Thursday, May 31, 2018
Burlington Awarded Marine Corps Poly/Wool Fabric Contract
Army Combat Shirt Contract Awarded
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
U.S. Trade and Investment with Sub-Saharan Africa in Certain Sectors Has Grown and Continues to Have Potential, Says USITC
On May 30, 2018, the U.S. International Trade Commission ("USITC") released U.S. Trade and Investment with Sub-Saharan Africa: Recent Developments (Publication 4780 Inv. No. 332-564).
Rising per capita incomes, growing urbanization, the need for improved infrastructure, and expanding healthcare contributed to growth in U.S. exports in some sectors to sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) between 2010 and 2016, reports the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) in its publication U.S. Trade and Investment with Sub-Saharan Africa: Recent Developments.
The USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, conducted the investigation at the request of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). In requesting the study, the USTR noted that: “As the Administration works to encourage fair and reciprocal trade with our African trading partners, it is important to have factual information on where we are succeeding in African markets, where we have the greatest prospects for increased trade and investment, and the factors that could impede that progress.” The USTR also asked for similar information on SSA's trade performance and on future prospects for its exports to the United States, including those under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
As requested by the USTR, the USITC report:
- provides an overview of U.S. exports to and imports from SSA of goods and services, as well as U.S. foreign direct investment (FDI) in SSA countries over the 2010-2016 period;
- discusses exports of goods and services from U.S. small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to SSA, as well as challenges faced by them exporting to the region;
- performs a qualitative and, to the extent possible, quantitative assessment of the non-crude petroleum sectors and SSA markets that present the greatest potential for growth in U.S. exports and imports of goods and services, as well as FDI flows;
- profiles seven SSA economies; and
- summarizes recent developments in regional integration efforts in SSA, as well as strategies by AGOA countries to increase trade with the United States.
Highlights of the report include:
- Among the fastest growing U.S. exports of goods to SSA during 2010-16 were aircraft; floating oil platforms; natural gas and components; power generating equipment; and pharmaceuticals. Other sectors with the potential for increased U.S. exports to SSA include motor vehicles, ethyl alcohol, poultry, and refined petroleum products. U.S. exports of financial services, insurance services, and information and communication technology services show potential for growth.
- The fastest growing U.S. imports of goods from SSA between 2010 and 2016 were cocoa, chocolate, and confectionery; apparel; refined copper; catalytic converters; and edible nuts. Growth in these sectors was due to the long-term renewal of AGOA to 2025, the increased presence of FDI in these sectors, SSA production cost advantages relative to other global suppliers, and expanding manufacturing capacity in SSA. Apparel, edible nuts, footwear, and raw cane sugar show potential for growth in U.S. imports from SSA under AGOA.
- In 2015, the latest year for which data are available, merchandise exports to SSA by U.S. SMEs were approximately $5.8 billion, a decrease from 2010. Over 40 percent of the 2015 exports were concentrated in South Africa and Nigeria. Some challenges faced by SMEs are high tariffs and poor protection of intellectual property rights.
- The stock of U.S. FDI in SSA declined from 2010 to 2016, with mining, including crude petroleum, being the largest destination sector. Sectors with the greatest potential for U.S. FDI in SSA are professional and business services, financial services, textiles and apparel, renewable energy, and mining. The three largest destinations for U.S. FDI in SSA in 2016 were Mauritius ($7.0 billion), South Africa ($5.1 billion), and Nigeria ($3.8 billion).
- To date, 15 out of 38 AGOA beneficiary countries have prepared specific strategies to identify sectors that have the potential to increase exports to the United States under AGOA. Many SSA countries are also a part of Regional Economic Communities working to lessen trade barriers that hamper AGOA utilization, with negotiations ongoing for a continental FTA.
New England AATCC Golf Outing & Banquet
Federal Business Opportunities through May 30, 2018
------------------------------------------------------- Title: BODY ARMOR & ACCESSORIES Sol. #: 140R1718Q0031 Agency: Department of the Interior ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CUT RESISTANT GLOVES Sol. #: SPMYM2-18-Q-2769 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CLOTH,IMPREGNATED Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0215 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CLOTH, PLAIN WEAVE, HEAVY WEIGHT Sol. #: SPMYM2-18-Q-2949 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Carpet Replacement Sol. #: FA500018Q0050 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Total Solutions for Law Enforcement, Security, Facilities Management, Fire, Rescue Sol. #: 7FCI-L3-030084-B Agency: General Services Administration ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SOLE SOURCE-Tactical Assault Vest Sol. #: N00174-18-R-0050 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: COVERALLS, SAND BLASTING Sol. #: SPMYM2-18-Q-2941 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Adustable Airsoft Helmet Sol. #: BRAGG_SPTBN_JT_B02 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: WEBBING,TEXTILE Sol. #: SPE1C118T1477 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BELTS Sol. #: 52518-5 Agency: Department of Labor ------------------------------------------------------- Title: STEEL TOE BOOTS Sol. #: 52518-4 Agency: Department of Labor ------------------------------------------------------- Title: NON-SLIP BLACK TENNIS SHOES Sol. #: 52518-3 Agency: Department of Labor ------------------------------------------------------- Title: MARKET SURVEY FOR FSC 8460 - BRIEFCASES Sol. #: 47QSWB-18-MARKETSURVEY Agency: General Services Administration ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Total Solutions for Law Enforcement, Security, Facilities Management, Fire, Rescue Sol. #: 7FCI-L3-030084-B Agency: General Services Administration ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CLOTH, LAMINATED Sol. #: SPMYM218-Q-2922 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SFS Deployment Gear Sol. #: FA4686-18-R-1001 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Acoustical Curtains (11 SOIS) Sol. #: FA441718Q0076 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Maintenance Deployment Equipment (1) Sol. #: W9127Q-18-R-5002 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Retention items Sol. #: W9124M-18-Q-AD07 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: OCP Cold Weather OCIE Sol. #: W912J6-18-Q-0018 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: GLOVES Sol. #: SPMYM218Q2892 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: India White Cloth Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0039 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CLOTH,IMPREGNATED Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0264 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Hot Weather Combat Boot Sol. #: W911QY-18-HWCB Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Helmet Pad Sets Sol. #: W912LC-18-Q-0028 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SFS Deployment Gear Sol. #: FA4686-18-R-1001 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Hot Weather Combat Boot Sol. #: W911QY-18-HWCB Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: STS High Altitude PPE Sol. #: F7H1ST8104AW06 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: LINER,WATERBAG Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0262 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Airbeam Parts Sol. #: HAAF-3CAB-001 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Liner, Waterproof Bag Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-Q-0262 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Aircrew Laser Eye Protection Block 3 IDIQ Draft RFP Sol. #: FA8606-18-R-0013 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: STS Military Packs Sol. #: F7H1ST8104AW14 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: AMXDmax Female Control Kit Sol. #: V55145-8079 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Soft Armor Sol. #: jackson17thmp0003 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: LINER,WATERBAG Sol. #: SPE1C118T1534 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: 580-18-3-5129-0181 Safety Shoes VA256-18-AP-6323 Sol. #: 36C25618Q9442 Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs ------------------------------------------------------- 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: Packs, fireline, complete Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-TBD2 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: VISOR,FLYER'S HELME Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0258 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, May 24, 2018
ICE, CBP seize nearly 79,000 counterfeit items in South Texas valued at $16 million
LAREDO, Texas — Special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) on Thursday seized nearly 79,000 counterfeit items that included apparel and consumer electronics from luxury and sporting trademark designers such as Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Adidas, Nike, Apple, Samsung and Sony.
