Government Contracting Back in Action

March 24, 2006 -- Last week, the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP) announced three major fabric contract solicitations that require the use of American wool. Because these solicitations are through the Department of Defense, the Berry Amendment specifies that clothing and textile items must be grown, reprocessed, reused or produced in the United States.

The specifics of the solicitations are as follows:

1. 1.2 million linear yards of 75-percent polyester/25-percent wool fabric in a 10.5 ounce per linear yard tropical weave. The awarded contract will have four additional annual contract options with a maximum of 1.2 million yards per option. This is a new shirting fabric to be used in a new U.S. Navy uniform combination. 
2. 278,000 linear yards of 55-percent polyester/45-percent wool fabric in a 10.6 ounce per linear yard gabardine weave. The awarded contract will have four additional contract options with a maximum of 278,000 yards per option. The fabric will be used by the U.S. Navy for dress uniform trousers and skirts.
3. 800,000 linear yards of 55-percent polyester/45-percent wool fabric in an 11.3 ounce per linear yard serge weave. The awarded contract will have four additional contract options with a maximum of 800,000 yards per option. The fabric will be used by the U.S. Army for dress uniform trousers, skirts and coats.

The anticipated award date for these contracts is mid August with deliveries beginning in March 2007.

?These solicitations were expected but have been released earlier than anticipated,? commented Ashley Bullock, Burlington Industries. ?The timing of these solicitations is very good as it allows manufacturers to begin making production plans for later this year.?

?This is great news for the U.S. wool industry as the American military generally utilizes 20 percent of the domestic wool clip. However, orders have been down sharply, as is typical during periods of armed conflicts,? commented Peter Orwick, American Sheep Industry Association executive director. ?The timing is also very good as we move into the 2006 wool marketing season.?

Staff contact: Peter Orwick, ext. 33