Donald Howarth

Donald Howarth serves as a procurement specialist responsible for managing acquisitions within the textile and apparel manufacturing sector, supporting federal operational and logistical needs. He oversees the full lifecycle of contract actions—from market research and solicitation development to award and administration—ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations. His portfolio centers on the procurement of specialized textile products and apparel components, aligning with mission-critical requirements for uniformity, durability, and functional performance. Howarth’s work directly supports the agency’s broader objective of securing high-quality, domestically produced goods through transparent and competitive processes. Howarth maintains relationships with a diverse base of manufacturers specializing in textile milling and apparel contracting, primarily small- to mid-sized firms with expertise in cut-and-sew operations and accessory production. While no single contractor dominates his award portfolio, he consistently engages vendors capable of meeting precise technical specifications for fabric construction, labeling, and compliance with federal performance standards. His contracting approach emphasizes vendor reliability, quality control, and on-time delivery, fostering long-term partnerships with suppliers who demonstrate consistent adherence to contract terms and regulatory requirements. Howarth demonstrates a strong preference for open competition, with 84.8% of his acquisitions conducted without set-aside restrictions. Nevertheless, he actively supports small business participation, allocating 15.3% of his awards to Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. His contracting patterns reflect a deliberate commitment to expanding opportunities for qualified small manufacturers, though he does not routinely utilize specialized socioeconomic programs such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB set-asides, prioritizing instead broad-based small business eligibility. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 314999 (All Other Miscellaneous Textile Product Mills), which accounts for over 70% of his activity, followed by NAICS 315210 (Cut and Sew Apparel Contractors) and NAICS 315990 (Apparel Accessories). He specializes in sourcing woven and non-woven textile goods, including protective gear linings, uniform components, and specialized apparel accessories, requiring deep technical understanding of material composition, regulatory labeling, and federal supply standards.