Contract Opportunity: Socks, Black, Athletic

May 11, 2026, Contract Opportunity: Socks, Black, Athletic.

Cotton/nylon/spandex athletic crew socks.

The Solicitation for the purchase of the Socks, Black, Athletic will result with the intent of the Government to award two contracts – a 50% portion (Lot 0001) award and a 50% portion (Lot 0002) award. The RFP and proposed contract(s) will be issued as 100% Small Business Set-Aside. Only small business firms may submit offers for this acquisition. The Small Business Set-Aside will result in firm fixed price contract or contracts in accordance with FAR Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items. The resultant contract will be an award of a 60-month contract consisting of five (5) 12-month price tier periods. Each tier shall be for a 12-month period.

Contract Guaranteed Min: 204,000 pair

Annual Estimated Quantity: 816,000 pair per tier

Contract Maximum: 5,100,000 pair all tiers combined

All materials/components and manufacturing shall be BERRY AMENDMENT compliant.

The applicable North American Industrial Classification System Code (NAICS) is 315120 – Apparel Knitting Mills. Small business size standards matched to industry NAICS codes are published by the Small Business Administration and are available at http://www.sba.gov/content/table-small-business-size-standards.

See: SAM Notification.

Contract Opportunity: Sock Black Athletic

April 3, 2026, Solicitation for the purchase of the Socks, Black, Athletic will result with the intent of the Government to award two contracts – a 50% portion (Lot 0001) award and a 50% portion (Lot 0002) award. The RFP and proposed contract(s) will be issued as 100% Small Business Set-Aside. Only small business firms may submit offers for this acquisition. The Small Business Set-Aside will result in firm fixed price contract or contracts in accordance with FAR Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items. The resultant contract will be an award of a 60-month contract consisting of five (5) 12-month price tier periods. Each tier shall be for a 12-month period.

All materials/components and manufacturing shall be Berry Amendment compliant.

See: SAM Notification.

Fieldsheer Apparel Technologies Recalls Heated Socks Due to Injury Hazard

This recall involves Fieldsheer Apparel Technologies’ heated socks, models MWMS07, MWWS07 and MWMS05. The recalled merino wool socks were sold in black/gray, gray/orange, gray/pink and black/orange color combinations, and in sizes small through extra-large. The socks came with two lithium-ion battery packs and a charging cable. The socks have a battery pocket with either a slit or a black or gray zipper. Model MWMS05 includes a battery pack with model number MW37V122 and a four-button remote control to adjust the heat settings. Models MWMS07 and MWWS07 include Bluetooth battery packs with model number MW37V22-N. The model number can be found printed on the top left corner of the label on the back of the battery pack. The Fieldsheer logo appears in orange on the front of each sock. Note: Do not throw the lithium-ion battery or device in the trash, the general recycling stream (e.g., street-level or curbside recycling bins), or used battery recycling boxes found at various retail and home improvement stores. Lithium-ion batteries must be disposed of differently than other batteries, because they present a greater risk of fire. Your municipal household hazardous waste (HHW) collection center may accept this lithium-ion battery or device for disposal. Before taking your battery or device to a HHW collection center, contact that office ahead of time and ask whether it accepts lithium-ion batteries. If it does not, contact your municipality for further guidance.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the heated socks and contact Fieldsheer Apparel Technologies for a full refund or replacement product of equal value. Consumers should dispose of the lithium-ion battery packs in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 11 reports of socks causing pain and discomfort, resulting in 4 burns and blisters.

Sold At: Scheels All Sports, Fred Meyer, Home Depot, Meijer, Bomgaars Supply, Buchheits, Running Supply, Fleet Farm Wholesale Supply and other nationwide retailers and online at Amazon.com from August 2021 through June 2025 for between $80 and $130.

Recalling Firm: Tech Gear 5.7 Inc., dba Fieldsheer Apparel Technologies, of Carlsbad, California

Manufactured In: Bangladesh

Recall number: 25-423

More information and photos HERE.

Cold Weather Sock Contract Awarded

February 6, 2025, FRM Socks LLC, doing business as Fox River Mills, Osage, Iowa, has been awarded a maximum $11,796,375 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for cold weather socks system. This was a competitive acquisition with four responses received. This is a three-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Feb. 5, 2028. Using military services are Army and Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2025 through 2028 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-25-D-0038).

Cold Weather Sock Contract Awarded

October 31, 2024, Graham Dyeing & Finishing Inc.,* Burlington, North Carolina, has been awarded a maximum $14,737,687 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for cold weather sock system. This was a competitive acquisition with two responses received. This is a three-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Oct. 30, 2027. Using military services are Army and Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2025 through 2028 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-25-D-0008).

