencies ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Safety Shoes Sol. #: 36C24618Q0561 Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FLAG,SIGNAL Sol. #: SPE1C118T1255 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FLAG,IDENTIFICATION Sol. #: SPE1C118T1257 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FLAG,INDIVIDUAL Sol. #: SPE1C118T1261 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FLAG,ORGANIZATIONAL Sol. #: SPE1C118T1253 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: PANEL MARKER Sol. #: SPE1C118T1252 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: IHWCU/ACU Coats and Trousers Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-0062 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: VRP-NON-FIRE-SAFETY JACKET Sol. #: 140P2118Q0009 Agency: Department of the Interior ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FY 18 Extreme Cold Weather Cap Sol. #: M67854-18-I-1344 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FY 18 Contact Glove Sol. #: M67854-18-I-1343 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Military Reconnaissance Gear Sol. #: FBGARRCBKW0004 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BELT,HIGH VISIBILIT Sol. #: SPE8EZ18Q0120 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Option Final Bid - WHINSEC PT Uniforms Sol. #: W911SF17T5410 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: OPTION - WHINSEC PT Uniforms Sol. #: W911SF-18-T-5410 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BARS ICP Replenishment - Packs/Bags Sol. #: FA8629-18-R-5016 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BARS ICP Replenishment - Apparel Sol. #: FA8629-18-R-5015 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BARS ICP Replenishment - Dive Apparel Sol. #: FA8629-18-R-5014 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BARS ICP Replenishment - Climbing/Water Rescue Sol. #: FA8629-18-R-5012 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BARS ICP Replenishment - Survival/Navigation Sol. #: FA8629-18-R-5011 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Mobile Safety Shoes Sol. #: HQ0034-18-R-0058 Agency: Other Defense Agencies ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Ceremony Canopy Tent Sol. #: FBNC382PJS0008 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: INSIGNIA,GRADE,ENLISTED Sol. #: SPE1C118T1101 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: 18-11620 SECURITY UTILITIES Sol. #: 18-11620 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Ballistic Vests & Accessories Sol. #: HQ0034-18-R-0043 Agency: Other Defense Agencies ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Carrier, Individual Sol. #: SPRDL1-18-Q-0195 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Total Solutions for Law Enforcement, Security, Facilities Management, Fire, Rescue Sol. #: 7FCI-L3-030084-B Agency: General Services Administration ------------------------------------------------------- Title: DOI, Medal and Lapel Pin BPA RFQ Sol. #: 140D0418Q0231 Agency: Department of the Interior ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Skis, Ski Poles, Ski Bindings, and Ski Binding Rods Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-0068 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Snap Links Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-0070 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: GLOVES, CHEMICAL & OIL PROTECTIVE Sol. #: SPE1C118RX011 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: uniforms Sol. #: FLWUSAMPSUSACPAMSD0001 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SPMYM2-18-Q-1780 Sol. #: SPMYM2-18-Q-1780 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Commercial Item, Leather,Full Grain, Chrome Tanned, Berry Amendment Compliant Sol. #: CT2240-18 Agency: Department of Justice ------------------------------------------------------- Title: High Visibility Belts Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-0069 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SIGNAL, PLATFORM/ POCKET, SURVIVAL VEST Sol. #: SPRRA1-18-Q-0033 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Padded Room Sol. #: W91WRZ-18-Q-0029 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Uniform Sewing Services for Naval Special Warfare Sol. #: H92240-18-Q-1004 Agency: Other Defense Agencies ------------------------------------------------------- Title: APPAREL (JACKETS & POLO SHIRTS) Sol. #: SPMYM118Q0054 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BARS ICP Replenishment - Apparel Sol. #: FA8629-18-R-5015 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Police Uniforms and Equipment Sol. #: NIH-OLAO-OD3-RFP4878514 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Total Solutions for Law Enforcement, Security, Facilities Management, Fire, Rescue Sol. #: 7FCI-L3-030084-B Agency: General Services Administration ------------------------------------------------------- Title: PC Gen III Soft Armor Inserts- Amendment 0006 Sol. #: M67854-18-R-1305 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: DOI, Medal and Lapel Pin BPA RFQ Sol. #: 140D0418Q0231 Agency: Department of the Interior ------------------------------------------------------- Title: GLOVE, THERMAL & IMMERSION PROTECTIVE Sol. #: SPE1C118RX012 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Safety Toe Footwear Sol. #: 15B61118Q00000017 Agency: Department of Justice ------------------------------------------------------- Title: GLOVE Sol. #: SPMYM2-18-Q-1923 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Ballistic Vests & Accessories Sol. #: HQ0034-18-R-0043 Agency: Other Defense Agencies ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Intent To Sole Source - Danner Reckoning Boot Sol. #: M67854-18-Q-1361 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Safety Boot Shoe Sol. #: W912PB18Q3055 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Field Craft Ponchos and Ballistic Helmets Sol. #: FA527018QB035 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CYPRES 2 Parachute Sol. #: CYPRES-2-Sources-Sought Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Honor Guard Sun Shade Sol. #: FA4661-18-Q-0064 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: GPS Watches Sol. #: F1V1B118072AW01 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Safariland, Surefire and Streamlight accessories Sol. #: POLKDESPOLICELJP0013 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Vital Torso Protection - Full Rate Production Sol. #: W91CRB-16-R-0010 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CHEMICAL SUITS Sol. #: USACBRNS030920185 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Batelle-Fast Rope Descender Items Sol. #: STBFRDD1 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: STAMP MACHINE Sol. #: M0014618Q2608 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Military Gear Sol. #: FBGARRCBKW0001 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: HARD HATS Sol. #: SPMYM2-18-Q-1805 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FIREFIGHTER CLOTHING Sol. #: 140A0918Q0070 Agency: Department of the Interior ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Enhanced Electronic Automatic Activation Device (EEAAD) Industry Day Sol. #: W911QY-18-EEAAD-ID Agency: Department of the Army -------------------------------------------------------
Clients of Agathon Associates and subscribers to Agathon Associates' Trade Advisor Service can find links to the full solicitations at www.agathonassociates.com/textile-pri/berry/fbo.htm. You will need to enter your username and password. If you do not know your username and password email David Trumbull at david@agathonassociates.com.
