AAFA pats Congress for clothing provisions approval
23 Dec '05
3 min read
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) commended Congress for approving provisions in the FY 2006 Defense Authorization conference report that will improve opportunities for US manufacturers that supply apparel and footwear to the United States armed forces.
The House of Representatives, early Monday morning, approved changes to the Berry Amendment “Buy American” rules for Department of Defense (DOD) textile procurement. Late last night, the Senate passed the conference report, which AAFA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke said will “bring more transparency to DOD's procurement process” for domestic companies seeking government contracts.
The Berry Amendment requires the military to buy all of its sewn products from US companies that manufacture in the US with all US components, but waivers frequently are issued on the basis that certain products are not available from US companies.
Sponsored by Rep. Robin Hayes (R-NC), the provision allows suppliers the opportunity to respond to such waivers if they have the capacity to provide the item. The conference report also ensures that components associated with clothing, such as leather, are covered under the Berry Amendment.
A provision sponsored by Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R-NC), to authorize additional training programs for DOD procurement personnel on the Berry Amendment was also included in the final bill. The purpose, Burke said, is to avoid inadvertent omission of the domestic purchasing requirement in contracts for procurement of textiles and apparel.
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