HSI estimates the value of the seized items at more than $16 million. This seizure represents HSI's second-largest counterfeit seizure in Laredo.
This seizure is being investigated by HSI with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Mexican Customs and representatives from the trademark industry.
"Trafficking counterfeit goods poses a triple threat," said Tim Tubbs, deputy special agent in charge of HSI Laredo. "Counterfeit merchandise wreaks havoc on local economies, threatens the health and safety of the American public, and funds criminal organizations engaged in other illegal activities."
On May 17, HSI special agents conducted surveillance of a public storage facility in Laredo and observed several individuals transferring boxes from a leased storage unit to pickup trucks and vans with Mexican license plates. While agents observed the storage facility, a large air courier box truck arrived to unload suspected trademark infringed merchandise to waiting pickup trucks and vans. HSI then detained and seized 275 boxes containing 78,908 items of suspected trademark-infringed merchandise from this location. No one was arrested in connection to this seizure. This is an ongoing investigation.
According to HSI, the trademark-infringed merchandise seized was shipped in large boxes from China to an international cargo terminal located in Laredo, Texas. The boxes were manifested to fictitious Laredo recipients and addresses.
Historical information suggests that smugglers typically transport illicit goods into Mexico often fail to file required export documents through CBP's Automated Commercial Environment, and exploit the ports of entry by clandestinely smuggling merchandise to Mexico. Once in Mexico, smugglers pay bribes to Mexican cartels who often extort Mexican regulatory and law enforcement officials so that the merchandise passes without inspection and payment of duties.
The HSI-led National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center), made up of 23 different federal agencies and four international agencies, and oversees enforcement activities targeting the trafficking of counterfeit goods. Last fiscal year, HSI and its sister agency, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, made more than 32,000 seizures involving counterfeit goods with an estimated value of more than $1.2 billion MSRP. The International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition estimates intellectual property crime annually costs U.S. businesses several hundred billion dollars in lost revenues.
Anyone with information about the sale of counterfeit items can submit a tip at the IPR Center website. Reports can also be made to the HSI tip line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.
Monday is Memorial Day in America
In much of the United States, Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer. The "three day weekend" created by the Monday holiday is enjoyed with cookouts, trips to the beach and other leisure activities as will as parades and public ceremonies honoring those who died in service of the nation.
POST-GAZETTE - Res Publica
The Story of Taps
by David Trumbull -- May 24, 2013
This Memorial Day we remember and honor the men and women who died to preserve our freedom. Even as we enjoy kicking off summer however we chose this weekend, that is itself a testimony to their sacrifices, for we enjoy the cookouts, trips to the beach, and so forth because they made it possible. We especially honor those who died for our country when we decorate their graves or participant in patriotic parades and ceremonies this weekend.
At those solemn memorial events in our towns and cities, in our churches and synagogues, and in the halls of our veterans or other lodges, a familiar, haunting melody will mark the day --
The familiar bugle call "Taps" is generally believed to be based on a traditional French call to curfew (from Middle English "curfeu," from Old French "cuevrefeu," meaning cover the fire and turn in for the night).
According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs the version of those 24 melancholy notes that we know from military funerals was crafted during America's Civil War by Union General Daniel Adams Butterfield, heading a brigade camped at Harrison Landing, Va., near Richmond. This music was made the official Army bugle call after the war, but not given the name "taps" until 1874.
The Department of Veterans Affair also that: "The first time taps was played at a military funeral may also have been in Virginia soon after Butterfield composed it. Union Capt. John Tidball, head of an artillery battery, ordered it played for the burial of a cannoneer killed in action. Not wanting to reveal the battery’s position in the woods to the enemy nearby, Tidball substituted taps for the traditional three rifle volleys fired over the grave. Taps was played at the funeral of Confederate Gen. Stonewall Jackson 10 months after it was composed. Army infantry regulations by 1891 required taps to be played at military funeral ceremonies."
Taps now is played by the military at burial and memorial services, to accompany the lowering of the flag, and to signal the "lights out" command at day's end.
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Wool textile makers find success with premium-branded apparel made in U.S.A.
Paul T. O’Day Memorial Scholarship Winner Announced
Mr. Parker will graduate with honors from Mills E. Godwin High School in suburban Richmond in June and will go to the Georgia Institute of Technology's (Georgia Tech) College of Engineering where he intends to major in computer engineering.
NCTO Fiber Council Chair, Don Bockoven, President & CEO of Leigh Fibers, commented, "We are pleased to recognize Mr. Parker's exceptional record of academic achievements with his selection as the 2018 recipient of the Paul T. O'Day Memorial Scholarship. All of us on the Fiber Council congratulate Mr. Parker and wish him continued success in his academic career."
The scholarship program was created in 2014 in honor of Paul T. O'Day who served as President of the American Fiber Manufacturers Association (AFMA) for more than three decades. AFMA merged with NCTO effective April 1, 2018, and NCTO's Fiber Council now administers the scholarship program. Recipients receive a $5,000 award each year, totaling $20,000 for four years of study. Sons or daughters of NCTO's Fiber Council member company employees are eligible to apply.
U.S. Textile Industry Calls for China 301 Tariffs on Textile and Apparel End Products
WASHINGTON, DC – National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President & CEO Auggie Tantillo testified as a witness at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) public hearing on proposed China 301 tariffs in Washington, D.C. on May 17th.
"The U.S. textile industry strongly supports the Trump administration’s Section 301 case to sanction China's rampant intellectual property rights (IPR) theft," said NCTO President & CEO Auggie Tantillo.