Thursday, March 22, 2018
2018 State of the U.S. Textile Industry Address
Outgoing 2017-18 National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) Chairman William V. “Bill” McCrary Jr. delivered the trade association’s 2018 State of the U.S. Textile Industry overview at NCTO’s 15th Annual Meeting on March 22 at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C.
Read the address HERE
CPSC Staff to Engage with California State Officials on Upholstered Furniture Flammability Issues
On Thursday, March 29, 2018, Andrew Lock, Consumer Protection Safety Commission Directorate for Laboratory Sciences, and other CPSC staff will call into the California Bureau of Electronics and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation (BEARHFTI) advisory council meeting to listen to the status of ongoing upholstered furniture flammability issues in the state of California, starting at 12:00 p.m. EST (9:00 a.m. PST).
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
AATCC Foundation Scholarships
AATCC Foundation Scholarships
- If your company is a corporate member of AATCC, and you and/or your co-workers have children getting ready to attend, or attending, a college
or university with an AATCC student chapter, the
AATCC Foundation Corporate Member Scholarship ($3,000) is available to you!
- for those of you in the Western Region, the
AATCC Foundation West Region Scholarship ($2,000) is offered to rising juniors or seniors pursuing an undergraduate degree in a textile or fashion-related field of study at a public college or university in which an active AATCC student chapter exists (currently University of California-Davis; California State Polytechnic University, Pomona; Oregon State University; Central Michigan University; University of Wisconsin-Madison; and University of Nebraska-Lincoln).
- for those of you in the northeast, the
Metro Scholarship ($3,000) is offered to sophomores and juniors in the New England, New York and New Jersey areas attending universities with AATCC student chapters are eligible for this scholarship.
- the
Kanti and Hansa Jasani Family Textile Scholarship is a $2,000 scholarship available to Indian students, specifically Indian citizens with a student visa or with permanent residency, who are attending a US university with an AATCC student chapter. The student should be pursuing a career in a field involving textile engineering, textile technology, textile chemistry, textile science, or a related discipline.
Additional scholarships include:
- Nonwovens Institute Student Scholarship Program ($2,500) scholarship is for juniors and seniors majoring in fiber and polymer science, textiles, material science, chemical engineering, or related disciplines. The purpose of this scholarship is to support undergraduate students interested in pursuing graduate studies in the areas of polymers, fibers, or nonwovens.
- The
Darsey Family Scholarship is a $1,500 scholarship available to students enrolled in a textile-related and/or fashion design related program at a US university with an AATCC student chapter.
- The AATCC Foundation’s
Gordon and Marjorie Osborne Scholarship is a $3,000 per year scholarship that supports students pursuing a career or performing coursework in textile engineering, textile chemistry, textile science or a related discipline.
- AATCC Foundation
Fibrous Materials Scholarship is a $3,000 scholarship intended for undergraduate students taking material science courses or programs associated with fibrous materials.
- AATCC Foundation
Textile Chemistry Scholarship is a $3,000 scholarship intended for undergraduate students taking textile chemistry, polymer and color chemistry, or related courses/programs.
- AATCC Foundation
Textile Design Scholarship is a $3,000 scholarship intended for undergraduate students taking textile, apparel, or home fashion design courses or programs.
- The AATCC Foundation
Textile Merchandising Scholarship is a $3,000 scholarship intended for undergraduate students taking textile merchandising, management, and retail related courses or programs.
Additional information can be found on our AATCC Foundation Grants and Scholarship
webpage.
These scholarships offer great opportunities for our members and beyond. Please pass the word to students, faculty, friends, co-workers; APPLICATIONS ARE DUE MARCH 31
Texas Company Wins Bid for Afghan Army Clothing Contract
Excel Garment Manufacturing LTD, El Paso, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $27,543,750 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for various types of trousers. This was a competitive acquisition with four responses received. This is a three-year contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Texas, with a Sept. 19, 2021, estimated performance completion date. Using customer is Afghan National Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2018 through 2021 foreign military sales funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-18-D-1043).
