Personal Protective Equipment Garment Contract Awarded

Tennessee Apparel Corp., Tullahoma, Tennessee, was awarded a $9,389,900 modification (P00018) to contract W911QY-22-F-0025 for personal protective equipment garments. Work will be performed in Tullahoma, Tennessee, with an estimated completion date of March 9, 2029. Fiscal 2024 procurement, defense-wide funds in the amount of $9,389,900 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

FTC Sues Marketer of Personal Protective Equipment and Light Fixtures for Lying About Products Being Made in the USA and Government-Certified

The Federal Trade Commission has referred a complaint to the Department of Justice alleging Adam J. Harmon and two companies he controls falsely told consumers that personal protective equipment they marketed during the pandemic, as well as light fixtures they sold, were made in the United States. The FTC charged Harmon and his two companies, Axis LED Group, LLC and ALG-Health LLC, with violating the COVID-19 Consumer Protection Act, the Made in USA Labeling Rule and the FTC Act. The agency’s proposed order would stop them from making deceptive claims that products were Made in USA – or, that because they were Made in USA, they provided superior protection from COVID-19. The order also would require them to pay a civil penalty for their past deceptive claims.

Under a proposed settlement the defendants must pay a $157,683.37 civil penalty, which is due immediately. The defendants are also subject to a $2.8 million redress judgment, which is suspended due to their inability to pay. Should the FTC discover that the defendants have misstated the value of any assets or failed to disclose them, the agency will seek to have the suspension lifted and the full judgment due immediately.

Read more HERE.

NCTO Launches Video Campaign Highlighting Heroic Healthcare Workers & U.S. PPE Supply Chain; Calls for Strategic Government Plan to Onshore Critical Medical Supplies

On October 20, 2021, the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), representing the full spectrum of U.S. textiles, from fiber through finished sewn products, released an illuminating video and social media campaign today detailing the heroic efforts of U.S. textile manufacturers to supply desperately needed medical personal protective equipment (PPE) at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The video features interviews with healthcare workers who confronted a once-in-a-generation health crisis and American textile and apparel executives, who came together to manufacture lifesaving PPE as the pandemic intensified and, once again in 2021, when President Biden issued a call to deliver 20 million American-made face masks for underserved communities in 60 days.

Read more and view the video HERE.

NCTO Issues Statement on President Biden’s “Made in America” Executive Order and Launches Video Campaign in Support of Strengthening American Manufacturing

National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas issued a statement today on the White House announcement that President Biden will sign an executive order today, “ensuring the future of America is Made in America by all of America’s workers.”  Further, NCTO launched a new industry video campaign today that outlines steps the Biden administration and Congress must take to re-shore the production of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the entire supply chain for critical products.

The video can be found here: MakeAmericanPPE.

National Council of Textile Organizations President and CEO Kim Glas said:

“We commend President Biden for taking action in his first days in office to strengthen our domestic supply chain and manufacturing base with a “Made in America” executive order directing the federal government to spend taxpayer dollars on American-made goods produced by American workers using American-made components.

Increasing the domestic procurement threshold and the price preferences for domestic goods under the current Buy American law will bolster domestic production and stimulate more investment in U.S. manufacturing.

We believe it is critical that taxpayer dollars are used to invest in American manufacturing and our workforce.  It is essential that we close loopholes in our Buy America laws, expand application and product coverage of domestic content rules, and close unnecessary contract waivers that undermine American manufacturing and its workforce. 

We look forward to working with the Biden administration and Congress on immediately strengthening our domestic procurement laws.  The COVID-19 crisis was exacerbated when foreign supply chains broke down leaving our frontline workers vulnerable, underscoring the vital need for America to manufacture essential medical products at home.  We look forward to working with the Biden administration on implementing this Executive Order, and with members of Congress to push critical bipartisan legislation to help ensure this onshoring effort is fully realized.

