Defence apparels procurement process to begin this week
08 Apr '08
2 min read
This week, the U.S. textile and apparel supply chain will receive an update on key developments in military procurement processes.
Under the Berry Amendment, the Department of Defense must procure all clothing and textile items for soldiers from American businesses, using American-grown material, sewn by American workers.
With the support of its Government Contracts Committee (GCC), the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) vigilantly fights to preserve the Berry Amendment to ensure this manufacturing base is strong when the military needs it the most.
GCC member companies participate in each link of the supply chain – from the yarn producers and textile companies to the end-item manufacturer. From April 9 to April 12, this supply chain will gather with military sourcing officials in Santa Fe, New Mexico for AAFA's annual GCC Spring meeting.
The government procurement system is complex and often arduous. The meeting will focus on discussions with representatives from the military services, the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) on the military's upcoming procurement needs.
The meeting will also provide an update on the ongoing discussions between industry and government to create a more efficient, accurate and successful procurement system.
Three years ago, the “Group of Six” was formed by industry representatives from AAFA, the National Textile Association, the Parachute Industry Association and Clemson Apparel Research.