Within the U.S. industry it is widely understood that Department of Defense acquisitions of textiles and clothing are government by the Berry Amendment which requires domestic U.S. sourcing. Less well known is that the Berry Amendment applies to all funds "made available" to the Defense Department. That includes Department of Defense procurement for Foreign Military Sales.
Federal Business Opportunities through March 21, 2018
Recently posted federal business opportunities.
------------------------------------------------------- Title: Security forces Deployment Gear Sol. #: FA8054-14-D-0004-0C04 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Aircraft Helmets Sol. #: 70Z048-18-Q-PCLA1100 Agency: Department of Homeland Security ------------------------------------------------------- Title: USCG BOAT CREW HELMETS Sol. #: 70Z02318RMNQ07400 Agency: Department of Homeland Security ------------------------------------------------------- Title: UNDERSHIRT,EXTREME Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0201 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Tent Liners & Plenum Trunks Sol. #: N0018918Q0065_01 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Safety Toe Footwear Sol. #: 15B61118Q00000017 Agency: Department of Justice ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Frame, Modular Command Post Sol. #: 8340-01-334-2341-2 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Skis, Ski Poles, Ski Bindings, and Ski Binding Rods Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-0068 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BOATSWAIN'S PIPE Sol. #: SPE1C118T1218 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Plastic Film Sheeting Sol. #: SPMYM318Q4029 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Enhanced Electronic Automatic Activation Device (EEAAD) Industry Day Sol. #: W911QY-18-EEAAD-ID Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: GNXIIIA Ballistic Panels Set Sol. #: Jackson17THMP0002 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: MP R20-D Fixed Pockets Sol. #: Jackson17THMP0001 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Police Uniforms and Equipment Sol. #: NIH-OLAO-OD3-RFP4878514 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Representational Floor Coverings Sol. #: 103018BMD41 Agency: Department of State ------------------------------------------------------- Title: TENT,COT Sol. #: SPE1C118T1216 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Universal Carry Holder Sol. #: 000000013450 Agency: General Services Administration ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BAG,WATER,ASSEMBLY Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0115 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BARS ICP Replenishment - Apparel Sol. #: FA8629-18-R-5015 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: safety shoes for oklahoma city Sol. #: SP3300-18-Q-0047 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Gloves, Rubber, Industrial, Black Sol. #: SPE1C118R0061 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: NATO International Competitive Bidding (ICB): Supply of NATO Medals Sol. #: IFIB-ACO-SH-18-01 Agency: Department of Commerce ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Plate Carrier Generation III (PC Gen III) Sol. #: M67854-18-R-1309 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Cloth, Poly/Wool, Serge, Army, Blue, Shade 451 Sol. #: SPE1C1-17-R-0124 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Cloth, Poly/Wool, Serge, Army, Blue, Shade 450 Sol. #: SPE1C1-17-R-0123 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: PC Gen III Soft Armor Inserts- Amendment 0004 Sol. #: M67854-18-R-1305 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Police Equipment Nigeria Sol. #: 19GE5018Q0011 Agency: Department of State ------------------------------------------------------- Title: RABU MABU Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-0032 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: COVERALLS, DISPOSABLE Sol. #: SPMYM2-18-Q-1743 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Special Tactics Personal Equipment Management System (ST PEMS) Kits Sol. #: H92222-18-R-000X Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Shoe-Mobile (Safety Shoes) Sol. #: 36C24618Q0561 Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Simunition Protective Gear Sol. #: POLKDESPOLICELJP0012 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Haix Airpower P7 High waterproof boots Item#206215 Sol. #: desps1806 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Millitary Boots COYOTE (Belleville C390) Sol. #: POLKJRTCC390 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Uniform Name Tapes & Patches Sol. #: W912MM18Q5006 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FLAG,ORGANIZATIONAL Sol. #: SPE1C118T1201 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Vital Torso Protection - Full Rate Production Sol. #: W91CRB-16-R-0010 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Printed T-Shirts Sol. #: W9124D-18-Q-6214 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: DRI-FIT TRAINING JACKETS AND PANTS Sol. #: 6923G218Q000008 Agency: Department of Transportation ------------------------------------------------------- Title: WOMEN'S KHAKI SLACKS AND MEN'S KHAKI TROUSERS Sol. #: 6923G218Q000007 Agency: Department of Transportation ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Total Solutions for Law Enforcement, Security, Facilities Management, Fire, Rescue Sol. #: 7FCI-L3-030084-B Agency: General Services Administration ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Custom Awards and Accolade Plaques Sol. #: D-18-HR-0030 Agency: Department of Justice ------------------------------------------------------- Title: INDUSTRY MANUFACTURING CAPABILITY FOR THE MHS HOLSTER SLEEVE Sol. #: M67854-18-I-1334 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Visor, Flyer's Helmet (OTO - Visor Tinted) Sol. #: PC18074001 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Commercial Item, Leather,Full Grain, Chrome Tanned, Berry Amendment Compliant Sol. #: CT2240-18 Agency: Department of Justice ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Uniform Name Tapes & Patches Sol. #: W912MM18Q5006 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SPMYM2-18-Q-1599 Sol. #: SPMYM2-18-Q-1599 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: HARD HATS Sol. #: SPMYM2-18-Q-1805 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CUT RESISTANT GLOVES Sol. #: SPMYM218Q1414 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Ballistic Panels and Stab Resistant Inserts for Body Armor Vests Sol. #: CT2232-18 Agency: Department of Justice ------------------------------------------------------- Title: MEDAL,SERVICE Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0141 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BARS ICP Replenishment - Apparel Sol. #: FA8629-18-R-5015 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: OPTION - Safety Shoes Sol. #: W91QV1-18-Q-0007 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: OCP Patrol Cap RABU Utility Cap Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-0038 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: TACTICAL AIR SUPPORTED TENT Sol. #: POLK230JH0002 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Integrated Footwear System (IFS) Cuffs Sol. #: W911QY18R0024 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FLAG,ORGANIZATIONAL Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0116 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: IHWCU/ACU Coats and Trousers Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-0062 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: multicam-vest Sol. #: fa4528-18-Q-GM04 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Deployment Gear Sol. #: F2VAGS8071AW01 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FLAG,IDENTIFICATION Sol. #: SPE1C118T1174 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CUT RESISTANT GLOVES Sol. #: SPMYM218Q1414 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Custom Awards and Accolade Plaques Sol. #: D-18-HR-0030 Agency: Department of Justice ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Pack, Fireline, Complete Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-Q-TBD1 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Wildland PPE Equipment Sol. #: FA301618U0062 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Wildland and J-Fire PPE Equipment Sol. #: FA301618U0098 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: MEDAL SET,SERVICE Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0140 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Police Equipment Sol. #: 19GE5018Q0011 Agency: Department of State -------------------------------------------------------
Clients of Agathon Associates and subscribers to Agathon Associates' Trade Advisor Service can find links to the full solicitations at www.agathonassociates.com/textile-pri/berry/fbo.htm. You will need to enter your username and password. If you do not know your username and password email David Trumbull at david@agathonassociates.com.
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Hosts U.S. Roundtable
At the end of February, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) hosted a popular Roundtable for the textile industry in Charleston, S.C. The headline was "Making a Business Case for GOTS Certification". GOTS Roundtables take place all over the globe to connect stakeholders in order to define challenges, opportunities as well as providing feedback to GOTS on specific sectoral or regional needs.
GOTS is the stringent voluntary global standard for the entire post-harvest processing (including spinning, knitting, weaving, dyeing and manufacturing) of apparel and home textiles made with organic fiber (such as organic cotton and organic wool), and includes both environmental and social criteria. In May 2011, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) formally recognized GOTS certification supporting the proper labeling of textiles sold as “organic” in the U.S. GOTS certification enables consumers to purchase items that are third party certified organic from field to finished product.
Please learn more about GOTS at www.global-standard.org. This includes a free public database through which GOTS claims can be verified.
Saturday, March 17, 2018
Army and Navy Steel Toe Boot Contract Awarded
The Original Footwear Co., Arecibo, Puerto Rico, has been awarded a maximum $18,325,895 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for hot-weather steel toe boots. This was a competitive acquisition with four offers received. This is a one-year base contract with four one-year option periods. Maximum dollar amount is for the life of the contract. Locations of performance are Tennessee, Mississippi, Maine and Puerto Rico, with a March 16, 2023, performance completion date. Using military services are Army and Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2018 through 2023 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-18-D-1042).
Friday, March 16, 2018
Bay State Company Wins Military Athletic Shoe Contract
New Balance Athletics Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, has been awarded a maximum $17,325,438 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for athletic shoes. This was a competitive acquisition with six responses received. This is an 18-month base contract with one 18-month option period. Maximum dollar amount is for the life of the contract. Locations of performance are Maine and Massachusetts, with a March 14, 2021, performance completion date. Using customers are Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2018 through 2021 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-18-D-1041).
Gil Kaplan Confirmed as Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade
The Senate has confirmed Gilbert Kaplan to serve as Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade. In this position, Mr. Kaplan will oversee Commerce’s trade remedy functions and export promotion activities. READ MORE.
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Federal Business Opportunities through March 14, 2018
Recently posted federal business opportunities.