We also sincerely thank Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Representative Kathy Manning (D-NC) for their leadership in sending a recent letter to President Biden, requesting the president prioritize “Made in America” personal protective equipment (PPE) purchases and outlining key steps the administration can take to produce and procure quality American-made PPE for frontline workers.” (Please see the

U.S. Imports of Personal Protective Equipment

The U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Textiles and Apparel is providing a new monthly report on imports of personal protective equipment (PPE), related to the response to COVID-19, the disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The reports cover 2018, 2019, and the latest year-to-date 2019/2020; and, the reports cover twenty-three (23) 10-digit Harmonized Tariff Codes for plastic, rubber, paper, and textile-related PPE. There are two separate reports:

• Value of PPE imports: by individual HTS code, by product group, and by major supplying country.
• Quantity of PPE imports: by individual HTS code, by product group, and by major supplying country.

https://otexa.trade.gov/PDFs/Monthly_PPE_Value_10_October.pdf"

Will the U.S. Textile Industry Be Strong Enough to Help Tackle the Next National Crisis?

The National Council of Textile Organizations has shared an important podcast interview with NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas who outlines how the government can help re-shore PPE production, build a permanent supply chain for the U.S. textile industry and end our nation’s reliance on China for critical medical textiles.

NCTO Launches Video Campaign Showcasing Textile Industry Response to PPE Crisis

Senators Portman and Peters Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Require the Defense Logistics Agency to Issue Long-Term Contracts for American-Made PPE

On August 18, 2020, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced bipartisan legislation that will strengthen efforts to onshore production of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the United States by requiring the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to issue long-term contracts for American-made PPE. Reshoring production will ensure American workers, students, health care professionals, and more have the PPE they need as the economy continues to reopen. Domestic production of PPE supplies will also create manufacturing American jobs.

“The American people should not have to rely so heavily on foreign countries for personal protective equipment, and that’s why we must bring PPE production back to our shores,” said Senator Portman. “When I talk to PPE manufacturers about re-shoring this production to America, the number one thing I hear about is the need for long-term contracts. Multi-year contracts give producers the certainty to know that their investment in the United States will be worth it, because the government will be there to buy the PPE they produce. By re-shoring production of PPE, we can continue to support a safe and effective reopening of our schools, workplaces and the economy and I urge my colleagues to support this important bipartisan legislation.”

“Our nation’s dependence on foreign manufacturers for PPE, such as masks, gloves, and respirators, is a serious national security risk,” said Senator Peters, Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “I raised concerns about this problem in a report last year, and the shortages caused by the Coronavirus pandemic only underscore the need to incentivize American manufacturers to produce these critical supplies in the United States. Workers and companies in Michigan and across the country know how to manufacture great products, and this bipartisan bill will help provide certainty for American companies to create jobs, make PPE and strengthen our ability to respond to this and future pandemics.”

“We want to thank Senators Portman and Peters for introducing the ‘Make PPE in America Act’ to help onshore critical PPE production,” said NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas. “By using the purchasing power of the federal government to issue long-term contracts to American companies and its workforce, this legislation will ensure vital investment in the United States for years to come, while helping our nation become self-sufficient in lifesaving PPE materials.”

“We fully support the courageous and forward-thinking ‘Make PPE in America Act’ proposed by our own Michigan Senator Gary Peters and Senator Rob Portman from Ohio,” says Lance Keziah, CEO of Crypton. “As a Michigan-based textile manufacturer, we have seen decline across the entire domestic industry…an industry critical to PPE. This bill will provide long-term contracts to American companies of varying scale necessary to its production while supporting our essential workforce. This legislation will provide investment in the United States for years to come, insuring that our nation remains self-sufficient in supplying lifesaving PPE materials. Supporting American textile manufacturing means a more stable economy; affordable, sustainable PPE, and a healthy workforce.”

DOD Domestic PPE Information Day

The Department of Defense's COVID-19 Joint Acquisition Task Force (JATF) and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), in coordination with interagency partners, will be hosting a virtual information day regarding current and future demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) on Tuesday, July 14 and Wednesday, July 15.

