In the dynamic business of textiles, staying ahead is key to sustained success. The Federal and Defense Textile and Tactical Equipment (FEDTEX) Summit hosted by US Senator Thom Tillis and US Senator Ted Budd, the North Carolina Military Business Center and the North Carolina Defense Technology Transition (DEFTECH) office connects the US Department of Defense (DoD) and federal agency clothing and individual equipment buyers with US textile manufacturers, textile supply chain suppliers, cut and sew contractors, research and development (R&D) facilities, testing labs and academic resources.

FEDTEX participants will have the opportunity to tour North Carolina State University’s Wilson College of Textiles and other textile-related programs. 

This year’s FEDTEX will feature the following program sessions: 

1.Selling to the Federal Government. This session covers the entire spectrum of government contracting. Whether it's a small credit card purchase or a multi-million-dollar contract, gain insights into systems, end users, strategies, and expectations. Learn how to navigate federal procurement and tailor strategies to win contracts.

2. Successful Proposal Writing: A Small Business Guide. Success in government contracting starts with effective proposal writing. Learn crucial techniques to enhance your proposal preparation skills. Elevate your chances of winning contracts in a competitive landscape where effective communication is non-negotiable.

3. Tools for Success: Navigating Federal Contracting. Equip yourself with practical tools to navigate federal contracting. Explore free resources like the US Census Bureau's website and Acquisition.gov. Learn how to leverage these tools for effective analysis, planning, and strategizing, fostering growth in your federal government portfolio.

4. Teaming: Strategies for Profitable Collaboration. Unlock the secrets to successful teaming in government contracting. From understanding agency requirements to building new capabilities, this session guides you on becoming a sought-after teaming partner without compromising profitability.

5. Mini Briefs: Textile Technology Innovations - Technology Scouting Showcase. Don't miss this chance to showcase your textile innovation in a "Shark Tank" style format. Four selected businesses will present their innovations to a panel of government representatives, receiving valuable feedback and potential collaboration opportunities.  To be considered, submit a brief quad chart to burtonr@ncmbc.us by March 1, 2024. The quad chart template is available for download on www.ncmbc.us. Seize this opportunity to bridge the gap between your textile innovation and the pressing field requirements of our warfighters. Your chance to impress begins with a simple quad chart submission.

6. Future of Textile Innovation: Positioning for Success. Join this session to hear a panel discussion on the future of textile innovation. Understand the warfighters' evolving needs and how textile technologies translate into key military applications such as Ballistic and Blast Protection, Spectral Management, Artic Protection, Wearable Textile Sensors and Weight Mitigation.

7. Defense Logistics Agency Executive Overview. Senior representatives from the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) will share current textile requirements, fulfillment challenges, and upcoming program opportunities. Understand the intricacies of the DLA Clothing & Textile Supply Chain and align your business with government’s mission and procurement goals.

8. Leveraging DLA’s TLS Contract: Practical Insights. Learn the practical aspects of leveraging DLA’s Tailored Logistics Support (TLS) contracts and how to navigate and compete for this extensive $33 billion contract. Purchases including tents, special purpose apparel and load bearing equipment. This contract vehicle is DLA’s primary process to purchase individual equipment that have not been issued a national stock number (NSN). 

9. Selling to Military Exchanges: Global Reach. Gain valuable insights into selling to military exchanges. Open doors to reach servicemembers and their families at 12,000 retail locations globally. Understand the requirements and expectations of military exchanges. Could your company or brand be a good fit?

10. Government Procurement of Textile Innovation: A Roadmap. So your company has created a new textile innovation or application…. now what? Discover methods and strategies to engage with the government. Understand the certification requirements and successful strategies for introducing new textiles or applications.

11. Military Service Dialogue with Industry: Insights for Growth. Participate in a dialog between military services and industry. Gain insights into current and future requirements, acquisition processes, and opportunities to integrate advanced technologies across each military branch. Representatives for US Navy, US Coast Guard, US Marine Corps, US Air Force, US Space Force, US Army DEVCOM and PEO Soldier will be present.

FEDTEX is your opportunity for success in government contracting. From mastering proposal writing to exploring innovative technologies and engaging with key agencies, each session equips your textile business with knowledge and strategies to thrive in the federal marketplace. 

Don't miss this opportunity—register now for a world of growth and success with the federal government.  For more information on the FEDTEX Summit, visit: https://fedtex.ncmbc.us.  If you have questions regarding FEDTEX and if it’s the right fit for your business, contact Lee Moritz, moritzl@ncmbc.us.