------------------------------------------------------- Title: Unit Patch Shoulder Sleeve ARMY HEALTH SERVICE COMMAND OCP Sol. #: WTUBN03 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SPMYM2-18-Q-1780 Sol. #: SPMYM2-18-Q-1780 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: GLOVES,BARBED TAPE- Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0062 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Custom Awards and Accolade Plaques Sol. #: D-18-HR-0030 Agency: Department of Justice ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Batelle-Fast Rope Descender Items Sol. #: STBFRDD1 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: JACKETS Sol. #: SPMYM2-18-Q-1608 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: (C) Uniform Supply BPA SDVOSB set-aside Sol. #: 36C25918Q0236 Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Womens' White Overblouse Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0074 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Safety Shoe Mobile San Joaquin Sol. #: SP3300-18-Q-5020 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CLOTH,FIBERGLASS Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0161 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: G-1, Flyers, Jacket, Leather, Brown Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-Q-0194 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: TRAINING AID,BATON Sol. #: Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: 20 x 40 Pole Tent with Custom Graphics gold and black Sol. #: Benning311KLR0001 ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Poolee T-Shirts Sol. #: M00263181014 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BARS ICP Replenishment - Packs/Bags Sol. #: FA8629-18-R-5016 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BARS ICP Replenishment - Apparel Sol. #: FA8629-18-R-5015 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BARS ICP Replenishment - Dive Apparel Sol. #: FA8629-18-R-5014 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BARS ICP Replenishment - Climbing/Water Rescue Sol. #: FA8629-18-R-5012 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CHEMICAL SUITS Sol. #: USACBRNS030920185 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: DISPOSABLE PLASTIC APRON Sol. #: 47QSWB-18-Q-1701 Agency: General Services Administration ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Cadet Swords Sol. #: W911SD18T0090 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BARS ICP Replenishment - Survival/Navigation Sol. #: FA8629-18-R-5011 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Representational Floor Coverings Sol. #: 103018BMD41 Agency: Department of State ------------------------------------------------------- Title: multicam-vest Sol. #: fa4528-18-Q-GM04 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CLOTH,CHEESECLOTH Sol. #: SPE1C118U0009 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: 18-11620 SECURITY UTILITIES Sol. #: 18-11620 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: HARD HAT Sol. #: SPMYM2-18-Q-1251 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: DISPOSABLE PLASTIC APRON Sol. #: 47QSWB-18-Q-1701 Agency: General Services Administration ------------------------------------------------------- Title: GUIDON Sol. #: SPE1C118T1042 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CHEMICAL SUITS Sol. #: USACBRNS030920185 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: USCG BOAT CREW HELMETS Sol. #: 70Z02318RMNQ07400 Agency: Department of Homeland Security ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Clothing Product Demonstration Models Based on Supplied Purchase Descriptions and Patterns Sol. #: W911QY18R0029 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Wildland and J-Fire PPE Equipment Sol. #: FA301618U0098 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Wildland PPE Equipment Sol. #: FA301618U0062 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: TACTICAL AIR SUPPORTED TENT Sol. #: POLK230JH0002 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: TACTICAL AIR SUPPORTED TENT Sol. #: POLK230JH0001 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CUT RESISTANT GLOVES Sol. #: SPMYM218Q1414 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: STREAMER,AWARD Sol. #: SPE1C118T1045 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Wildland and J-Fire PPE Equipment Sol. #: FA301618U0098 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Wildland PPE Equipment Sol. #: FA301618U0062 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Uniform Services Sol. #: 201700351 Agency: Federal Reserve ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Ballistic Vests & Accessories Sol. #: HQ0034-18-R-0043 Agency: Other Defense Agencies ------------------------------------------------------- Title: PC Gen III Soft Armor Inserts- Amendment 0004 Sol. #: M67854-18-R-1305 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: TACTICAL AIR SUPPORTED TENT Sol. #: POLK230JH0001 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Vital Torso Protection - Full Rate Production Sol. #: W91CRB-16-R-0010 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Plate Carrier Generation III (PC Gen III) Sol. #: M67854-18-R-1309 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: LaSportiva 856-Karakorum Mountaineering Boots Sol. #: Benning375EMB0001 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Men's Deck Shoes Sol. #: 192118FAO00000113 Agency: Department of Homeland Security ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CLOTH,PLAIN WEAVE Sol. #: SPE1C118T1133 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Deployment Gear Sol. #: FA4661-18-Q-0058 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Deployment Gear Sol. #: FA4661-18-Q-0047 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: HARD HAT Sol. #: SPMYM2-18-Q-1251 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: PRIOR VENDOR/ IGE SEND VIA EMAIL PORT HUDSON NC Uniform cleaning and rental POC: Ronald Stout, PSASubject to availability of FY18 funding. Rental of Field Uniforms Sol. #: 36C78618Q0211 Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Uniform Services Sol. #: 201700351 Agency: Federal Reserve ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Police Uniforms and Equipment Sol. #: NIH-OLAO-OD3-RFP4878514 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Men's Deck Shoes Sol. #: 192118FAO00000113 Agency: Department of Homeland Security ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Carrier, Individual Sol. #: SPRDL1-18-Q-0195 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: COVERALLS,DISPOSABL Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0145 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency -------------------------------------------------------
Clients of Agathon Associates and subscribers to Agathon Associates' Trade Advisor Service can find links to the full solicitations at www.agathonassociates.com/textile-pri/berry/fbo.htm. You will need to enter your username and password. If you do not know your username and password email David Trumbull at david@agathonassociates.com.
Thursday, March 8, 2018
National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) and American Fiber Manufacturers Association (AFMA) will merge April 1, 2018
The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) and the American Fiber Manufacturers (AFMA) announced, March 8, 2018, a merger of their respective organizations effective April 1, 2018.
NCTO Chairman William V. “Bill” McCrary Jr., Chairman & CEO, William Barnet & Son, Spartanburg, S.C. said, “The NCTO merger with AFMA strengthens the U.S. textile industry’s ability to influence federal policy. It brings new members and financial resources to NCTO and extends the organization’s political reach.”
“It also cements NCTO’s status as the voice of every facet of the U.S. textile production chain, a fact that will help NCTO to more effectively influence federal policies that affect U.S. textile investment, production and workers,” McCrary added.
AFMA Chairman Mark Ruday, Senior Vice President, DAK Americas, Charlotte, N.C. said, “AFMA’s merger with NCTO will allow U.S. fiber producers to keep the sector’s seat at the federal policy table.”