"The U.S. textile industry urges the Trump administration to include textile and apparel end products in any Section 301 retaliatory tariff action against China," Tantillo added as he noted that China’s predatory, illegal trade actions, including IPR theft, have contributed to the loss of millions of U.S. manufacturing jobs, including hundreds of thousands in textiles.
"China’s domination of global textile markets has clearly been aided by its rampant theft of U.S. textile intellectual property. From the violation of patents on high performance fibers, yarns and fabrics to the infringement of copyrighted designs on textile home furnishings, China has gained pricing advantages through blatantly illegal activities. Putting 301 tariffs on Chinese textile and apparel exports would send a long overdue signal that these predatory actions will no longer be tolerated," Tantillo finished.
In addition to Tantillo's hearing testimony (see below), NCTO and the U.S. Industrial Fabrics Institute (USIFI) and Narrow Fabrics Institute (NFI) submitted a joint 24-page statement for the record as part of USTR's public comment process on the China 301 tariff issue that closed on May 11.
NCTO is a Washington, DC-based trade association that represents domestic textile manufacturers.
- 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 in 2017.
- U.S. exports of fiber, textiles and apparel were $28.6 billion in 2017.
- Capital expenditures for textile and apparel production totaled $2.4 billion in 2016, the last year for which data is available.
Federal Business Opportunities through May 23, 2018
------------------------------------------------------- Title: Adustable Airsoft Helmet Sol. #: BRAGG_SPTBN_JT_B02 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Funeral Honors Uniforms Sol. #: W912KN-18-R-0004 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Webbing Sol. #: N68335-18-Q-0156 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: UNIFORM RENTALS LOUISIANA NC Sol. #: 36C78618Q0299 Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Total Solutions for Law Enforcement, Security, Facilities Management, Fire, Rescue Sol. #: 7FCI-L3-030084-B Agency: General Services Administration ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Airbeam Parts Sol. #: HAAF-3CAB-001 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Armor Plates Sol. #: N00173-18-Q-0276 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: OPS Deployment Equipment Sol. #: W9127Q-18-R-5004 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Coyote Brown Boots Sol. #: W912L7-18-Q-1103 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Uniforms Sol. #: DRUMIMDKAI0003 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: APRON,CONSTRUCTION Sol. #: SPE1C118T1524 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Black Gear Sol. #: 11148741 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Commercial Item, Slide Fasteners/Zippers, Berry Amendment Compliant Sol. #: CT2242-18 Agency: Department of Justice ------------------------------------------------------- Title: AMXDmax Female Control Kit Sol. #: V55145-8079 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Combat Shirts Sol. #: FA5702-18-R-0023 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: IR US Flag Reverse Sol. #: Eustis7TBXBCJ0006 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FLIGHT DECK JERSEY Sol. #: N0024418Q0158 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Beretta Holsters and Rifle Cases Sol. #: W912L1-18-Q-0135 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CLOTH, COATED, TAN Sol. #: 18Q0302 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CLASP,NECKTIE Sol. #: Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: USAF Band Ceremonial Overcoats (Gore-Tex Trench Coats) Sol. #: N00189-18-Q-0094 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Individual Shelter System Sol. #: F6UGRH8086AW01 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CVC LINERS Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-0110 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Carpet Replacement Sol. #: FA500018Q0050 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Weapons Accessories Sol. #: MCPRFQ34 Agency: Department of State ------------------------------------------------------- Title: US Army Band Distinctive Scarlet Caps Sol. #: MYERTUSABTAP0033 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Men's/Women's White Dress Glove Sol. #: SPE1C118R0108 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Jersey, Flight Deck, Flame Resistant Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-0100 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: WORK JACKETS Sol. #: 6923G218Q000014 Agency: Department of Transportation ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Hat, Service, Dixie, Navy Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-0106 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Deployment Bags Sol. #: W912K6-18-Q-5005 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Level IIIA Soft Body Armor Ballistic Vest Sol. #: FA7014-Ballistic_Vests Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Level IIIA Ballistic Helmet Sol. #: FA7014-Ballistic_Helmets Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Fire Retardant, Shrink Safe Woven Cloths Sol. #: 1800001 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Yaktrax chains Sol. #: W912L7-18-Q-1428 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: uniforms Sol. #: FLWUSAMPSUSACPAMSD0001 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Military Reconnaissance Gear Sol. #: FBGARRCBKW0004 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SHELTERS Sol. #: SPMYM218Q2820 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Supply Blanket Purchase Agreement Sol. #: H92244-18-Q-0001 Agency: Other Defense Agencies ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Total Solutions for Law Enforcement, Security, Facilities Management, Fire, Rescue Sol. #: 7FCI-L3-030084-B Agency: General Services Administration ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Blast Gear Sol. #: N4523A18Q4203 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Batelle-Fast Rope Descender Items Sol. #: STBFRDD1 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: ICWS Intent to Sole Source Sol. #: M67854-18-P-1389 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Trousers, ACU, Type II Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0255 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: ACU FR Trousers Sol. #: SPE1C1180255 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: DEPLOYER GEAR - ABILITY ONE SETASIDE Sol. #: W91364-18-R-7002 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: DEPLOYER GEAR Sol. #: W91364-18-R-7001 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Combat Shirts Sol. #: FA5702-18-R-0023 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: DECORATION,UNIT Sol. #: SPE1C118T1311 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: ATOUR - Specialized Gear Sol. #: FY18RR019 Agency: Department of State ------------------------------------------------------- Title: MASTER BPA FOR FR CLOTHING Sol. #: 140R1018Q0009 Agency: Department of the Interior ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Deployment Bags Sol. #: W912K6-18-Q-5005 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: STS Dry Suits Sol. #: F7H1ST8104AW12 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Deployment Items Maintenance (2) Sol. #: W9127Q-18-R-5003 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Deployment Items Sol. #: W9127Q-18-R-5001 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Radioactive Contaminants Protective (RCP) Coverall Sol. #: SPE1C118R0107 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Patagonia Sol. #: F7H1ST8104AW01 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Student Backpacks Sol. #: 20104285 Agency: Department of Homeland Security ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BAG,FLYERS HELMET Sol. #: SPRDL1-18-R-0141 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: OPS Deployment Equipment Sol. #: W9127Q-18-R-5004 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FLAG,IDENTIFICATION Sol. #: SPE1C118T1257 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CUT RESISTANT GLOVES Sol. #: SPMYM2-18-Q-2769 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Pink and Green Uniform (PGU) Sol. #: W911QY-18-PGU Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Canopy Tents Sol. #: SILL434KJR0010 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: LINING,HELMET,SHOCK Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0234 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Navy Cold Weather Parka Sol. #: SPE1C117R0152 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: STS Mountaineering Boots Sol. #: F7H1ST8104AW15 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Cloth, Poly/Wool Serge, CG Shade 3362 Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-0102 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BAG,FLYERS HELMET Sol. #: SPRDL1-18-R-0141 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: TENT, Ty XLV, TEMPER A Sol. #: SPE1C118T1501 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: New Action New Contract for Body Armor required Sol. #: 89233118QNA000021 Agency: Department of Energy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: TENT Sol. #: SPE1C118T1497 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: TENT Sol. #: SPE1C118T1495 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Hard Travel Cases Sol. #: FA3010-18-Q-0046 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Band Military Uniforms Sol. #: 70Z03918QPHM130 Agency: Department of Homeland Security -------------------------------------------------------
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.
