Thursday, August 24, 2023

Army and Air Force Apparel Contract Awarded

August 22, 2023, M&M Manufacturing LLC, ** Lajas, Puerto Rico, has been awarded a maximum $12,276,574 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for coats and trousers. This was a competitive acquisition with eight responses received. This is a one-year base contract with four one-year option periods. The ordering period end date is Aug. 21, 2024. Using military services are Army and Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-23-D-0070).

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

2023 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy: Comment Request

On August 24, 2023, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative published in the Federal Register (88 FR 58055) 2023 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy: Comment Request

Friday, August 18, 2023

Cold Weather Jacket Contract Awarded

August 18, 2023, M&M Manufacturing LLC,** Lajas, Puerto Rico, has been awarded a maximum $17,193,219 modification (P00008) exercising the second one‐year option period of a one‐year base contract (SPE1C1‐21‐D-1490) with three one‐year option periods for cold weather military uniform jackets. This is a firm‐fixed‐price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite‐quantity contract. The ordering period end date is Aug. 26, 2024. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2024 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

Market Research: Mill Wash Factories for Denim Shirts

The Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility (NCTRF) is conducting a market research investigation into potential sources of supply for the United States Postal Service (USPS). The goal of this effort is to identify domestic wash factories with the capabilities to mechanically or chemically garment wash denim shirts used in USPS Work Clothes either by stone, acid, bleach or enzyme washing.

NCTRF seeks to identify Berry Compliant domestic operations capable of garment washing denim shirts to a medium stone wash colorway. The basic material for the shirts is a 6.7 oz./yd² twill cotton cloth.

More information HERE.

House and Senate Both Express Concerns about Textile Defense Industrial Base

Both the House and Senate National Defense Authorization Act iterations are accompanied by a report from the respective Committee on Armed Services. Both reports provide direction to the Department of Defense regarding the doemstic textile Defense Industrial Base (DIB).

HOUSE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE REPORT

1. The committee directs the Director of DLA and the Sec. of Defense to provide a report to the House Committee on Armed Services no later than January 1, 2024, on the feasibility of requiring that home textile goods used on military installations be procured from domestic sources.

2. The committee is concerned about current economic factors impacting the capacity of the textile industry to meet DOD needs.

The committee directs the Sec. of Defense to submit a report to the congressional defense committees by March 1, 2024. The report shall address the following:

  • impact on inflation;
  • recommendations for additional economic price adjustment clauses;
  • the department’s efforts to adequately forecast needs to industry;
  • review defense-related domestic manufacturing workforce levels;
  • ability of the textile industrial base to increase production during a national emergency; and
  • other matters the Secretary deems appropriate.

SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE REPORT

The committee is concerned about capacity for domestic Berry compliant articles, specially:

  • Combat boots,
  • Worsted wool, and
  • Woven cotton.

The committee directs Assistant Sec. of Defense for Industrial Base Policy to brief the SASC by March 1, 2024, on impediments to manufacturing capacity for Berry compliant clothing. This language was inserted at the request of Sen Tammy Duckworth (D-IL).

Republicans and Democrats Clash over Social Issues in Defense Bill

The U.S. House and Senate have each passed a version of the National Defense Authorization Act for 2024, an annual undertaking. The NDAA is a massive piece of legislation (the House bill is over 1700 pages long and the Senate bill over 2,000 pages). When Congress comes back from summer break the two bodies must reconcile the differences. Once a compromise bill is agreed to in a conference committee, the House must pass that compromise bill, followed by the Senate. It will then be presented to the President to sign into law.

Working out compromises will not be easy. The Republican majority in the House has put in some provisions to satisfy their base that will be difficult for the Democrats who control the Senate to accept without offending their base.

LGBTQ

The Republican bill prohibits drag shows and drag queen story hour. It prohibits displaying any flag other than the U.S. flag, a State or District of Columbia flag, or certain other flags with some connection to the military (but not any flag relating to sexuality or gender). It prohibits TRICARE -- the Department of Defense health care program for service members, retirees, and their families -- from paying for "Sex reassignment surgeries furnished for the purpose of the gender alteration of a transgender individual" and "Hormone treatments furnished for the purpose of the gender alteration of a transgender in individual".