“As a multi-billion industry with tens of thousands of employees, it is critical that the U.S. man-made fiber sector stay engaged in Washington,” Ruday continued.
Noting that NCTO constantly monitors and engages in all major textile policy matters that impact the entire production chain, including key international trade negotiations, congressional initiatives and federal procurement and regulatory matters, Ruday said, “Merging with NCTO will ensure the U.S. fiber manufacturers have an effective voice on policy matters affecting the sector.”
The merged organization will be called by the name National Council of Textile Organizations, and NCTO President & CEO Auggie Tantillo will continue in that position.
NCTO is a Washington, DC-based trade association representing the U.S. textile industry.
Four councils, Fiber, Yarn, Fabric & Home Furnishings, and Industry Support comprise NCTO’s leadership structure. Each represents a major sector of the U.S. supply chain and elects its own officers who make up NCTO’s board of directors. AFMA is an Arlington, Va.-based trade association representing U.S. companies that manufacture synthetic and cellulosic fibers.
- U.S. employment in the textile supply chain was 550,500 in 2017.
- The value of shipments for U.S. textiles and apparel was $77.9 billion last year, a 16% increase since 2009.
- U.S. exports of fiber, textiles and apparel were $28.6 billion in 2015.
- Capital expenditures for textile and apparel production totaled $2.4 billion in 2016, the last year for which data is available.
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
CBP Releases E-Commerce Strategy
On March 6, 2018, U.S. Customs and Border Protection released its e-commerce strategy that addresses the growing volume of imported small packages and the challenges and opportunities it presents for the U.S. economy and security. The e-commerce strategy strengthens CBP's ability to protect health and safety while maintaining a strong trade facilitation posture in e-commerce.
CBP defines e-commerce as high-volume, low-value shipments purchased via electronic means. This growth in volume has increased the opportunity for illicit and dangerous products to cross our borders, placing Americans’ health and safety at risk and creating new risks that can compromise U.S. intellectual property rights.
This strategy highlights private industry and foreign governments as key stakeholders and resources in CBP's continuous assessment of the e-commerce environment and includes efforts to educate the public and trade community to ensure they understand their responsibilities as importers to comply with customs regulations. The strategy also emphasizes enforcement initiatives, such as streamlining enforcement processes affected by increasing e-commerce volumes, leveraging enforcement partnerships with partner government agencies and foreign governments, and improving data collection from CBP targeting systems and field personnel.
As part of this strategy, CBP will work to enhance legal and regulatory authorities to better posture the agency to address emerging threats. In addition, it outlines the creation of a more agile, dynamic workforce that utilizes state-of-art techniques and technology to better target high-risk shipments, improving data collection from CBP targeting systems, and leveraging enforcement partnerships.
The document affirms CBP's commitment to the Presidential Executive Order 13785, Establishing Enhanced Collection and Enforcement of Antidumping and Countervailing Duties and Violations of Trade and Customs Laws, and the fulfillment of its mandates.
Topson Downs Recalls Cat & Jack Girls' Star Studded Jeans Due to Laceration Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Target
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205-03-1377 |
205-03-1381 |
205-03-1385 |
205-03-1389 |
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205-03-1378 |
205-03-1382 |
205-03-1386 |
205-03-1390 |
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205-03-1379 |
205-03-1383 |
205-03-1387 |
205-03-1391 |
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205-03-1380 |
205-03-1384 |
205-03-1388 |
205-03-1392 |
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop wearing the recalled jeans and return them to any Target store for a full refund.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received six reports of metal stars detaching, including five reports of lacerations.
Sold Exclusively At: Target stores nationwide and online at target.com from September 2017 through November 2017 for about $18.
Manufacturer(s): Topson Downs, of Culver City, Calif.
Manufactured In: China
Recall number: 18-117
Federal Business Opportunities through March 7, 2018
Recently posted federal business opportunities.