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Federal Business Opportunities through May 16, 2018
------------------------------------------------------- Title: Gabion Basket IDIQ - National Flood Fight Materiel Center (NFFMC) Sol. #: W912EK18T0045 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Hard Travel Cases Sol. #: FA3010-18-Q-0046 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Massif Flight Jackets Sol. #: FA8101-18-Q-8110 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: INSIGNIA,SHOULDER S Sol. #: SPE1C118T1485 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: US NAVY ALTERNATIVE COMBO COVERS (STYLE ACC) AND WHITE VINYL COVERS Sol. #: 6923G218Q000009 Agency: Department of Transportation ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Mag Pouches and Holsters Sol. #: Bragg18WSMNV0004 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: DECORATION SET,INDI Sol. #: SPE1C118T1483 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: WEBBING,TEXTILE Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0212 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Tents Sol. #: Bragg18WSMNV0002 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Sources Sought Marine Corps. Scarlet Cloth Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-0008 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: WORK JACKETS Sol. #: 6923G218Q000014 Agency: Department of Transportation ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Deployment Items Maintenance (2) Sol. #: W9127Q-18-R-5003 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: OPS Deployment Equipment Sol. #: W9127Q-18-R-5004 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Maintenance Deployment Equipment (1) Sol. #: W9127Q-18-R-5002 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Steel Toe Boots Sol. #: FA568218Q5011 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: VISOR,FLYER'S HELME Sol. #: SPE1C118T1478 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: WEBBING,TEXTILE Sol. #: SPE1C118T1477 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Combat Shirts Sol. #: FA5702-18-R-0023 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: GLOVES, COMBAT, ARMY-CAPACITIVE Sol. #: SPE1C118R0093 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: TSCIF - Tent System Sol. #: FA441718Q0063 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Multipurpose Harnesses Sol. #: H92240-18-Q-2037 Agency: Other Defense Agencies ------------------------------------------------------- Title: HEXCEL TEF7 THORSTRAND FABRIC Sol. #: N63394-18-T-0055 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: OPS Deployment Equipment Sol. #: W9127Q-18-R-5004 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Maintenance Deployment Equipment (1) Sol. #: W9127Q-18-R-5002 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: USAFA Prep School Football Gear Sol. #: FA700018T0056 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Product Demonstration Models (clothing) Based on Supplied Purchase Descriptions and Patterns Sol. #: W911QY18R0041 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: New Action New Contract for Body Armor required Sol. #: 89233118QNA000021 Agency: Department of Energy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: HEXCEL TEF7 THORSTRAND FABRIC Sol. #: N63394-18-T-0055 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Product Demonstration Models (clothing) Based on Supplied Purchase Descriptions and Patterns Sol. #: W911QY18R0041 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Shoulder sleeve insignia of 82nd Airborne Division Sol. #: 9109073856 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: IHWCU ACU Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-0062 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency Office: DLA Acquisition Locations ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Steel Toe Boots Sol. #: FA568218Q5011 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: 83--India White Cloth Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0039 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: New Action New Contract for Body Armor required Sol. #: 89233118QNA000021 Agency: Department of Energy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Boot, Extreme Cold Weather Sol. #: SPE1C1-17-R-00XX Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: MESH, POLY 8 OZ Sol. #: CT2243-18 Agency: Department of Justice ------------------------------------------------------- Title: India White Cloth Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0039 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FLAGSTAFF Sol. #: SPE1C118T1457 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.
Monday, May 14, 2018
USTR Robert Lighthizer Issues Statement on Status of NAFTA Renegotiation
“For many weeks now, the United States, Mexico and Canada have engaged in intensive, continuous discussions to renegotiate NAFTA, building on the seven rounds of rigorous negotiations that have taken place since August 2017. The negotiations have covered a large number of very complex issues, especially those objectives outlined by Congress as part of the bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority such as intellectual property, dairy and agriculture, de minimis levels, energy, labor and more.
“The current NAFTA is a seriously flawed trade deal, and the Trump Administration is committed to getting the best possible trade agreement for all Americans. The United States is ready to continue working with Mexico and Canada to achieve needed breakthroughs on these objectives. Our teams will continue to be fully engaged.”
Navy Boot Contract Awarded
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Tuesday is Straw Hat Day
For more information, or to buy quality hats, including hats made in the U.S.A., visit these fine vendors:
- Bollman Hat Company,
- Resistol, and
- Stetson.
Just don't wear your straw hat after September 15th, or you may start a riot.
Friday, May 11, 2018
ASI Joins Coalition Defending Berry Amendment
The American Sheep Industry Association joined nearly two dozen groups in asking the U.S. House Armed Services Committee to oppose amendments to the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act that would weaken the Berry Amendment.
A letter sent this week to the committee's chair, Mac Thornberry (Texas), and ranking member, Adam Smith (Wash.), urged the committee to protect the Berry Amendment, which prohibits the U.S. Department of Defense from procuring certain products (including textiles, clothing and footwear) unless those products are made with American materials and labor.
The most recent threat to the Berry Amendment comes in the area of athletic footwear for the United States military. The issue was addressed just two years ago, but Congressman Brad Wenstrup (Ohio) has offered an amendment that would weaken the statutory requirement.
"The actions taken two years ago by your committee not only ensure that our recruits will receive the highest quality athletic footwear that is designed especially for the rigors of Initial Entry Training but also have spurred renewed interest and growth in domestic footwear manufacturing," read the letter. "As the Berry Amendment is designed to do, it is supporting the domestic manufacturing base.
"Second, we were also aware of another amendment that attempts to remove zippers, buttons, snaps and other non-textile components from important Berry Amendment protections. The Berry Amendment has been a staple of defense procurement for decades. During that time, Berry has covered clothing and shoes, and all components thereof, supporting tens of thousands of jobs in an integrated, domestic textile, apparel and footwear manufacturing industry.
