Accepting Applications for the Technology Innovation Scouting Showcase 

Four select businesses will present their cutting-edge textile technologies to participating government representatives. Select businesses will have 10-minutes for presentation followed by 10-minutes for feedback and Q&A from the government panel. The briefs aim to bridge the gap between innovative textile solutions and federal technology needs.  This session is a crucial opportunity for textile innovators to connect with federal technology needs and gain visibility among prime manufacturers and stakeholders in the defense sector. For consideration, submit a quad chart in this form by April 10, 2026 at 1700 EST. Click here to download the quad chart template.  Quad charts will be accepted starting February 6, 2026.  If you have questions, contact Bob Burton at burtonr@ncmbc.us. 

For quad chart templates and additional information, click here. 

Target technologies include but are not limited to: advanced fibers and smart textiles for warfighter protection; high-strength, lightweight, and flame resistant materials; integrated sensor and communication fabrics; energy-harvesting or power-conductive textiles; chemical and biological protective materials; sustainable and recyclable textile manufacturing technologies; rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing for textile components; advanced coatings, finishes or treatments for durability and weather resistance. 

​​​​​The Federal and Defense Textile and Tactical Equipment (FEDTEX) Summit hosted by the Office of US Senator Thom Tillis, Office of Senator Ted Budd, and the North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) 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.

WHEN.  May 19-20, 2026

WHERE.
North Carolina State University – McKimmon Conference Center
1101 Gorman Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27606

WHO SHOULD ATTEND– All prime textile manufacturers and textile supply chain manufacturers currently producing clothing, footwear, parachutes and textile-based tactical equipment for DoD, and producers of medical, PPE and related soldier systems. Any textile manufacturers that have interest in learning, understanding or possibly entering the DoD/federal marketplace should attend this Summit.  The event is open to all United States and Puerto Rico based textile firms.

FEDTEX 26 objectives

  • Engage with existing contractors and attract new capable businesses into the federal and defense clothing, textiles, and tactical equipment marketplace.
  • Engage existing textile supply chain suppliers and attract new capable businesses into the federal marketplace, and to connect these component suppliers with federal prime contractors.
  • Inform the industrial and academic R&D ecosystem about desired future military technology requirements, and likewise inform DoD agencies about emerging and future textile innovations.
  • Establish a productive and DIRECT dialogue between businesses, government, and academia around critical warfighter issues in the defense textile marketplace – including workforce, supply chain, inflation challenges, and barriers to entry.

SESSIONS. 

  • Federal Government Contracts: A Guide on Selling to the Government
  • Mastering Proposal Writing for Department of Defense Contracts in Textiles
  • Unlocking Federal Contracting Opportunities: A Guide to Essential Free Resources
  • Exploring the NC DMCSP: Advancing Smart Textiles for the Military
  • ​Navigating Legislative Updates and Challenges for a Berry-Compliant Textile Industry
  • Unlocking SBIR/STTR Funding Opportunities for Textile Innovations
  • Addressing Supply Chain Vulnerabilities and Building Resilience in Textiles
  • Operational and Individual Equipment Procurement – Leveraging DLA’s TLS Contract
  • Workforce Resources for Government and Textile Industry
  • Exploring Non-Woven Textile Opportunities with the Department of Defense
  • Revolutionizing Textile Sustainability through Recycling and Technology
  • Navigating Business Opportunities with: AbilityOne and Bureau of Prisons Programs
  • PFAS Research and Development, Industry Initiatives and Government Standards
  • US Navy and US Coast Guard Program and Opportunities
  • US Marine Corps and Special Operations Command Program and Opportunities
  • US Air Force and Homeland Security Program and Opportunities
  • US Army DEVCOM and PEO Soldier Sustainment Program and Opportunities

TOUR. Cotton Incorporated.  Guests will view firsthand how cotton is processed from a fiber into a textile, then finished, and tested for quality assurance through a guided tour of Cotton Incorporated’s state-of-the-art textile pilot facility with five main laboratory areas. Expert research staff will guide guests through the Fiber Processing, Product Development, Dyeing and Finishing Applications, Color Services, and Product Evaluation Laboratories, sharing innovative research efforts and the textile manufacturing process. Guests will learn how Cotton Incorporated supports the U.S. Cotton Industry through research and promotion.

The Nonwovens Institute (NWI), North Carolina State University Centennial Campus. Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of The Nonwovens Institute (NWI), the world’s first accredited academic program dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of engineered fabrics. Through a unique partnership between industry, government, and academia, NWI is at the forefront of developing next-generation nonwoven applications and training the field’s future leaders. This tour will provide a firsthand look at state-of-the-art pilot and testing facilities transforming the latest textile innovations into market-ready fiber-based systems. 
​​​​
WELCOME SOCIAL.  A welcome social for the Summit will be held on May 19th at the North Carolina State University McKimmon Conference Center from 5:00 – 7:30 pm. There is no cost for attendees of the Summit to attend.  Attendees must be registered to attend the Summit on May 19th.  To RSVP for the social, please indicate your attendance on your respective registration form for the Summit.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES are available, visit: https://fedtex.ncmbc.us/sponsorship-opportunities/. 

Register