------------------------------------------------------- Title: Protective Clothing Sol. #: FA8224-18-R-0021 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Deployment Gear Sol. #: FA4661-18-Q-0047 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: OPTION - Cadet Mess Uniforms Sol. #: W911SD-18-R-0002 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Poolee T-Shirts Sol. #: M00263181014 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: POWER DISTRIBUTION Sol. #: 18Q0146 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Total Solutions for Law Enforcement, Security, Facilities Management, Fire, Rescue Sol. #: 7FCI-L3-030084-B Agency: General Services Administration ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Shoe, Deck, Boatcrew Sol. #: SPE1C118RX010 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Unit Patch Shoulder Sleeve ARMY HEALTH SERVICE COMMAND OCP Sol. #: WTUBN03 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Unit Patch Shoulder Sleeve ARMY HEALTH SERVICE COMMAND OCP Sol. #: WTUBN02 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: PC Gen III Soft Armor Inserts Sol. #: M67854-18-R-1305 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Historical USMC Uniforms Sol. #: M6739918Q1001 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: POCKET,UNDERWATER B Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0122 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Plate Carrier Generation III (PC Gen III) Sol. #: M67854-18-R-1309 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: JACKETS Sol. #: SPMYM2-18-Q-1608 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: GLOVES,MEN'S AND WO Sol. #: Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CLOTH,SATIN Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0155 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Soft Armor Sol. #: FA4855-18-R-0010 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Aircraft Helmets Sol. #: 70Z048-18-Q-PCLA1100 Agency: Department of Homeland Security ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Ballistic Vests & Accessories Sol. #: HQ0034-18-R-0043 Agency: Other Defense Agencies ------------------------------------------------------- Title: INSIGNIA,SHOULDER S Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0152 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SERVICE RIBBON,AWAR Sol. #: SPE1C118T0830 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: INSIGNIA,SHOULDER S Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0150 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Option Final Bid - WHINSEC PT Uniforms Sol. #: W911SF17T5410 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FMS IBA-OTV Sol. #: W91CRB-18-R-0032 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Extra Large Gloves Sol. #: SPMYM118Q0052 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SERVICE RIBBON,AWARD Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0180 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: COVER,WATER CANTEEN Sol. #: SPE1C118T1118 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SPMYM2-18-Q-1599 Sol. #: SPMYM2-18-Q-1599 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SERVICE RIBBON,AWARD Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0179 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: MISC Clothing and Personal Items Sol. #: W912K6-18-5002 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SHOULDER CORD,INFAN Sol. #: SPE1C118T0831 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: PANEL MARKER Sol. #: SPE1C118T0393 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Poolee T-Shirts Sol. #: M00263181014 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: TENT, EZ UP, BLUE 10x10 Sol. #: Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: INSIGNIA,SHOULDER S Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0151 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Fire Requiring Outer Garment (FROG) Sol. #: W90VN9-18-R-0007 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: GLOVE DRIVERS Sol. #: SPMYM218Q1549 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Court Shoes Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0046 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SERVICE RIBBON,AWAR Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0173 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SERVICE RIBBON,AWAR Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0173 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: VISOR,FLYER'S HELME Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0144 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Coveralls, Shipboard, Utility, Blue Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-XXX Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Cold Weather Mountaineering Boots Sol. #: W912LN-18-T-0004 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Individual Armor Team Industry Day Announcement Sol. #: M67854-18-I-1355 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Tarpaulin 16' X 100' Sol. #: 8340-00-428-7590-Tarpaulin-16ftX100ft(2017) Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Military District of Washington (MDW), Overcoat, Mens Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-Q-0166 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Leather Gloves Large Sol. #: SPMYM118Q0043 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Custom Net Assembly Sol. #: N0018918Q0147 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Ballistic Vests and Accessories Sol. #: HQ0034-18-R-0052 Agency: Other Defense Agencies ------------------------------------------------------- Title: DISPOSABLE COVERALLS Sol. #: SPMYM118Q0039 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Sol. #: McCOYDESDJT0005 Agency: Department of the Army Office: FedBid ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Mobile Safety Shoes Sol. #: HQ0034-18-R-0058 Agency: Other Defense Agencies ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SOCKS, BOOT, ANTIMICROBIAL, GREEN Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-0041 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Total Solutions for Law Enforcement, Security, Facilities Management, Fire, Rescue Sol. #: 7FCI-L3-030084-B Agency: General Services Administration ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Custom Net Assembly Sol. #: N0018918Q0147 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Plastic Trunk Lockers, Large and Small Sol. #: SPE1C118R0054 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: OPTION - Cadet Mess Uniforms Sol. #: W911SD-18-R-0002 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Wildfire Nomex Sol. #: PolkDPWMJL013 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CHEMICAL TRAINING SUITS Sol. #: DIX78TDJH0003 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: GLOVES, WELDING Sol. #: SPMYM2-18-Q-1443 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CLOTH,COATED Sol. #: SPE1C118T1087 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency -------------------------------------------------------
Clients of Agathon Associates and subscribers to Agathon Associates' Trade Advisor Service can find links to the full solicitations at www.agathonassociates.com/textile-pri/berry/fbo.htm. You will need to enter your username and password. If you do not know your username and password email David Trumbull at david@agathonassociates.com.
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Statement of USTR Robert Lighthizer at the Closing of the Seventh Round of NAFTA Renegotiations
Let me begin by commending Secretary Guajardo for a terrific job hosting this seventh round of negotiations here in Mexico City. It is a privilege to return to this great city. Not long after I was last here, Mexico was struck by devastating earthquakes. Your nation’s rapid recovery from that tragedy shows the great strength of the Mexican people. You deserve our praise for that and our continued prayers and support.
I would like to thank both of you — Secretary Guajardo and Minister Freeland — for your hard work and for the hard work of your able staffs. We have to keep in mind that there were several hundred people working very long hours for several days during the course of this process. We are dealing with a large number of difficult issues, very technical issues, and I appreciate the efforts made by all negotiators.
In spite of this hard work, we have not made the progress that many had hoped in this round. We have closed out only three additional chapters: Good Regulatory Practices, Administration and Publication, and Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures. We have also completed work on sectoral annexes related to chemicals and proprietary food formulas. And we are making substantial progress on Telecommunications and Technical Barriers to Trade. We have also agreed to include a chapter on energy. These chapters are important and provide further evidence that all three countries want to upgrade and modernize NAFTA. But to complete NAFTA 2.0, we will need agreement on roughly 30 chapters. So far, after seven months we have completed just six. Now granted, these things tend to converge more towards the end of a negotiation.