"If such language were to become law, it would come at the expense of U.S. manufacturing jobs in U.S. factories that produce these components for the U.S. military, and would erode important protections that currently support this entire industrial base."
New Hampshire Firms Learn to Cope with New Steel Tariffs
Thursday, May 10, 2018
Army Jacket Contract Awarded
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
Spider Silk Key to New Bone-Fixing Composite
Government Seeks Nominations to Industry Trade Advisory Committees
I. Background
Section 135 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2155), establishes a private-sector trade advisory system to ensure that U.S. trade policy and trade negotiation objectives adequately reflect U.S. commercial and economic interests. Section 135(c)(2) (19 U.S.C. 2155(c)(2)) directs the President to establish sectoral or functional trade advisory committees, as appropriate, including representatives of industry, labor, agriculture, and services, including small business, in the sector or functional area concerned, to provide detailed policy and technical advice, information, and recommendations regarding trade barriers, negotiation of trade agreements, and implementation of existing trade agreements affecting industry sectors, and perform other advisory functions relevant to U.S. trade policy matters as requested.
II. What do the ITACs do?
The ITACs provide detailed policy and technical advice, information, and recommendations to the Secretary and the Trade Representative on trade policy matters including: (1) negotiating objectives and bargaining positions before entering into trade agreements; (2) the impact of the implementation of trade agreements on the relevant sector; (3) matters concerning the operation of any trade agreement once entered into; and (4) other matters arising in connection with the development, implementation, and administration of the trade policy of the United States. The nonpartisan, industry input provided by the ITACs is important in developing unified trade policy objectives and positions when the United States negotiates and implements trade agreements. The ITACs address market-access problems, trade barriers, tariffs, discriminatory foreign procurement practices, and information, marketing, and advocacy needs of their industry sector. Eleven ITACs (ITACS 1-11) provide advice and information on issues that affect specific sectors of U.S. industry. Three ITACs (ITACs 12-14) focus on crosscutting functional issues that affect all industry sectors and include specifically appointed members along with non-voting members from the industry specific ITACs to represent a broad range of industry perspectives. The ITACs may address other trade policy issues, e.g., government procurement and subsidies, in ad hoc working groups.
III. What is the ITAC slate for 2018-2022?
When the Trade Representative and the Secretary organize the ITACs, the Trade Act requires that they consult with interested private organizations and consider:
- Patterns of actual or potential competition between U.S. industry and agriculture and foreign enterprise in international trade.
- The character of the nontariff barriers and other distortions affecting such competition.
- The necessity for reasonable limits on the number and size of the ITACs.
- That the product lines covered by each ITAC are reasonably related.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Department of Commerce requested comments on proposed changes to the slate of ITACs (83 FR 3253) and received 23 written submissions in response. A majority of the responses were a substantially similar letter in opposition to merging ITAC 7 and ITAC 9. A significantly smaller portion advocated against the elimination of the Committee of Chairs. We have carefully considered these submissions and other factors including the nature of the U.S. industry in various sectors, the level of interest in serving on an ITAC (using the number of members and applications for appointment during the 2014-2018 charter terms), the level of activity of each ITAC (using the number of meetings and recommendations submitted during the 2014-2018 charter terms), and constraints on the resources to support and engage with the ITACs. We also are renaming ITAC 10 to Services to more accurately reflect the functions of the committee. Based on all of this information, pursuant to section 135(c)(2) of the Trade Act, the Secretary and the Trade Representative have established new four-year charter terms for the following ITACs, that began on February 14, 2018 and will end on February 14, 2022.
- ITAC 1 Aerospace Equipment
- ITAC 2 Automotive Equipment and Capital Goods
- ITAC 3 Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Health/Science Products and Services
- ITAC 4 Consumer Goods
- ITAC 5 Forest Products, Building Materials, Construction and Nonferrous Metals
- ITAC 6 Energy and Energy Services
- ITAC 7 Steel
- ITAC 8 Digital Economy
- ITAC 9 Small and Minority Business
- ITAC 10 Services
- ITAC 11 Textiles and Clothing
- ITAC 12 Customs Matters and Trade Facilitation
- ITAC 13 Intellectual Property Rights
- ITAC 14 Standards and Technical Trade Barriers
IV. Membership
Each ITAC consists of members with experience relevant to the industry sector for ITACs 1 through 11 or the subject area for ITACs 12 through 14. All ITAC members serve in a representative capacity (there are no special government employees (SGEs)) and present the views and interests of a sponsoring U.S. entity or U.S. organization and the entity’s or organization’s subsector (if applicable). In selecting members, the Secretary and the Trade Representative consider the nominee’s ability to carry out the objectives of the ITAC, including knowledge and expertise of the industry and of trade matters relevant to the work of the ITAC, and ensuring that the ITAC is balanced in terms of points of view, demographics, geography, and entity or organization size. Appointments are made without regard to political affiliation.
The Secretary and the Trade Representative appoint all ITAC members for a term of four-years or until the ITAC charter expires, and members serve at the discretion of the Secretary and the Trade Representative. Individuals can be reappointed for any number of terms. Appointments are made at the time an ITAC is re-chartered and periodically throughout the four-year charter term. Appointments expire at the end of the charter term, in this case, on February 14, 2022.
ITAC members serve without compensation, including reimbursement of expenses. Members are responsible for all expenses they incur to attend meetings or otherwise participate in ITAC activities.
The ITACs meet as needed, depending on various factors such as the level of activity of trade negotiations and the needs of the Secretary and the Trade Representative. On average, each ITAC meet six times a year in Washington DC.
V. Request for Nominations
The Secretary and the Trade Representative are soliciting nominations for membership on the ITACs.
A. Eligibility Requirements
To apply for membership, an applicant must meet the following eligibility:
- The applicant must be a U.S. citizen.
- The applicant cannot be a full-time employee of a U.S. governmental entity.
- The applicant cannot be registered with the U.S. Department of Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
- The applicant must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
- The applicant must represent either:
- a. A U.S. entity that is directly engaged in the import or export of goods or services or that provides services in direct support of the international trading activities of other entities; or
- b. A U.S. organization that trades internationally, represents members that trade internationally, or, consistent with the needs of an ITAC as determined by the Secretary and the Trade Representative, represents members who have a demonstrated interest in international trade.
For eligibility purposes, a “U.S. entity” is a for-profit firm engaged in commercial, industrial, or professional activities that is incorporated in the United States (or is an unincorporated U.S. firm with its principal place of business in the United States) that is controlled by U.S. citizens or by other U.S. entities. An entity is not a U.S. entity if 50 percent plus one share of its stock (if a corporation, or a similar ownership interest of an unincorporated entity) is known to be controlled, directly or indirectly, by non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. entities.