ABORTION

Under current law (10 USC 1093) Department of Defense funds may be used to pay for abortions only to save the life of the mother, or, in the case of rape or incest. Following the 2022 Supreme Court Dobbs decision, some states restricted access to abortion to some extent, leaving some service members in jurisdictions where state law was more restrictive than the Dept. of Defense funding rule. On October 20, 2022, the Department of Defense issued a Memorandum entitled "Ensuring Access to Reproductive Health" providing for the Department to pay travel expenses for travel to another state for an abortion. The House-passed bill expresses the sense of Congress that the Memorandum was illegal, citing 10 USC 1093, and the bill would repeal the Memorandum.

The Democrats are strongly opposed to the House-passed provisions relating to LBGTQ and abortion. Minority Whip Katherine Clark, of Massachusetts, said on CNN: "We know that this bill is going nowhere in the Senate because it is disgusting and outrageous."

It is hard to see how compromise can be worked on issues so vital to each side's interest in pleasing its core constituency.

COVID-19

The House bill contains several provisions prohibiting action against an individual due to refusal to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and provides a path for reinstatement of anyone separated from the military due to past refusal to take the COVID-19 vaccine.

President Biden in a Statement of Administration Policy strongly opposed all the House provisions relating to COVID-19 vaccination. While the President has no direct role in drafting legislation, it is common for the Administration to provide such comments, and members of the President's party are likely to consider voting accordingly.

Thursday, August 17, 2023

Drawback: Instructional Video for New Drawback Filers Describing the Methods for Filing a Claim in ACE

The Office of Trade, Trade Policy and Programs, has developed a brief instructional video for first-time drawback filers on how to file a claim in ACE. The video can be found on CBP.gov at: First Time Drawback Filer Reminders | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov)

Request for Comments and Notice of Public Hearing Concerning China’s Compliance With WTO Commitments

On August 17, 2023, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative published in the Federal Register (88 FR 56117) Request for Comments and Notice of Public Hearing Concerning China’s Compliance With WTO Commitments.

Carolyn Manley, Steve Williams and Allyson Tenney presenting a product safety training in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, for buyers and purchasing professionals, covering textile and apparel requirements

On September 13, 2023, Carolyn Manley, and Steve Williams of CPSC’s Office of International Programs, along with Allyson Tenney of CPSC’s Engineering Division, will present a product safety training in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, for buyers and purchasing professionals, covering textile and apparel requirements. The event, on September 13th 9:00am-5pm, is free of charge and will be held in-person at the New World Saigon Hotel. Registration information is available at: https://www.amchamvietnam.com/events/vietnam-buyers-training-2023/. For additional information, contact Amcham Vietnam at: events@amchamvietnam.com

The Children's Place Recalls Two Styles of Baby and Toddler Boy Basic Stretch Straight Leg Jeans Due to Choking Hazard

Description:

This recall involves Baby and Toddler Boy Basic Stretch Straight Leg Jeans sold in sizes 6-9M to 5T. Only products with the following style and vendor numbers are included:

Style Wash

Style Number

Vendor Number

Dustbowl Wash

3022341

7000541

Telford

3022342

7000541

The Baby and Toddler Boy Jeans style numbers 3022341 and 3022342, and vendor number 7000541 can all be found on a sewn-in, side-seam label inside the jeans near the left pocket.

Remedy:

Consumers should immediately take the recalled jeans away from children and return the jeans to any The Children’s Place store for a full refund. The Children’s Place is notifying all known purchasers.

Incidents/Injuries:

The firm has received one report of snaps detaching from the jeans. No injuries have been reported.

Sold At:
Exclusively at The Children’s Place stores nationwide from September 2022 through March 2023 (for style number 3022341, vendor number 7000541) and from January 2023 through June 2023 (for style number 3022342, vendor number 7000541) for about $25.
Importer(s):

The Children’s Place, of Secaucus, New Jersey

Manufactured In:
Kenya
Recall number:
23-257

More information and photos HERE

USITC Makes Determination In Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Polyester Staple Fiber From China

On August 16, 2023, the U.S. International Trade Commission determined that revocation of the existing antidumping duty order on polyester staple fiber from China would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.

Read more HERE.

