Thursday, September 29, 2022

Combat Boot Contract Awarded

Belleville Shoe Manufacturing, Co., * Belleville, Illinois, has been awarded a maximum $26,101,900 fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for cold weather combat boots. This was a competitive acquisition with four responses received. This is a three-year contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Arkansas, with a Sept. 28, 2025, ordering period end date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2022 through 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-22-D-1570).

*Small business

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Combat Uniform Trouser Contract Awarded

Dallas Lighthouse For the Blind Inc.,** Dallas, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $13,771,868 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for combat uniform trousers. This is a two-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Sept. 26, 2024. Using military services are Army and Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2022 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-22-D-B131).

**Mandatory source

Certain Knitted Footwear; Notice of a Commission Determination Not To Review an Initial Determination Granting a Joint Motion To Terminate the Investigation

On September 27, 2022, the United States International Trade Commission published in the Federal Register (87 FR 58529) Certain Knitted Footwear; Notice of a Commission Determination Not To Review an Initial Determination Granting a Joint Motion To Terminate the Investigation in its Entirety Based Upon Settlement; Termination of the Investigation

Superabsorbent Polymers From South Korea; Hearing Update for the Subject Investigation

On September 23, 2022, the United States International Trade Commission published in the Federal Register (87 FR 58134) Superabsorbent Polymers From South Korea; Hearing Update for the Subject Investigation

Thursday, September 22, 2022

Seeking U.S. Sources for Cotton/Hemp Ripstop Camouflage Fabric

Seeking cotton/hemp ripstop with proprietary camo. Patterned close to multicam.

Knit Fabric Sought for DR-CAFTA Program

1). Certain 40 GG Circular Knit Interlock Wicking Fabric – DR-CAFTA

                               

FABRIC TYPE

40 GG circular knit interlock wicking bright

 

FIBER CONTENT

78-84% nylon / 16-22% bright spandex

 

YARN 1

100% nylon 6,6 / FD 40D x 51F

 

YARN 2

100% polyurethane bright spandex, 40D

 

FABRIC WEIGHT

203-225 grams per square meter

 

FABRIC WIDTH

34 inches (86 cm)

 

FINISHING PROCESS

acid dyed in the piece, wicking finish

 

QUANTITY required

5,250,000 yards annually

 

HTSUS subheading

6004.10.0085

 

REMARKS

Modulus & Extension Requirement Modulus at 10%, 30%, 50% & 80% Extension

  1. At 1 min: 90% Recovery
  2. At 30 min: Data Only

Method - BS EB ISO 20932 (Modified)

 

Abrasion Resistance Requirement No broken yarn after 50,000 cycles

Appearance Change – Grade 4.0 after 50,000 cycles

Method - ISO 12947-2 (Modified)

 

Pilling Requirement

  1. For Tops: Grade 4.0 after 2 washes and 5000 cycles
  2. For Bottoms: Grade 4.0 after 4 washes and 10,000 cycles

Method - ASTM D4970

 

Quick Dry Requirement Initial & After 10 launderings: 1 ml/hr

Method – AATCC 201

 

Snagging Requirement

  1. Grade 4.0 after 50 cycles
  2. Grade 3.5 after 75 cycles

Method – ASTM D5362

 

 

 

2). Certain 40 GG Circular Knit Interlock Black Wicking Fabric – DR-CAFTA

 

  FABRIC TYPE

40 GG circular knit interlock black wicking

 

  FIBER CONTENT

78-84% nylon / 16-22% black spandex

 

  YARN 1

100% nylon 6,6 / FD 40D x 51F

 

YARN 2

100% polyurethane black spandex, 40D

 

  FABRIC WEIGHT

203-225 grams per square meter

 

FABRIC WIDTH

34 inches (86 cm)

 

  FINISHING PROCESS

acid dyed in the piece, wicking finish

 

  QUANTITY required

5,250,000 yards annually

 

  HTSUS subheading

6004.10.0085

 