The purpose of the event is to provide current and potential suppliers of PPE an understanding of U.S. government demand, including an overview of the tranche 2 requirements for DLA (in support of HHS), as well as the long-term demand for PPE across the coming year based on market research. The event will also include major trade associations providing their medical and non-medical grade PPE requirements in order for industry to return to full work capacity.

Target Audience: Current and potential domestic producers of PPE (end-items as well as sub-tier suppliers of material) and major trade associations and members, representing consumers of PPE.

Location: Virtual event (Zoom webcast, specific details TBD)

Days / Times: Tuesday, July 14 and Wednesday, July 15

For more information about the event and a registration link, see: https://www.dla.mil/HQ/Acquisition/Business/JointIndustryEngagementVirtual/

Surgical Mask Contracts Awarded

New Market Veterans, New York, New York (SPE1C1-20-D-1296, $15,061,167); Big Apple Visual Group, New York, New York (SPE1C1-20-D-1294, $14,604,768); and Hilo Enterprises, McLean, Virginia (SPE1C1-20-D-1295, $13,235,571), have each been awarded a maximum firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract under solicitation SPE1C1-20-R-0102 for surgical masks. These were competitive acquisitions with 98 offers received. They are five-month contracts with no option periods. Locations of performance are Virginia, New York, China, and Taiwan, with a Dec. 31, 2020, ordering period end date. Using customer is Health and Human Services. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2020 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Face Cover Contract Awarded

Blind Industries and Services of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, has been awarded a maximum $8,750,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract for face covers. This is a one-year contract with no option periods. This was a sole-source acquisition using authority granted by the expanded AbilityOne procurement list, make-to-order notice dated April 9, 2020. Location of performance is Maryland, with a June 4, 2021, performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2020 through 2021 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-20-D-B089).

Kim Glas on working with White House to help companies manufacture personal protective equipment

Military Face Mask Contract Awarded

Aurora Industries, Camuy, Puerto Rico, has been awarded a maximum $86,365,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract for face masks. This is an eight-month contract with no option periods. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. Location of performance is Puerto Rico, with a Dec. 31, 2020, performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2020 through 2021 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-20-D-0087).

U.S. Textile and Nonwoven Associations Urge Government to Deem Manufacturing Facilities “Essential”

U.S. textile and nonwoven associations issued a joint statement yesterday urging federal, state and local governments to deem textile and nonwoven manufacturing facilities as “essential” when drafting “Shelter in Place” orders in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

The associations state that their members make a broad range of inputs and finished products used in an array of personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical nonwoven/textile supplies, including surgical gowns, face masks, antibacterial wipes, lab coats, blood pressure cuffs, cotton swabs and hazmat suits. These items are vital to the government’s effort to ramp up emergency production of these critical supplies.

If workers who produce these goods are not granted an “essential” exemption from “Shelter in Place” and other quarantine orders to go to their manufacturing and distribution facilities, it will cause major disruptions in the availability of these goods. This will create significant hardship to healthcare providers and consumers across the country who depend on steady and stable supplies of these critical items. We are asking the administration and state and local authorities to provide greater certainty and clarity for our companies and employees and ask for a clear exclusion of our manufacturing operations from “Shelter in Place” orders as the textile and nonwoven products that we make in the U.S. play an essential role in mitigating the shortages of critical supplies. Such a designation will help us avoid disruptions of vital goods and services during this challenging time.

NCTO is a Washington, DC-based trade association that represents domestic textile manufacturers, including artificial and synthetic filament and fiber producers.

• U.S. employment in the textile supply chain was 594,147 in 2018.
• The value of shipments for U.S. textiles and apparel was $76.8 billion in 2018.
• U.S. exports of fiber, textiles and apparel were $30.1 billion in 2018.
• Capital expenditures for textile and apparel production totaled $2.0 billion in 2017, the last year for which data is available.