*Small business

Cold Weather Socks Contract Awarded

October 17, 2023, FRM Socks LLC, doing business as Fox River, Osage, Iowa, has been awarded a maximum $8,393,220 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the cold weather socks system. This was a competitive acquisition with three responses received. This is a one-year base contract with two one-year option periods. The ordering period end date is Oct. 16, 2024. Using military services are Army and Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2024 through 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-24-D-0004).

Stance Recalls Kids Crew Socks Due to Choking Hazard

Description: This recall involves the Stance Kids Reiny Szn Mid-Cushion Crew Sock with UPC M: 19107481113 and UPC L: 190107481120. The UPC codes can be found on the back of the hang tag on the sock. The socks were sold in children’s sizes medium and large. These combed cotton blend socks are brown with a black heel and toe, have a reindeer image on the socks with gold jingling bells attached around the ankle of the socks.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using and return the recalled socks to a Stance store or contact Stance at info@stance.com to receive instructions for a pre-paid shipping label to return the recalled socks. Upon return of the recalled socks, consumers will receive a refund in the form of a credit of up to $20 to use on their next purchase on Stance.com or at a Stance retail store. This credit is not transferrable, is not redeemable for cash and is a one-time usage code.

Incidents/Injuries: Stance has received one report of the bells detaching. No injuries and no reports of children putting bells in their mouths have been reported.

Sold At Stance and specialty and premium apparel stores nationwide and online at www.Stance.com from November 2021 through December 2021 for about $15.

Manufactured In: China

Importer(s): Stance Inc., of San Clemente, California

Recall number: 22-074

More information and photos HERE.

Nordstrom Recalls Children’s Socks Due to Choking Hazard

Description: This recall involves Nordstrom’s Tucker & Tate-branded socks. The anklet socks were sold in children’s sizes 5 to 7 and in a pack of three pairs of socks containing one gray pair, one white and blue pair and one white and red pair. The socks have a pom pom attached to the ankle. UPC code 439113514195 can be found on the product packaging.

Remedy: Customers should immediately stop using the recalled children’s socks and contact Nordstrom to receive a full refund.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Sold At: Nordstrom stores nationwide from May 2021 through June 2021 for about $12.

Importer(s): SABG/Division of GCE International, of Winston-Salem, N.C.

Manufactured In: China

Retailer: Nordstrom Inc., of Seattle, Wash.

Recall number: 21-187

More information and photos at HERE.

London Bridge Recalls Sock and Wrist Rattle Sets Due to Choking Hazard

Description: This recall involves a set of matching baby socks and wristband which contain a small rattle sewn inside the wristband and the toe of each sock. The sets were sold in various colors and styles, including strawberry, ladybug, animals and sports themes. The product is labeled for ages 0-6 months. The hang tag on the product has the London Bridge name and logo and ‘Baby Wrist Rattle and Rattle Sock Set 0-6 months.’ The back of the hang tag includes fiber content and care information, Batch #608315, Date code October 2018 and the Item # (LB5000, LB5001, LB5002, LB5003, LB5004, LB5005, LB5006 or LB5007).

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the sock and rattle sets, take them away from children and return them to the store where it was purchased or contact London Bridge to receive a full refund.

Incidents/Injuries: London Bridge has received one report of the stuffed rattle portions detaching. No injuries have been reported.

Sold At: Independent boutique stores nationwide from January 2019 through May 2019 for about $7.

Importer(s): Maison Chic, of Atlanta, Ga.

Manufactured In China

Recall number: 19-178

Proposed Revocation Of One Ruling Letter And Proposed Modification Of Two Ruling Letters And Revocation Of Treatment Relating To The Tariff Classification Of Various Foot Sleeves

In NY N222103, NY K86082, and NY L85061, CBP classified various foot sleeves in heading 6115, HTSUS, specifically in subheading 6115.96.90, HTSUS, which provides for “[p]antyhose, tights, stockings, socks and other hosiery, including stockings for various veins, and footwear without applied soles, knitted or crocheted: Other: Of synthetic fibers: Other.” CBP has reviewed NY N222103, NY K86082, and NY L85061 and has determined the ruling letters to be in error. It is now CBP’s position that various foot sleeves are properly classified, by operation of GRI 1, in heading 6307, HTSUS, specifically in subheading 6307.90.98, HTSUS, which provides for “[o]ther made up articles, including dress patterns: Other: Other: Other: Other: Other.”

Comments must be received on or before July 7, 2017.