REMARKS

Modulus & Extension Requirement Modulus at 10%, 30%, 50% & 80% Extension

  1. At 1 min: 90% Recovery
  2. At 30 min: Data Only

Method - BS EB ISO 20932 (Modified)

 

Abrasion Resistance Requirement No broken yarn after 50,000 cycles

Appearance Change – Grade 4.0 after 50,000 cycles

Method - ISO 12947-2 (Modified)

 

Pilling Requirement

  1. For Tops: Grade 4.0 after 2 washes and 5000 cycles
  2. For Bottoms: Grade 4.0 after 4 washes and 10,000 cycles

Method - ASTM D4970

 

Quick Dry Requirement Initial & After 10 launderings: 1 ml/hr

Method – AATCC 201

 

Snagging Requirement

  1. Grade 4.0 after 50 cycles
  2. Grade 3.5 after 75 cycles

Method – ASTM D5362

 

 

3). Certain 40 GG Circular Knit Interlock Brushed Wicking Fabric – DR-CAFTA

 

  FABRIC TYPE

40 GG circular knit interlock brushed wicking nylon/bright

 

  FIBER CONTENT

78-84% nylon / 16-22% bright spandex

 

  YARN 1

100% nylon 6,6 / FD 40D x 51F

 

YARN 2

100% polyurethane bright spandex, 40D

 

  FABRIC WEIGHT

203-225 grams per square meter

 

FABRIC WIDTH

48 inches (122 cm)

 

  FINISHING PROCESS

Sueded, acid dyed in the piece, wicking finish

 

  QUANTITY required

10,500,000 yards annually

 

  HTSUS subheading

6004.10.0085

 

REMARKS

Modulus & Extension Requirement Modulus at 10%, 30%, 50% & 80% Extension

  1. At 1 min: 90% Recovery
  2. At 30 min: Data Only

Method - BS EB ISO 20932 (Modified)

 

Abrasion Resistance Requirement No broken yarn after 50,000 cycles

Appearance Change – Grade 4.0 after 50,000 cycles

Method - ISO 12947-2 (Modified)

 

Pilling Requirement

  1. For Tops: Grade 4.0 after 2 washes and 5000 cycles
  2. For Bottoms: Grade 4.0 after 4 washes and 10,000 cycles

Method - ASTM D4970

 

Quick Dry Requirement Initial & After 10 launderings: 1 ml/hr

Method – AATCC 201

 

Snagging Requirement

  1. Grade 4.0 after 50 cycles
  2. Grade 3.5 after 75 cycles

Method – ASTM D5362

 

 

4). Certain 40 GG Circular Knit Interlock Black Brushed Fabric – DR-CAFTA

 

  FABRIC TYPE

40 GG circular knit interlock black

 

  FIBER CONTENT

78-84% nylon / 16-22% black spandex

 

  YARN 1

100% nylon 6,6 / FD 40D x 51F

 

YARN 2

100% polyurethane black spandex, 40D

 

  FABRIC WEIGHT

203-225 grams per square meter

 

FABRIC WIDTH

48 inches (122 cm)

 

  FINISHING PROCESS

Sueded, acid dyed in the piece, wicking finish

 

  QUANTITY required

10,500,000 yards annually

 

  HTSUS subheading

6004.10.0085

 

REMARKS

Modulus & Extension Requirement Modulus at 10%, 30%, 50% & 80% Extension

  1. At 1 min: 90% Recovery
  2. At 30 min: Data Only

Method - BS EB ISO 20932 (Modified)

 

Abrasion Resistance Requirement No broken yarn after 50,000 cycles

Appearance Change – Grade 4.0 after 50,000 cycles

Method - ISO 12947-2 (Modified)

 

Pilling Requirement

  1. For Tops: Grade 4.0 after 2 washes and 5000 cycles
  2. For Bottoms: Grade 4.0 after 4 washes and 10,000 cycles

Method - ASTM D4970

 

Quick Dry Requirement Initial & After 10 launderings: 1 ml/hr

Method – AATCC 201

 

Snagging Requirement

  1. Grade 4.0 after 50 cycles
  2. Grade 3.5 after 75 cycles

Method – ASTM D5362

 