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, serves hundreds of member companies in the nonwovens/engineered fabrics industry in global commerce. Since 1968, INDA events have helped members connect, learn, innovate, and develop their businesses. INDA educational courses, market data, test methods, consultancy, and issue advocacy help members succeed by providing them the information they need to better plan and execute their business strategies. For more information, visit inda.org, or download the INDA mobile app for immediate updates.

The Industrial Fabrics Association International is a member-owned, member-driven trade association representing the global industrial fabrics industry since 1912. IFAI invests more than $8 million each year to advance the industry and support member companies. IFAI provides members with relevant information, sourcing solutions and networking opportunities to sustain and grow their businesses. www.ifai.com

Department of Defense Contracts Awarded

RRDS Inc., Irvine, California, has been awarded a $49,900,000 firm-fixed-price contract for Joint Recruiting Facilities Committee bullet-resisting panels for various military services located throughout the U.S. and its territories. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 10, 2022. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha, Nebraska, is the contracting activity (W9128F-17-D-0058).

ADS Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia, has been awarded a $23,140,329 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Fire Emergency Services Personal Protective Equipment (FES PPE). This contract provides for FES PPE proximity garment ensembles to Air Force firefighters, both inside and outside the contiguous U.S. The location of performance is Ricochet Mfg. Co. Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The work is expected to be complete by March 30, 2023. Fiscal 2017 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $913 are being obligated at the time of award. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8056-17-D-0002).

Army Clothing Contract Awarded

Kokatat Inc., Arcata, California, has been awarded a maximum $15,073,685 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for all-purpose personal protective ensemble suits. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1). This is a four-year contract with no option periods. Location of performance is California, with a Nov. 1, 2021, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2017 through fiscal 2021 Army working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Warren, Michigan (SPRDL1-17-D-0001).

Dept. of Defense Contracts Awarded

Eagle Industries, Virginia Beach, Virginia, was awarded a $49,049,500 modification (0001) to contract W91CRB-16-D-0019 for Ballistic Combat Shirts for the Soldier Protection System Torso and Extremity Protection, with an estimated completion date of June 24, 2019. Funding and work location will be determined with each order. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

American Apparel Inc., Selma, Alabama, has been awarded a maximum $16,719,102 modification (P00139) exercising the fourth one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPM1C1-12-D-1039) with four one-year option periods for various types of uniform trousers. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract. Locations of performance are Alabama and Mississippi, with a June 27, 2017, performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2016 through fiscal 2017 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

American Apparel Inc., Selma, Alabama, has been awarded a maximum $16,069,122 modification (P00139) exercising the fourth one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPM1C1-12-D-1038) with four one-year option periods for various types of uniform blouses. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract. Locations of performance are Alabama and Mississippi, with a June 27, 2017, performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2016 through fiscal 2017 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

DoD Announces Arc Flash Uniforms and Personal Protection & Equipment Industry Day

The U.S. Department of Defense Washington Headquarters Services will be conducting a Small Business Industry Outreach Day on August 25, 2015 from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm EST at the Pentagon Reservation located in Arlington, Virginia 20301. The objective of this conference is to enhance Small Business Participation for the Arc Flash Uniform and Personal Protection Equipment ("PPE") FY16 Procurement Opportunity for Providers of Arc Flash Uniforms and Personal Protection & Equipment (PPE).

Department of Defense Clothing and Footwear Contracts

Protective Products Enterprises Inc. ("PPE"), Sunrise, Fla., was issued a modification exercising the first option year on contract SPM1C1-12-D-1026/P00009. The modification is a firm-fixed-price contract with a maximum $79,528,733 for improved outer tactical vests and components. Location of performance is in Florida with a Feb. 27, 2014 performance completion date. Using military services are Army and Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2014 Defense Working Capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.

Capps Shoe Co., Lynchburg, Va., was awarded contract SPM1C1-12-D-1030. The award is a firm-fixed-price contract with a maximum $6,873,060 for men's poromeric shoes. Location of performance is Virginia with a Feb. 27, 2014 performance completion date. Using military services are Army and Marine Corps. There was one response to the Bidders List solicitation. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2014 Defense Working Capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.