For eligibility purposes, a “U.S. organization” is an organization, including a trade association, labor union or organization, and nongovernmental organization (NGO), established under the laws of the United States, that is controlled by U.S. citizens, by another U.S. organization (or organizations), or by a U.S. entity (or entities), as determined based on its board of directors (or comparable governing body), membership, and funding sources, as applicable. To qualify as a U.S. organization, more than 50 percent of the board of directors (or comparable governing body) and more than 50 percent of the membership of the organization to be represented must be U.S. citizens, U.S. organizations, or U.S. entities. Additionally, in order for an NGO to qualify as a U.S. organization, at least 50 percent of the NGO’s annual revenue must be attributable to nongovernmental U.S. sources.
An applicant who will represent an entity or organization known to have 10 percent or greater non-U.S. ownership of its shares or equity, non-U.S. board members, non-U.S. membership, or non-U.S. funding sources, as applicable, must certify that this non-U.S. interest does not constitute control and will not adversely affect his/her ability to serve as a trade advisor to the United States.
Army Boot Contract Awarded
Federal Business Opportunities through May 9, 2018
------------------------------------------------------- Title: Medical (DRASH) Tent Sol. #: KNOXUSAMSBRPT0002 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: 15B12118FTC150056 Sol. #: 15B12118FTC150056 Agency: Department of Justice ------------------------------------------------------- Title: ESAPI - Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts - Synopsis Sol. #: SPE1C118R0033 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SHOWER PAIL,COLLAPS Sol. #: SPE1C118Q00720001 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Parachute Containers Sol. #: BRAGGUSAPTSJG0016 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Audio and Video Equiptment Repair Sol. #: 000000014001 Agency: General Services Administration ------------------------------------------------------- Title: TENT Sol. #: SPE1C118T1449 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CUT RESISTANT GLOVES Sol. #: SPMYM218Q1414 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: RESPONDER IDIQ UNIFORMS Sol. #: W912BU18R0042 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Historical Clothing Sol. #: Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: NVG Mini-Monocular Night Vision Sol. #: N00174-18-R-0045 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: OPTION - Safety Shoes Sol. #: W91QV1-18-Q-0007 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Army Retention items Sol. #: Stewart2ABCTNBA0002 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Hard sided yurts Sol. #: 12034318Q0135 Agency: Department of Agriculture ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Black Gear Sol. #: 11148741 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATIVE UNIFORM PROGRAM Sol. #: Agency: Department of the Interior ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Golf Course Safety Netting Sol. #: 9600 Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SPMYM2-18-Q-2528 Sol. #: SPMYM2-18-Q-2528 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATIVE UNIFORM PROGRAM Sol. #: Agency: Department of the Interior ------------------------------------------------------- Title: TSCIF - Tent System Sol. #: FA441718Q0063 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Dyed Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) Textiles Sol. #: W911QYUHMWPE Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BOOT, MARINE CORP HOT WEATHER COMBAT Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-0084 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Case, Handcuffs Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-0101 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: WORK JACKETS Sol. #: 6923G218Q000014 Agency: Department of Transportation ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Promotional Item Bulk Order Sol. #: USACBRNS0419 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: MESH, POLY 8 OZ Sol. #: CT2243-18 Agency: Department of Justice ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Deployer Equipment Sol. #: FB4686-18-R-0025 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Individual Shelter System Sol. #: F6UGRH8086AW01 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CRG Headset Adapter Sol. #: F7H1WX8074AW02 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Immersion Suit Sol. #: M62613-18-Q-0023 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Uniform Sewing Services for Naval Special Warfare Sol. #: H92240-18-Q-1004 Agency: Other Defense Agencies ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Shoulder sleeve insignia of 82nd Airborne Division Sol. #: 9109073856 Agency: Department of the Army Office: FedBid ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BARS ICP Replenishment - Footwear Sol. #: FA8629-18-R-5020 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Deployment Items Sol. #: W9127Q-18-R-5001 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CLOTH,FLANNEL Sol. #: SPE1C118T0202 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: PFS/DCS & Screen Kit Sol. #: W52P1J-17-R-PFSA Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Cyre Precision Sol. #: F7H1WX8116AW04 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Liner Kits Used in Assembly of M8E1 Chemical and Biological Protective Shelters Sol. #: W52P1J-18-R-LINR Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: RAIN GEAR Sol. #: POLKDESPOLICELJP0017 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: TRANSPORT COVER, FRAME, LME Sol. #: Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: RABU MABU Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-0032 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Deployer Equipment Sol. #: FB4686-18-R-0025 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: TSCIF - Tent System Sol. #: FA441718Q0063 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CLOTH,COATED Sol. #: SPE1C118T1435 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BOOT, MARINE CORP HOT WEATHER COMBAT Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-0084 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FA3099-18-Q-0005 Plate Carriers Sol. #: FA3099-18-Q-0005_Plate_Carriers Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Steel Toe Boots Sol. #: F3V5A18086AW01 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Total Solutions for Law Enforcement, Security, Facilities Management, Fire, Rescue Sol. #: 7FCI-L3-030084-B Agency: General Services Administration ------------------------------------------------------- Title: US Army Band Distinctive Scarlet Caps Sol. #: MYERTUSABTAP0033 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: Commercial Item, Slide Fasteners/Zippers, Berry Amendment Compliant Sol. #: CT2242-18 Agency: Department of Justice -------------------------------------------------------
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.
Monday, May 7, 2018
Army Camo Trouser Contract Awarded
Thursday, May 3, 2018
Analysis of DR-CAFTA Short Supply Procedure Timeline and Likelihood of Success
DR-CAFTA was the first U.S. free trade agreement ("FTA") to have a commercial availability or "short supply" procedure. Earlier agreements, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement ("NAFTA") could handle issues of short supply only through a negotiation to change the rules of origin. Prior to DR-CAFTA the only provisions in U.S. law for making short supply determinations in international trade were those found in certain unilateral trade preference programs. The DR-CAFTA short supply procedures have become the model for subsequent U.S. free trade agreements.
DR-CAFTA short supply procedures, on the face, seem a mixture of elements of a free trade agreement and of a unilateral trade preference program, for, on the one hand, they take into consideration commercial availability in the regional FTA but make the determination the unilateral prerogative of the United States.