 

5). Certain 36 GG Double Knit Brushed Wicking Fabric – DR-CAFTA

 

  FABRIC TYPE

36 GG Double knit brushed wicking bright

  FIBER CONTENT

74-80% nylon / 20-26% bright spandex

  YARN 1

100% nylon 6,6 / FD / DTY 40D x 34F

YARN 2

100% nylon 6,6 / FD / DTY 30D x 34F

YARN 3

100% polyurethane bright spandex, round, dry 20D

  FABRIC WEIGHT

233-257 grams per square meter

FABRIC WIDTH

58 inches (147 cm)

  FINISHING PROCESS

Peached, scoured, preset, acid dyed in the piece, wicking finish

  QUANTITY required

3,500,000 yards annually

  HTSUS subheading

6004.10.0085

REMARKS

Modulus & Extension Requirement Modulus at 10%, 30%, 50% & 80% Extension

  1. At 1 min: 90% Recovery
  2. At 30 min: Data Only

Method - BS EB ISO 20932 (Modified)

 

Abrasion Resistance Requirement No broken yarn after 50,000 cycles

Appearance Change – Grade 4.0 after 50,000 cycles

Method - ISO 12947-2 (Modified)

 

Pilling Requirement

  1. For Tops: Grade 4.0 after 2 washes and 5000 cycles
  2. For Bottoms: Grade 4.0 after 4 washes and 10,000 cycles

Method - ASTM D4970

 

Quick Dry Requirement Initial & After 10 launderings: 1 ml/hr

Method – AATCC 201

 

Snagging Requirement

  1. Grade 4.0 after 50 cycles
  2. Grade 3.5 after 75 cycles

Method – ASTM D5362

 

6). Certain 36 GG Double Knit Black Brushed Wicking Fabric – DR-CAFTA

 

  FABRIC TYPE

36 GG Double knit black brushed wicking

  FIBER CONTENT

74-80% nylon / 20-26% black spandex

  YARN 1

100% nylon 6,6 / FD / DTY 40D x 34F

YARN 2

100% nylon 6,6 / FD / DTY 30D x 34F

YARN 3

100% polyurethane black spandex, round, dry 20D

  FABRIC WEIGHT

233-257 grams per square meter

FABRIC WIDTH

58 inches (147 cm)

  FINISHING PROCESS

Peached, scoured, preset, acid dyed in the piece, wicking finish

  QUANTITY required

3,500,000 yards annually

  HTSUS subheading

6004.10.0085

REMARKS

Modulus & Extension Requirement Modulus at 10%, 30%, 50% & 80% Extension

  1. At 1 min: 90% Recovery
  2. At 30 min: Data Only

Method - BS EB ISO 20932 (Modified)

 

Abrasion Resistance Requirement No broken yarn after 50,000 cycles

Appearance Change – Grade 4.0 after 50,000 cycles

Method - ISO 12947-2 (Modified)

 

Pilling Requirement

  1. For Tops: Grade 4.0 after 2 washes and 5000 cycles
  2. For Bottoms: Grade 4.0 after 4 washes and 10,000 cycles

Method - ASTM D4970

 

Quick Dry Requirement Initial & After 10 launderings: 1 ml/hr

Method – AATCC 201

 

Snagging Requirement

  1. Grade 4.0 after 50 cycles
  2. Grade 3.5 after 75 cycles

Method – ASTM D5362

Limitations of Duty- and Quota-Free Imports of Apparel Articles Assembled in Beneficiary Sub-Saharan African Countries From Regional and ThirdCountry Fabric

On September 21, 2022, the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements published in the Federal Register (87 FR 57681) Limitations of Duty- and Quota-Free Imports of Apparel Articles Assembled in Beneficiary Sub-Saharan African Countries From Regional and ThirdCountry Fabric.

