Tuesday March 11, 2025 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
The Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) today said they were “pleased to announce” that it has been awarded an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract by the United States Department of Defense (U.S. DoD) for the production of lightweight, molded overboots (MALOs) manufactured by Airboss Defense Group (ADG).
This comes during a trade war initiated by the United States against Canada, wherein most provincial jurisdictions are advising businesses and government ministries and agencies to buy Canadian or diversify to countries other than the United States.
Worst case scenario: this has the US paying Canada to produce the very products that could end up being used in efforts against Canada, especially in the north where overboots are needed in snow.
Island Social Trends has reached out for comment from various levels of government regarding the dynamics of this contract during a time when most levels of Canadian government are trying to step back from doing business with the United States (after US President Trump launched his trade war against Canada over recent weeks and months).
About the product:
The specialized footwear provides protection against chemical and biological threats.
ADG will supply lightweight, molded overboots to Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support, the US military agency tasked with ensuring that U.S. armed forces have access to essential supplies and equipment.
ADG is a leading supplier of the integrated Canada-U.S. defence industrial base. It specializes in protective equipment and response technologies designed to safeguard military forces, first responders, and industrial workers.
The Canadian division of ADG is renowned for its expertise in products such as chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) protective gear. To date, CCC and ADG have worked together on contracts with the U.S. military worth over $400 million.
There seems to be no mention or awareness in the announcement of this contract that a trade war is underway.
Designated contracting authority:
CCC is the US DoD’s designated contracting authority for purchases from Canada over $250,000 USD. Through the free U.S. DoD Prime Contractor service, CCC enables Canadian businesses like Airboss Defence Group (ADG) to supply the U.S. DoD with made-in-Canada solutions.
About the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support:
Based in Philadelphia, DLA Troop Support provides over $20 billion in logistical support to the U.S. armed forces annually. It manages four vital supply chains, delivering food and feeding equipment, clothing and textiles, construction materials ranging from lightbulbs to bulldozers, and medical supplies including pharmaceuticals.
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NEWS SECTIONS: CANADA-USA | TRADE & TARIFFS