AAFA Advocates for Specific TTP Provisions Relating to Hosiery, Gimped Yarn, and Nylon Yarn

On February 13, 2015, the American Apparel and Footwear Association ("AAFA") wrote to the United States Trade Representative to urge inclusion of a knit to shape ("KTS") rule of origin ("ROO") provision in the Trans Pacific Partnership ("TPP") trade agreement for legwear. The same day AAFA also sent a letter that stresses the importance of including specialized provisions relating to gimped and Israeli nylon filament yarn that had been included in previous U.S. free trade agreements.

MORE INFORMATION.

Agathon Associates' report on Nylon Yarn Exemption.

Agathon Associates' report on Gimped Yarn.

Clients of Agathon Associates may access these reports with their username and password. If you need your username and password sent to you, email David Trumbull at david@agathonassociates.com.

It's A Wonderful Sock

How do seemingly trivial ideas get patents?  

This week we have a great example:  Patent # 8522366:  Sock Structure and Method for Use.   This patent was granted for a sock with a pocket attached to it.

 At first glance, the objections seem clear.  There is no reason to put a pocket on a sock.  There is nothing new about pockets or socks.  There is no great secret about how to put a pocket on a sock.  

So how did this sock get a patent?  For that answer we simply have to reverse the logic of the objections.

 To get a patent, an invention needs to meet three requirements: Utility, Novelty and Not Obvious.  Utility means that the invention is useful.  Novelty means that it has not been done before.  And "Not Obvious" means just that. 

 Meeting the Not Obvious requirement turns out to be pretty easy.  The invention is a sock with a pocket attached.  It isn't a patent for a sock, or a pocket, or even a process to attach the pocket to the sock.  The patent is only for the sock and pocket combination.  In terms of the Not Obvious requirement, if there is no reason to attach a pocket to a sock, then, almost by definition, it is not obvious why you should attach a pocket to a sock.   

 The argument for the Novelty requirement is even easier:  if there is no reason to attach a pocket to a sock then the odds are pretty good that nobody ever attached a pocket to a sock.  Therefore a sock with a pocket attached would be novel.

 This leaves the Utility requirement.  And it turns out that chemotherapy provides a reason to attach a pocket to a sock.  About a third of the patients receiving chemotherapy are affected by a condition called "Hand-Foot Syndrome."  The drugs used in chemo sometimes leak directly into the body instead of the blood stream and the body's reaction to this leakage is redness, pain, swelling and a sensation of heat in the hands and feet of the patient.  The most effective treatment for Hand-Foot Syndrome is to put cold packs on the feet of the patient.  

And our sock is designed to hold that cold pack in place.

Below is a summary of selected patents that have been recently issued in textile related classification codes:

Sock Structure and Method for Use:  This is a sock that has designed in it a pocket to hold cold packs next to the wearer’s feet.  The intended use is to reduce the pain of “hand-foot syndrome” which is a side effect of chemotherapy patients.  Patent #:  8522366.  Inventor:  Austin.  No assignee.

Torso Garment:  A shirt intended for use in paintball games.  The shirt has multiple “gripping areas” which are non-skid surfaces intended to hold the gunstock in place and improve stability and shooting accuracy.  Patent #:  8510864.  Inventor:  Benini.  No assignee.

Convertible Clothing Article with Containment Pouch:  A hooded garment.  The hood is designed with an internal lining that becomes a pouch capable of storing the garment for convenient carrying or packing when not in use.  Patent#:  8510865.  Inventors:  Pyfer and Ryan.   No assignee.

Clothing Systems:  A dual use woman’s swimwear system that converts a two piece into a single piece unit.  System can be configured with multiple midpieces to allow a pregnant woman to wear the suit as a one piece during pregnancy and then continue to use the suit as a one piece or a two piece after the child is born.  Patent #:  8522362.  Inventor:  Stones and Raymond.  Assignee:  Stones.

Garment Pocket for Carrying an Object in a Concealed State:  A two panel system that provides a way to discretely carry a concealed items.  The space has a means to hold whatever is concealed securely in place.  Patent #: 8522367.  Inventors:  French and French.  Assignee:  CCW Breakways, LLC.

Cervical Spine Protection Apparatus and Methods of Use:  Intended to be worn as football pads.  The structure consists of a helmet and a combination of elastic bands and more rigid bands and supports designed to allow normal motion while limiting movement during an impact to a safe range of motion.  Patent #: 8528113.  Inventors:  Siegler, et al.  Assignee:  Drexel University.