FTZ Authorization of Limited Production Activity; GSM Engineered Fabrics, LLC; (Industrial Belts)

On August 16, 2023, the Foreign-Trade Zone Board published in the Fedeeral Register (88 FR 55662 Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 204; Authorization of Limited Production Activity; GSM Engineered Fabrics, LLC; (Industrial Belts); Kingsport, Tennessee.

The FTZ Board authorized the production activity described in the notification on a limited basis, subject to the FTZ Act and the Board’s regulations, including section 400.14, and further subject to a restriction requiring that the following components be admitted in privileged foreign status (19 CFR 146.41): (1) rolls of woven plastic polyester belt material and (2) rolls of spiral polyphenylene sulfide plastic belt material.

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Combat Boot Contract Awarded

August 16, 2023, Belleville Shoe Manufacturing Co.,* Belleville, Illinois, has been awarded a maximum $23,667,241 fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for men’s and women’s temperate weather combat boots. This was a competitive acquisition with three responses received. This is a three-year contract with no option periods. Locations of performance are Arkansas and Missouri, with an Aug. 16, 2026, ordering period end date. Using military service is Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2026 defense working capital funds. The

contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-23-D-0069). *Small business

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Flame Resistant Coverall Contract Awarded

August 14, 2023, Excel Garment Manufacturing Ltd., El Paso, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $26,233,200 modification (P00012) exercising the third one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-20-D-1248) with four one-year option periods for improved flame resistant coveralls. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The ordering period end date is Aug. 18, 2024. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Monday, August 14, 2023

Helmet Cover Contracts Awarded

August 14, 2023.

Lions Volunteer Blind Industries Inc., ** Morristown, Tennessee, has been awarded a maximum $14,085,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for helmet covers. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Aug. 16, 2028. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2028 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-23-D-B015).

Mount Rogers Community Services, ** Atkins, Virginia, has been awarded a maximum $14,085,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for helmet covers. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Aug. 16, 2028. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2028 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-23-D-N012).

Thursday, August 10, 2023

Chemical Protective Coverall Contract Awarded

August 10, 2023, Ready One Industries Inc.,** El Paso, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $74,325,502 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract for men's and women's chemical protective coveralls, lightweight joint protective air crew ensembles and repair kits. This was a competitive acquisition with three responses received. This is a two-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Aug. 9, 2025. Using military services are Army and Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-23-D-0028).

**Mandatory source

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Shop Smart this School Season: Business, Law Enforcement Team Up to Educate Americans to Identify, Avoid Counterfeit Goods

August 8, 2023 -- As students and educators across America gear up to return to campus, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are on a mission to educate the public. The lesson? To teach students, parents, teachers, and small businesses about the risks posed by counterfeit goods and how to avoid them.

Read more HERE.

Request for Comments and Notice of Public Hearing Concerning Russia’s Implementation of Its WTO Commitments

On August 8, 2023, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative published in the Federal Register (88 FR 53576) Request for Comments and Notice of Public Hearing Concerning Russia’s Implementation of Its WTO Commitments.

Friday, August 4, 2023

Auburn Manufacturing hosts President Biden in historic visit

On July 28, 2023, Auburn Manufacturing Inc. (AMI) – the Maine-based industry leader in the manufacture of advanced textiles for extreme-heat environments – was honored to host President Joe Biden at its facility in Auburn, Maine, marking one of the most prestigious visits in Maine’s history.

Read more HERE.

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

CBP Finds Fake Designer Goods at Consignment Facility

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working in Shreveport, La. seized a box of various counterfeit luxury items including 10 designer outfits and 35 designer purses and wallets valued at $69,240, had the merchandise been genuine.

Read more HERE.

Baltimore CBP Officers Seize $314K in Counterfeit Converse-like Sneakers

On' July 21, 2023, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Baltimore seized a Los Angeles-bound shipment of 13,660 pairs of canvas-topped sneakers that violated the trademarked Converse midsole design. If authentic, the sneakers would have been valued at more than $314,000.

Read more HERE.

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Luxury Jewelry, Handbags, Watches & More Worth almost $800K Intercepted by CBP Officers at Chicago’s International Mail Facility

At Chicago O’Hare’s International Mail Branch, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized two packages containing 614 pieces of counterfeit designer apparel on July 28. The items were deemed to be counterfeit by CBP’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise, the agency’s trade experts and would have had a combined Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $795,175, if genuine.

Read more HERE.