The Africa Growth and Opportunity Act ("AGOA") provides for duty-free entry of apparel assembled in the AGOA region of fabric formed in the U.S. of yarn formed in the U.S. It also provided for a Tariff Preference Level ("TPL") equal to seven percent of all U.S. apparel imports for apparel assembled in the AGOA region of fabric from the AGOA region. There is also a TPL for Lesser Developed Countries ("LDCs") in the AGOA region for apparel assembled in an AGOA LDC of third-country fabric. The TPL is set at 3.5 percent of all U.S. apparel imports.

For the one-year period, beginning on October 1, 2022, and extending through September 30, 2023, the aggregate quantity of imports eligible for preferential treatment under these provisions is 2,353,677,080 square meters equivalent. Of this amount, 1,176,838,540 square meters equivalent is available to apparel articles imported under the special rule for lesserdeveloped countries. Apparel articles entered in excess of these quantities will be subject to otherwise applicable tariffs.

CPSC will participate in a virtual meeting of the ASTM F15.81 subcommittee for PFAS in Consumer Products

On October 3, 2022, Carter Bosse of the Consumer Product Saefty Commission Office of Hazard Identification and Reduction, and other CPSC staff, will participate in the first meeting of the new ASTM F15.81 subcommittee for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in consumer products on Monday, October 3, 2022, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM ET. The meeting will discuss next steps in the creation of a standard guide for selecting analytical methods to evaluate PFAS in consumer products. For more information on this meeting, please contact Carter Bosse (email: LBosse@cpsc.gov or call: (301)-987-2224).

Shoe Contract Awarded

Capps Shoe Co.,* Lynchburg, Virginia, has been awarded a maximum $12,416,700 modification (P00010) exercising the third one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-19-D-1202) with four one-year option periods for men’s and women’s leather Oxford dress shoes. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The ordering period end date is Sept. 26, 2023. Using customers are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2022 through 2023 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

*Small business

Army and Air Force Coat Contract Awarded

American Apparel Inc.,* Selma, Alabama, has been awarded a maximum $22,938,585 modification (P00008) exercising the first one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-21-D-1481) with four one-year option periods for various types of coats. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. Location of performance is Puerto Rico, with a Sept. 28, 2023, ordering period end date. Using military services are Army and Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2022 through 2023 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

*Small business

Friday, September 16, 2022

Army, Navy, and Air Force Apparel Contract Awarded

M&M Manufacturing LLC,** Lajas, Puerto Rico, has been awarded a maximum $9,231,250 modification (P00027) exercising the third one-year option period of an 18-month base contract (SPE1C1-19-D-1145) with three one-year option periods for various types of blouses and coats. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The ordering period end date is Sept. 19, 2023. Using military services are Army, Navy and Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2022 through 2023 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

**Woman-owned small business in historically underutilized business zones

Request for Comments on Significant Foreign Trade Barriers for the 2023 National Trade Estimate Report

On September 15, 2022, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative published in the Federal Register (87 FR 56741) Request for Comments on Significant Foreign Trade Barriers for the 2023 National Trade Estimate Report

Thursday, September 15, 2022

REGISTER NOW FOR JAPBI

November 16-17, 2022, Joint Advanced Planning Brief for Industry. The JAPBI, hosted by DLA Troop Support, provides the clothing & textile industrial base with a joint forecast of future opportunities.

See more HERE.

Register HERE.

Register for hotel HERE.

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

National Industries for the Blind Combat Shirt Contract

The National Industries for the Blind,** Alexandria, Virginia, has been awarded a maximum $15,435,123 modification (P00014) exercising the second one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-20-D-B090) with two one-year option periods for unisex and female advanced combat shirts. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. Locations of performance are Texas, North Carolina and New York, with a Sept. 15, 2023, ordering period end date. Using military services are Army and Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2022 through 2023 defense working capital funds. The contracting agency is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

**Mandatory source

Army and Air Force Advanced Combat Shirt Contract Awarded

Mount Rogers Community Services, Atkins, Virginia, has been awarded a maximum $15,435,123 modification (P00011) exercising the second one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-20-D-N120) with two one-year option periods for unisex and female advanced combat shirts. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. Location of performance is North Carolina, with a Sept. 15, 2023, ordering period end date. Using military services are Army and Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2022 through 2023 defense working capital funds. The contracting agency is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Standard for the Flammability of Clothing Textiles; Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