While the procedure for adding or removing products from the short supply list is covered by Article 3.25: Rules of Origin and Related Matters of Chapter Three -- National Treatment and Market Access for Goods Section G: Textiles and Apparel, the provision allowing the use of short supply components in qualifying apparel is covered by Note 3 of Annex 4.1 Specific Rules of Origin Part II – Specific Rules of Origin Section XI Textile and Textile Articles (Chapters 50 through 63) which says, in effect, if the outer shell of the garment is made of a product on the short supply list, the garment qualifies for DR-CAFTA.
There are two distinct phases to a DR-CAFTA short supply request. Taking them in reverse order, Phase 2, the public filing, is relatively quick and usually results in approval within a month, or at most, a month-and-a-half.
A government that is a Party to the Agreement (other than the United States) or a potential or actual purchaser of a textile or apparel good may submit, to the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (“CITA”), a request for a finding of commercial non-availability pursuant to the provisions of Section 203(o)(4) of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (“the Agreement”) Implementation Act and CITA Final Procedures for implementing Section 203(o)(4) contained in CITA’s Federal Register notices of March 15, 2007 and the Modifications to Procedures of September 12, 2008.
- Business day 0 – Request received by CITA
- Business day 2 – Request accepted or rejected Business day 2 – If accepted, mass e-mail sent to all interested parties
- Business day 10 – Responses with an offer to supply the product are due
- Business day 14 – Rebuttals Comments are due
- Business day 30 – CITA announces determination (unless the time is extended)
- Business day 44 - CITA announces determination (if the time is extended due insufficient information)
Of the 108 requests processed to day, 86 were approved, 12 were denied, and 10 were voluntarily withdrawn by the petitioner.
Sounds quick and easy, right? WRONG.
The reason the government can evaluate and approve requests so quickly is that there is a lengthy “due diligence” process that must be completed before CITA will even accept a request for consideration. This is Phase 1. Before a request can be filed, thus starting the 30-day process, several weeks or months will have been spent in Phase 1. Many would-be requests never make it past Phase 1 to go on to a public filing.
What is due diligence? Every effort should be made to contact potential suppliers. For example, CITA cannot accept that a potential supplier “did not respond” to an e-mail or phone call after only one attempt to contact the supplier. Contact should be attempted with an appropriate official of a potential supplier. As an example, the CEO of a company may or may not be the most appropriate contact for determining whether the company can supply the requested product. When requesting a fiber, yarn, or fabric from a supplier, the requester must describe the product with the same specifications submitted in the ’Request‘. A requester should be able to clearly substantiate its belief that the subject product is not available from a supplier in a DR-CAFTA country. Whether a substitutable product is available from a potential supplier should be addressed in the submissions. In addition to contacting individual suppliers, requesters should consider contacting textile trade associations in all the DR-CAFTA nations.
In the right circumstances, where all potential suppliers promptly respond that they cannot supply the article in question, due diligence can be done in a short a time as a month. However, it usually takes a few months. Looking that the three most recently approved request we find--
- Request #229 started due diligence November 2, 2016, and filed, starting the 30-day process, on April 3, 2017, for five months of due diligence,
- Request #228 started due diligence November 17, 2016, and filed, starting the 30-day process, on March 20, 2017, for four months of due diligence, and
- Request #222 started due diligence February 4, 2016, and filed, starting the 44-day process, on June 1, 2016, for four months of due diligence.
So, how long does due diligence take? It takes however long it takes to demonstrate to CITA that there are no potential suppliers
Army Jacket Contract Awarded
U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Antidumping Duty Determinations on Polyetrafluoroethylene Resin from China and India
On May 1, 2018, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determinations in the antidumping duty (AD) investigations of imports of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) resin from China and India.
“The dumping of goods below market value in the United States is something the Trump Administration takes very seriously,” said Secretary Ross. "The Department of Commerce will continue to stand up for American workers and business’s in order to ensure that everyone trades on a level playing field.”
Commerce preliminarily determined that exporters from China and India have sold PTFE resin in the United States at 69.34 to 208.16 percent and 18.49 percent less than fair value, respectively.
As a result of this decision, Commerce will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to collect cash deposits from importers of imports of PTFE resin from China and India based on these preliminary rates.
In 2016, imports of PTFE resin from China and India were valued at an estimated $24.6 million and $14.3 million, respectively.
The petitioner is The Chemours Company FC LLC (Wilmington, DE).
Enforcement of U.S. trade law is a prime focus of the Trump administration. Commerce has initiated 112 new antidumping and countervailing duty investigations since the beginning of the Trump administration. This is 75 percent more than the 64 initiations in the last 466 days of the previous administration.
The AD law provides U.S. businesses and workers with an internationally accepted mechanism to seek relief from the harmful effects of unfair pricing of imports into the United States. Commerce currently maintains 430 antidumping and countervailing duty orders which provide relief to American companies and industries impacted by unfair trade.
Commerce is scheduled to announce the final determinations in these investigations on September 18, 2018.
If Commerce makes affirmative final determinations of dumping and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) makes affirmative final injury determinations, Commerce will issue AD orders. If Commerce makes negative final determinations of dumping or the ITC makes negative final determinations of injury, the investigations will be terminated and no orders will be issued.
Click HERE for a fact sheet on today’s decisions.
Commerce’s Enforcement and Compliance unit within the International Trade Administration is responsible for vigorously enforcing U.S. trade laws and does so through an impartial, transparent process that abides by international rules and is based solely on factual evidence.
Foreign companies that price their products in the U.S. market below the cost of production or below prices in their home markets are subject to antidumping duties.
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Carter’s Recalls Children’s Cardigan Sets Due to Choking Hazard
This recall involves Carter’s 3-piece penguin cardigan sets. The recalled sets consist of a white embroidered penguin bodysuit, a grey cardigan with a hood and matching pair of pants. They were sold in sizes newborn to 24 months. Style number 127G596 is printed on the front of the care tag sewn on the inside of the cardigan, and the UPC number is printed on the back of the same care tag. The UPC numbers are 190795798203, 190795798166, 190795798173, 190795798180, 190795798135, 190795798142, 190795798159. The style number and UPC number are also printed on the price tag.
|
Size |
UPC |
Style No. |
|
NB |
190795798203 |
127G596 |
|
3M |
190795798166 |
|
|
6M |
190795798173 |
|
|
9M |
190795798180 |
|
|
12M |
190795798135 |
|
|
18M |
190795798142 |
|
|
24M |
190795798159 |
Remedy: Consumer should immediately take the recalled cardigan sets away from children, stop using them and return them to a Carter’s store location for a full refund in the form of a gift card. Consumers can also contact Carter’s Consumer Affairs department and request a free return label and envelope to return the cardigan for a refund in the form of an electronic gift card.
Incidents/Injuries: Carter’s received three reports of children putting a detached toggle button in their mouths. No injuries have been reported.
