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When you think of the top federal contractors, Exxon-Mobil
and Halliburton quickly come to mind. But did you know
that Federal Prison Industries (FPI) is also high on
the list, ranking 32 nd among the top 100 businesses?
FPI’s days on that list may be numbered. Last month,
the House passed the Federal Prison Industries Competition
in Contracting Act (H.R. 2965). If passed in the Senate
and signed by the President, the legislation will phase
out over five years a requirement that the U.S. military
purchase uniform articles produced by FPI without competition
and open up business contracting opportunities for U.S.
companies.
As most readers are aware, FPI enjoys competitive advantages
such as compensating its workers at wages of between 23
cents and $1.15 an hour, paying no local, state or federal
taxes and not being subject to OSHA regulations. Moreover,
federal agencies are forced to buy from FPI, even if the
costs are higher or the product inferior to what can be
found on the open market. That’s because under its
1934 authorizing statute, if a federal agency requires
a product offered by FPI, it must make the award to FPI
or obtain FPI’s permission to solicit offers from
the private sector. It is this so-called super preference
the bill seeks to eliminate.
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By Joseph Greco, M.S.O.D.
The words above were spoken about twenty years ago
by President Ronald Reagan in response to meetings he’d
had with USSR President Mikhail Gorbachav. The two had
been discussing an agreement to reduce nuclear arms to
non-threatening levels.
To eliminate the friction of the cold war, both sides,
the US and the USSR (at the time), had to agree to mutually
destroy long range ballistic missiles. With the threat
eliminated, peace talks could begin in earnest.
A sticking point in the negotiation was how to manage
the inspection and confirm the actual reduction compared
to the promised reduction. President Reagan said each side
must trust each other but a plan was needed to verify that
each side could be assured compliance with the promise.
Yes, I trust you, but we need to verify the expected
performance. This leads me to an examination of a recent
management case study experienced by a close friend of
mine.
Although through our relationship I am privy to many
details, in order to discuss this situation publicly, I
must maintain confidentiality. There is also a legal proceeding
currently pending so the names will be changed to protect
the alleged innocents.
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This month’s Product Roundup features news from
Reeves Company and Damascus Protective Gear, manufacturer
of police and riot gear. To have your product listed in
this column, send an email to news@uniformmarket.com
Massachusetts-based Reeves Company has added an innovative
magnetic attachment system to its line of custom crafted
namepins for the lodging and hospitality industry.
 This
new lightweight, two-piece interlocking magnet fastener
allows namepins to be quickly and securely attached without
damaging clothing. More advanced than traditional namepins,
the new lever-shaped magnet is easier to attach and remove
from garments and eliminates the need to pierce fabrics
in order to hold the namepin in place.
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TheFlexForce Modular Hard Shell Crowd Control System
is the ultimate full body high-threat level riot control,
domestic disturbance, and cell extraction suit. This
completely refined system from California’s Damascus
Protective Gear® has many design features that include
added protection, greater flexibility and comfort.
 The
FlexForce design provides substantial protection from blunt
force trauma without sacrificing fit or comfort. The suit
is lightweight and ranks highest in ease of getting into
or out of in a moments notice. The front and back hard
shell panels have a modular flex design allowing for all
shapes and sizes to fit comfortably without sacrificing
much needed mobility. The forearm guard offers a much more
comfortable elbow portion of the pad, which allows more
flexibility. The knee/shin guard has a non-slip surface,
which keeps you planted in position. The entire kit also
comes with its own large nylon bag for storage and transport.
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By Jackie Rosselli
It's been a good year. Your sales results exceeded
expectations. That new product launch was the talk of
the convention circuit. Your marketing department scored
big, developing a program that garnered positive publicity
while bolstering profits. You’ve clearly earned
the right to brag.
So what are you waiting for? Why not end the year by
telling the world about your accomplishments?
Entries are now being accepted for the third annual UNIVATOR
Awards, a UniformMarket competition that showcases the
best industry ideas and achievements of 2006. If you've
launched a new and successful line, implemented marketing
or sales strategies that have added to your company's bottom
line, creatively used technology to enhance your business
or produced a public relations campaign with positive results,
we want to hear from you!
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ONLINE
ENTRY FORM.... available here |
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