As I have said since August, we have two major goals in these negotiations. First, we want to update NAFTA to address modern trade issues. All three countries agree that NAFTA is outdated, and I believe we should be able to reach agreement on new issues like digital trade, labor, and environment, intellectual property, and much more. We urge all parties to move more quickly on these issues.
Second, we believe that NAFTA should be rebalanced. This has been a longstanding U.S. concern about the treatment of our workers and businesses. From our point of view, among other things, changing the agreement so that it no longer encourages outsourcing, developing rules of origin that will fairly treat our manufacturing sector and workers, and reshaping the rules of government procurement are very important. We also need to make more progress on these points to conclude a new NAFTA. We continue to stress the need to act quickly.
Now our time is running very short. On July 1, as everyone here knows, Mexico will choose a new president. That campaign as I understand it begins in earnest just next month. But Mexico is not the only NAFTA country in the midst of elections. Both Ontario and Quebec have elections scheduled later this year. Finally, the United States has mid-term elections coming up in November. All of this complicates our work. I fear that the longer we proceed, the more political headwinds we will feel.
I also note that in all three countries, reaching an agreement at the negotiating table is only part of the process. In the United States, after an agreement in principle is concluded, our laws require public disclosure of text, further consultations, and numerous reports before it can be considered by Congress. Thus, in the U.S., we must resolve our outstanding issues soon to maintain the possibility of having this measure be considered by the current Congress.
As President Trump has said, we hope for a successful completion of these talks, and we would prefer a three-way, tripartite agreement. If that proves impossible, we are prepared to move on a bilateral basis, if agreement can be made.
We have tried to be clear and very specific about what we hope to see in a new NAFTA. We are prepared to work continuously to achieve a breakthrough. I understand that these talks are not easy for anyone. Each of us has our own political concerns. But we are at the point where we have very important decisions to be made. If the political will is there, I am certain that we have a path to a rapid and successful conclusion.
The merchandise category with the highest number of IPR seizures continued to be wearing apparel and accessories
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) seized a record number of 34,143 shipments of goods that violated Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in FY2017. IPR seizures increased 8 percent over FY2016 and for the second year in a row, CBP and ICE seized more than 30,000 shipments of counterfeit and pirated products. The total estimated manufacturers' suggested retail price (MSRP) would have been $1.2 billion had the products been genuine.
As the U.S. border enforcement agencies charged with safeguarding the public against IPR violations, CBP and ICE have worked together closely on IPR related enforcement. In FY2017, cooperation between these two agencies led to 457 arrests, while ICE pursued and obtained 288 indictments with 242 convictions related to intellectual property crimes.
"The illegal importation and distribution of counterfeit goods not only threatens the economy, but also presents significant health and safety hazards to consumers and funds international criminal organizations involved in forced labor, drug trafficking and other illicit activities," said ICE Deputy Director Thomas D. Homan. "ICE agents are committed to effectively collaborating with CBP, industry representatives and law-enforcement agencies around the world to ensure the integrity of the American supply chain, and the agency will move to prosecute those who violate IPR laws and regulations."
E-Commerce shipments pose the same health, safety, and economic security risks as containerized shipments, but the volume is higher and growing. Of the more than 34,000 seizures of counterfeit and pirated goods in FY2017, approximately 90 percent were in the express carrier and international mail environments.
In FY2017, approximately 12 percent of the total seizures were health, safety and security related counterfeit merchandise. Some of these seized products may have posed health and safety threats and others may have posed a significant security risk to consumers.
The merchandise category with the highest number of IPR seizures continued to be wearing apparel and accessories, resulting in approximately 15 percent of all IPR seizures in FY2017.
The top two economies for IPR infringing seized goods in FY2017 were The People's Republic of China and Hong Kong. At approximately 48 percent of the IPR violation seizures, CBP seized 16,538 shipments from China with a total estimated MSRP of $554.6 million. At approximately 39 percent out of the IPR violation seizures, CBP seized 13,357 shipments from Hong Kong with an estimated MSRP of $386.2 million.
CBP developed and ran “The Truth Behind Counterfeits” public awareness campaign that reached an estimated 97 million travelers in FY2017 to inform of the legal, economic and public health and safety impacts of importing IPR infringing merchandise into the United States. The ads were designed to educate travelers on the unknown dangers of counterfeit goods, alert them that purchasing counterfeit goods may support criminal activity, and encourage them to shop from reputable sources.
CBP and ICE remain vigilant in targeting shipments containing IPR-infringing goods, levying civil fines and criminally investigating those who seek to violate our trade laws, harm the American people and damage the U.S. economy.
The full CBP's IPR seizure statistics for FY 2017 are posted on CBP.gov at /document/report/fy-2017-ipr-seizure-statistics.
If you have any information regarding suspected fraud or illegal trade activity, please contact CBP through the e-Allegations website or by calling 1-800-BE-ALERT. IPR violations can also be reported to National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center at https://www.iprcenter.gov/referral/ or by telephone at 1-866-IPR-2060.
For additional information on CBP’s IPR enforcement efforts and results from FY2017, visit CBP.gov.
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