On September 14, 2022, the Consumer Product Safety Commission published in the Federal Register (87 FR 56289) Standard for the Flammability of Clothing Textiles; Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Army and Air Force Cold Weather Jacket Contract Awarded

Peckham Vocational Industries Inc.,** Lansing, Michigan, has been awarded a maximum $37,351,500 modification (P00003) exercising the first one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-21-D-N152) with three one-year option periods for GEN III fleece cold weather jackets. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The ordering period end date is Sept.16, 2023. Using military services are Army and Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2022 through 2023 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

**Mandatory source

Certain Pillows and Seat Cushions, Components Thereof, and Packaging Thereof; Notice of Institution of Investigation

On September 13, 2022, the U.S. International Trade Commission published in the Federal Register (87 FR 56086) Certain Pillows and Seat Cushions, Components Thereof, and Packaging Thereof; Notice of Institution of Investigation

Friday, September 9, 2022

USITC Makes Determinations in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Amorphous Silica Fabric from China

On September 9, 2022, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) determined that revoking the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of certain amorphous silica fabric from China would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.

Read more HERE.

Thursday, September 8, 2022

Air Force Anti-Gravity Suit Contract Awarded

Vinyl Technology, Monrovia, California, has been awarded a maximum $12,990,030 modification (P00020) exercising the third one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-19-D-1188) with three one-year option periods for advanced technology anti-gravity suits. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The ordering period end date is Sept. 15, 2023. Using military service is Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2022 through 2023 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Colorado Company and Owner Agree to Pay $625,000 for Alleged False Claims Related to Buy American Act, Whistleblower to Collect $124,500

On September 6, 2022, The Department of Justice announced that Instec, Inc., located in Boulder, Colorado, and Dr. Zhong Zou, Instec's owner and president, have agreed to pay $625,000 to resolve allegations that the company and Zou violated the False Claims Act by failing to comply with the requirements of the Buy American Act when selling scientific instruments to federal agencies and national laboratories.

The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought by a former Instec employee under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. These provisions allow a private party, known as a relator, to file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. In this case, the relator will receive $124,500 as part of the settlement.

Read more HERE.

The Year in Trade

On August 29, 2022, The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) released The Year in Trade 2021 (Inv. No. 332-345), its annual overview of developments regarding the operation of the U.S. trade agreements program for 2021.

The USITC's The Year in Trade is one of the government's most comprehensive reports available regarding activities related to U.S. trade policies, agreements, and trade laws. This report is the 73rd in a series of annual reports submitted to the U.S. Congress under section 163(c) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2213(c)) and its predecessor legislation.

The publication reviews U.S. international trade laws and actions under these laws, activities of the World Trade Organization (WTO), and developments regarding U.S. free trade agreements (FTAs), FTA negotiations, and U.S. bilateral trade relations with major trading partners in 2021.

In addition to discussion on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions on international trade, topics covered in The Year in Trade 2021 include:

  • U.S. antidumping, countervailing duty, safeguard, intellectual property rights infringement, national security, and section 301 cases active in 2021;
  • amendments to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, and the operation of U.S. trade preference programs, including the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences, the African Growth and Opportunity Act, the Nepal Trade Preferences Act, and the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, including initiatives for Haiti;
  • WTO dispute settlement decisions and other significant activities in the WTO and initiatives under the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum;
  • implementation and enforcement matters under the United States-Canada-Mexico Agreement and other U.S. FTAs in effect; and
  • bilateral trade issues with selected major U.S. trading partners -- the European Union, Mexico, Canada, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, and India.

The report also provides an overview of U.S. trade in goods and services during 2021. Statistical tables highlight U.S. bilateral trade with major trading partners and trade under U.S. trade preference programs and FTAs.

The Year in Trade 2021 (USITC Publication 5349, August 2022) will be posted on the USITC's Internet site at https://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub5349.pdf.   

A set of interactive, web-based presentations of underlying data is also available at: