Submitted by Oswego Industries, Inc.
Oswego Industries, Inc. has been awarded an AbilityOne contract to produce 10,000 coveralls for the U.S. Defense Supply Center, Philadelphia (DSCP), for use by all branches of military service. The coveralls are a specialty item with multiple uses, including being worn by personnel cleaning jet fuel tanks and in the reactor areas of nuclear submarines. The total value of the current contract is $110,000, with options for up to three renewals.
“Oswego Industries has done an outstanding job renovating and upgrading their sewing department in preparation for the start-up of this project,” said Gary Poindexter of NISH, who works with contracts for the AbilityOne Program. “Several Community Rehabilitation Programs responded to the call for bids, but through a rigorous review process, Oswego was ultimately selected to pursue this coverall opportunity.â€Â
The all-white coveralls will be made to strict specifications. Because they are often used around volatile materials, there can be no metal zippers, buttons, hooks, snaps, or rivets anywhere in the garment, which might strike sparks. In addition, the cloth must be 100% cotton sateen, so that static electricity that might be produced by synthetic fibers can be avoided. The one-piece coveralls, which close with Velcro® strips and feature elasticized cuffs, can be used in many other applications; Oswego Industries, Inc. will be making commercial sales available.
The current DSCP contract will run approximately 18 months, with the first shipment of coveralls due in April, 2010; if renewal options are exercised, Oswego Industries, Inc. could potentially have textiles work for three years or more. Because of this and similar upcoming contracts, Oswego Industries will be opening new positions for sewing machine operators at their Fulton location. Experience is preferred but not required; training will be provided. Preference will be given to workers with disabilities when hiring. Individuals interested in applying can contact Oswego Industries, Inc. Human Resources department at (315) 598-3108.
The AbilityOne Program, a federal purchasing program ensuring a market for products generated by people who are blind or who have other severe disabilities, is a coordinated effort on behalf of the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, National Industries for the Blind (NIB) and NISHâ€â€Creating Employment Opportunities for People with Severe Disabilities. This employment coordination effort has allowed people who have disabilities to acquire job skills and training, receive good wages and benefits, and gain greater independence and quality of life.
Oswego Industries, Inc. has built a reputation over the past 40 years for dependable and reliable service to its customers. Located in Fulton, New York, the organization offers a wide variety of manufacturing, warehousing, assembly, custodial, and shipping services to industry, medical, and government partners across the country. As a private, not-for-profit Community Rehabilitation Program, Oswego Industries, Inc. has been providing programs and services to adults with disabilities since 1969: including pre-vocational and vocational training, and sustained employment to enable individuals to grow with dignity and achieve their highest level of independence and self-fulfillment. Its sister agency, ARC of Oswego County, provides services to children and seniors with disabilities: together creating a comprehensive support system for Oswego County residents with disabilities. Most recently, Oswego Industries, Inc. was named Not-For-Profit of the Year for 2009 by the Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce.
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