NAICS 313240 (Knit Fabric Mills) encompasses manufacturers specializing in producing knitted textile materials through various mechanical and technological processes. These facilities create diverse fabric products including nylon, polyester, acrylic, and spandex-based textiles used in military uniforms, correctional facility clothing, performance wear, and specialized industrial applications. The knitted fabrics can range from lightweight microfiber cloths to heavier technical materials with specific performance characteristics like stretch, moisture-wicking, and thermal regulation.
Federal contract awards in this NAICS category predominantly involve the Department of Justice Bureau of Prisons and Department of Defense agencies procuring textile materials for uniform production, military equipment, and Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) programs. Typical contract values range from approximately $10,000 to $700,000, with performance periods spanning 3-12 months. Frequently awarded entities include Almack Liners, Coville Inc., Brand & Oppenheimer (Ocean State Innovations), and other small businesses specializing in textile manufacturing. Most awards are firm fixed-price delivery orders without specific set-aside designations, with primary performance locations in California, Rhode Island, and North Carolina.
Recent federal contract opportunities focus on highly specialized textile requirements, such as the U.S. Army DEVCOM Soldier Center's request for advanced Mesh Knit Cloth for Marine Corps Cold Weather Baselayers and Federal Prison Industries' research into Berry Amendment-compliant knitted materials for JROTC jacket components. These opportunities emphasize technical specifications including material composition, weight, stretch capabilities, and manufacturing location requirements. Both opportunities seek vendors capable of producing technically complex textile materials that meet strict military and government procurement standards, with detailed technical evaluations focusing on material performance characteristics and compliance with specific governmental specifications.