Textiles and our Military

The United States Armed Forces' Defense Supply Center - Philadelphia, the purchasing divisions for the Department of Defense, estimates that over 8,000 different textile items are purchased annually for use by the U.S. military, and this figure actually rises to over 30,000 line items when individual sizes are factored into the item mix.  The U.S. textile industry provides over $2 billion a year in vital equipment for our armed forces.  As domestic suppliers, U.S. textile mills provide the highest quality goods on a timetable that our armed forces demand.

U.S. textile companies supply the American war fighter with everything from uniforms to high tech protective clothing. The industry supplies defense contractors with industrial fabrics that are vital to the operation of key pieces of military equipment. Every branch of the military is supplies by the domestic industry. The U.S. textile industry is, in the words of one former Secretary of Defense, "Second only to steel in importance to the Armed Forces of the United States."

Military purchases of textiles and related items are covered by the Berry Amendment, which requires 100 percent U.S. fibers, yarns, fabrics, and sewing for apparel and other goods made of textiles.

For more information about the Berry Amendment and the procurement process, please visit the Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA) Berry Amendment page.  The OTEXA page includes information about exceptions to the Berry Amendment and a list of waivers granted for certain products.  For information on contract solicitations from the Department of Defense and other government agencies, visit the Federal Business Opportunities page.

U.S. companies are also eligible to sell military textiles and finished products to certain allied countries, such as the NATO countries and Australia.  The Department of Defense and the Business and Industry Security office at the Department of Commerce provide extensive information about requirements and solicitations.

Textiles and General Government Procurement

The Berry Amendment is not the only law governing government procurement.  For civilian government procurement, different rules apply.

A new requirement in 2010, sometimes called the Kissell Amendment, requires Berry-like procurement rules for certain agencies within the Department of Homeland Security.  At present, this includes the U.S. Coast Guard and the Transportation Security Administration.

The Buy American Act sets requirements for much of the non-military procurement contracts with the federal government.  While not as strict as the rules for military procurement, the intent of the law is to  require procurement from U.S. sources.

The General Services Administration (GSA) oversees purchases for much of the federal government.  Companies wishing to sell to GSA must register in the Central Contractor Registration system.  The GSA website includes detailed information about registering and selling to the federal government.  In addition, every department of the federal government has its own small business arm to assist small businesses that wish to sell products and services to the government.

These are just some of the countless combat essential items the U.S. textile industry provides to support our men and women in the Armed Forces

combat and flight uniforms
helmets
flak jackets
gear for extreme weather operations
parachutes
aircraft fuel cells
sandbags
tents and shelters
sheets
blankets and hospital supplies
airplane panels
ammunition bags/pouches
fabric for bullet-proof vests/helmets
chemical protective suits
communication lines (optical fiberglass)
extreme weather protective fabrics
interfacing and lining in apparel and shoes
parachutes and parachute harnesses
personal flotation devices
pontoon bridges
rafts
ropes and cables
ship composites
stealth fighter plane graphite fibers
wet suites