Full Suspension Footwear:  A suspension/spring mechanism that stores the energy of the landing of a runner’s foot and returns some portion of it on “toe off.” Patent #:  8528233.  Inventor:  Killion.  Not Assigned.

Ventilated Air Liner for a Helmet: A series of padded cells that provide protection and for a tight fit.  The cells are aligned in the helmet to allow air flow through the helmet increasing the comfort of the user.  Patent #:  8544117.  Inventors: Erb, et.al.  Assignee:  Kranos IP Corporation.

Shoe Charm Holder Device:  A way to attach a decorative charm on a high heel shoe.  Patent #:  8544196.  Inventor:  Leo.  Not Assigned.

Running Shoe:  A plate spring incorporated into the sole of a running shoe that recovers and returns impact energy of the shoe landing to the runner.  Patent #:  8549773.   Inventor:  Nakatsuka.  Not Assigned.

Protective Gear:  A scarf intended to be worn to protect the head (for example from dust).  The scarf has inner and outer panels to improve effectiveness and methods to securely attach the scarf to the wearer.  Patent #:  8549662.  Inventor:  Chang.  Assignee:  Wrong Gear, Inc.

Jim Carson is a principal of RB Consulting, Inc. and a registered patent agent.  He has over 30 years of experience across multiple industries including the biotechnology, textile, computer, telecommunications, and energy sectors.  RB Consulting, Inc. specializes in providing management, prototyping, and regulatory services to small and start-up businesses.  He can be reached via email at James.Carson.Jr@gmail.com or by phone at (803) 792-2183.

The Hosiery Association to Cease Operations December 31st

According to a report in the BeaverLake6 Report The Hosiery Association will be dissolved at the end of this year, ending that 108 year-old organization.

Classic Characters Recalls Infant Socks Due to Choking Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

Classic Characters Recalls Infant Socks Due to Choking Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

Name of Product: Infant Froggy Socks

Units: About 5,000 pairs

Hazard: The stitched knit frog face and feet on the socks can detach, posing a choking hazard to infants and young children.

Description: The knit ankle infant socks have a red ankle border with a lime green sock that has four fabric feet and a dark green frog head with black and white eyes and a red tongue stitched to the top of the toe of the socks. The socks were sold with a Cracker Barrel price tag printed with SKU number 417662, S110, size 6-18M, fiber content and care instructions on the back of the tag.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Sold exclusively at: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store(r) locations from January 2013 to March 2013 for about $7.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled froggy socks away from infants and young children, return the socks to any Cracker Barrel Old Country Store for a full refund or send the socks to Classic Characters for a full refund plus shipping. Send to Classic Characters, 1320 Route 9, Champlain, N.Y. 12919 via UPS ground or US Postal Service.

Importer: Classic Characters Inc., of Quebec, Canada

Manufacturer: Sino-Best Industries, Co. Ltd., of Ningbo, China Manufactured in: China

Consumer Contact: Classic Characters toll-free at (877) 298-9620 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.classiccharacters.com and click on safety notice for more information.

Photos are available at http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2013/Classic-Characters-Recalls-Infant-Socks

Baby Socks Recalled by Trumpette Due to Choking Hazard

Baby Socks Recalled by Trumpette Due to Choking Hazard

Recall Date: April 10, 2013 -- Recall Number: 13-166

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Consumers should stop using this product, which is being recalled voluntarily, unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Recall Summary
Name of product: "Aubree's" and "Hearts" baby socks

Hazard: The flowers and the bows on the baby socks can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.
Remedy: Refund
Consumer Contact: Trumpette Inc.; toll-free at (877) 938-7265, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or online at www.trumpette.com and click on Recall for more information.

Recall Details
Units: About 33,000 pair
Description: This recall involves "Aubree's" and "Hearts" baby socks sold in sizes 0 to 12 months. "Aubree's" socks have flowers attached to the toes. "Hearts" socks have bows attached to the toes of the heart-patterned socks. "TRUMPETTE" is printed on the soles. They were sold in packages of six pairs of socks in multiple colors. Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received eight reports of the flowers or bows detaching from the socks. No injuries have been reported.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled socks away from babies and remove the flowers or bows to eliminate the hazard, or return the socks to the place of purchase or Trumpette for a full refund or store credit.
Sold at: Buy Buy Baby, Right Start and Trumpette stores nationwide and online at buybuybaby.com, rightstart.com and trumpette.com from December 2012 and February 2013 for about $15.
Importer: Trumpette Inc., of Sacramento, Calif.
Manufacturer: Asia Socks, of China
Manufactured in: China

Photos available at http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2013/Baby-Socks-Recalled-by-Trumpette.