Talk about irony. The new uniforms for U.S. Customs and Border Protection were contracted to a company that makes a large portion of its occupational garments in Mexico.
According to CNS News, the uniform contract was awarded to VF Imagewear, Inc. on Dec. 20, 2012. The contract to make “uniform and insignia items” is estimated to cost between $6 million and $8 million.
The CBP admits that VF Imagewear, Inc. manufactures its clothing in various countries, “including Mexico,” but denies that there is any wrongdoing associated with that.
“There are no domestic preference regulations or statutes applicable to DHS/CBP that would prohibit the manufacture of uniform items in Mexico,” the CBP told CNS. “In fact, United States obligations under International Agreements require that the Agency accept items manufactured in Mexico.”
According to VF’s annual report, they manufacture clothing in Mexico, Europe, Central and South America, the Caribbean and the Middle East.
Interestingly enough, the uniforms for Major League Baseball are actually manufactured in the U.S., even though the border patrol outfits could be made in Mexico. VF produces apparel for the National Hockey League and Harley-Davidson as well.
VF was also recently awarded a $50 million contract with the Transportation Security Administration.