Sold At: Carter’s, Bon-Ton, Burlington Stores, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Ross Stores, Toys “R” Us, and other stores nationwide and online at www.carters.com from July 2017 through March 2018 for about $40.
Importer(s): The William Carter Company, of Atlanta, Ga.
Manufactured In: China.
Recall number: 18-148
Customs Rules on Classification of Cycling Cap
The cap is prima facie classifiable under two subheadings. Neither the polyester knit mesh fabric (6505.00.60) nor the cotton woven fabric (6505.00.20) imparts the essential character of the cap. Therefore, the cap will be classified in accordance with GRI 3(c) under the subheading that occurs last in numerical order in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). The applicable subheading will be 6505.00.6090, HTSUS, which provides for "Hats and other headgear, knitted or crocheted, or made up from lace, felt or other textile fabric, in the piece (but not in strips), whether or not lined or trimmed; hair-nets of any material, whether or not lined or trimmed: Other: Other: Of man-made fibers: Knitted or crocheted or made up from knitted or crocheted fabric: Not in part of braid: Other: Other: Other." The rate of duty will be 20 cents per kilogram plus 7 percent ad valorem.
Federal Business Opportunities through May 2, 2018
------------------------------------------------------- Title: FIREMAN HOOD Sol. #: SPE8E918Q0306 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: COVERALL Sol. #: SPMYM218Q2417 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: DISPOSABLE GLOVES Sol. #: SPMYM2-18-Q-2404 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Deployer Equipment Sol. #: FB4686-18-R-0025 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Nitrex Gloves Sol. #: SE410009 Agency: Department of Justice ------------------------------------------------------- Title: WEBBING,TEXTILE Sol. #: SPE1C118T1425 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Aviation Body Armor Vests (ABAVs) Sol. #: W911QY-17-R-0024 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: US Army Band Distinctive Scarlet Caps Sol. #: MYERTUSABTAP0033 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Vests Sol. #: PR-OECA-18-00094 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Next Generation - Head Protection System Full Rate Production Sol. #: W91CRB-IHPS-NGFRP Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: TENTS Sol. #: JBLM2ND75THLLS0004 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Packs, fireline, complete Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-TBD2 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Boot, Hot Weather, Safety, Chocolate Brown Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-X015 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: TENT Sol. #: SPE1C118T1423 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: WORK JACKETS Sol. #: 6923G218Q000014 Agency: Department of Transportation ------------------------------------------------------- Title: India White Cloth Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0039 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Extra Large Gloves Sol. #: SPMYM118Q0052 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FLAG,NATIONAL Sol. #: SPE1C118T1364 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: TSCIF - Tent System Sol. #: FA441718Q0063 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Navy, Overcoat, Men's Sol. #: SPE1C118D1032 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Amendment 06 and Q&A Set 7 Sol. #: H92222-17-R-0005 Agency: Other Defense Agencies ------------------------------------------------------- Title: 18-11620 SECURITY UTILITIES Sol. #: 18-11620 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Steel Toe Boots Sol. #: F3V5A18086AW01 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Police Long Gun Equipment for Central Alabama Veterans Heathcare System, East Campus, Tuskegee, AL Sol. #: 36C24718Q0518 Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Plate Carriers/ Body Armor Sol. #: F3N6147340A001 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: INSIGNIA,SERVICE CA Sol. #: Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: 436th Sun Shade Canopies Sol. #: FA4661-18-Q-0039 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: OPTION - WHINSEC PT Uniforms Sol. #: W911SF-18-T-5410 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Police Equipment Nigeria Sol. #: 19GE5018Q0011 Agency: Department of State ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Deployer Equipment Sol. #: FB4686-18-R-0025 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: TSCIF - Tent System Sol. #: FA441718Q0063 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: PR# 667-18-1-397-0021, Shreveport, Svc Cintas Service Contract Sol. #: 36C25618Q9352 Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs ------------------------------------------------------- Title: 436th Sun Shade Canopies Sol. #: FA4661-18-Q-0039 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: New Action New Contract for Body Armor required Sol. #: 89233118QNA000021 Agency: Department of Energy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: MOLLE RIFLEMAN SET w/TAP - OCP Sol. #: SPE1C118R00370003 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Police Training Equipment Sol. #: PR6845816 Agency: Department of State ------------------------------------------------------- Title: ATOUR - Specialized Gear Sol. #: FY18RR019 Agency: Department of State ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Insulated Over-Boot/Gaiter Sol. #: W911QY-18-IOB Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Extreme Cold Weather Boot Sol. #: W911QY-18-ECWB Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: LINING,HELMET,SHOCK Sol. #: SPE1C118Q0234 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: HGU 68/P Helmet Assembly, HGU 84/P Helmet Assembly, and Associated Components Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-0081 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: Life Support Sol. #: W91247-18-Q-GG41 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Textile, Leather, Furs, Apparel, Shoe Findings, Tents and Flags Sol. #: M67854-18-I-0508 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: FIREFIGHTING APPAREL Sol. #: W25G1V18Q0211 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: 3-IN-1 RESPONSE JACKET Color Sol. #: HOODDESFDKLH016 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: CLOTH,PLAIN WEAVE Sol. #: SPE1C118T1053 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: INSIGNIA,SERVICE CA Sol. #: SPE1C118T1401 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: STAMP MACHINE Sol. #: M0014618Q2608 Agency: Department of the Navy ------------------------------------------------------- Title: TENTS Sol. #: JBLM2ND75THLLS0004 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Mystery Ranch Sol. #: F7H1WX8106AW03 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Cold Weather Sock Sol. #: W911QY-18-SOCK Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: India White Cloth Sol. #: W911SD-18-T-0039 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Men's Deck Shoes Sol. #: 192118FAO00000113 Agency: Department of Homeland Security ------------------------------------------------------- Title: BLACK TWILL FABRIC - BERRY AMENDMENT COMPLIANT Sol. #: CT2241-18 Agency: Department of Justice ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Battery Protection Bags Sol. #: FA4600-18-R-0010 Agency: Department of the Air Force ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Duffel Bag Sol. #: F7H1WX8074AW05 Agency: Department of the Army ------------------------------------------------------- Title: NWU Uniforms Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-0005 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency Office: DLA Acquisition Locations ------------------------------------------------------- Title: AIRSAVE SURVIVAL VEST, TYPE I & II Sol. #: SPE1C1-18-R-0094 Agency: Defense Logistics Agency ------------------------------------------------------- Title: Touch Screen Gloves Sol. #: FA4528-18-Q-GM06 Agency: Department of the Air Force -------------------------------------------------------
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