RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Our employees have been actively working with both military and commercial personnel in research and development projects for new product lines.

ISO COMPLIANCE

Our organization has been certified as ISO Compliant by the Department of Defense. This quality assessment of our entire manufacturing process is required for us to continue as a Federal Government contractor.

Victoria and Farmville are currently on ARP ( Alternate Release Program) which means our plants have met certain quality criteria.  Our Quality Assurance Rpresentatives are no longer required to come into the plant on a weekly basis to check quality.  STEPS is allowed to ship without the QAR being on premises.  The QAR is notified of each shipment, and does sign our invoices for payment.

MANUFACTURING

FARMVILLE FACILITY

Military Products

Block 1 Jackets – NATICK (US Robert Morris Acquisition Center - Natick, MA) This warm pullover is extremely durable, breathable, warm without bulk/weight, dries quickly and is machine washable. The construction maintains its insulating ability and non-pilling appearance after repeated launderings.

Commercial Customers

M-249 Bandoleers This ammunition bag is manufactured following government specifications in both construction and quality. STEPS manufactures over 15,000 units per month. Our customer has evaluated STEPS on delivery of product and quality of manufacturing with a score of 102% - superior rating.

Fluorescent Vests STEPS manufactures vests that meet ANSI Quality Visibility Standards that are worn by firefighters, police officers and other workers to enhance visual protection.

Navy Flags STEPS manufactures damage control flags that are used by Naval personnel.

VICTORIA FACILITY

Military Products

Army Combat Uniform (ACU) Jackets - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Defense Supply Center (Philadelphia, PA) The ACU is a wrinkle-free universal camouflage pattern, single breasted combat coat with zippered and Velcro closure. The coat is designed for wear by military personnel in the United States Army as a combat uniform in garrison and combat missions. STEPS manufactures 100,000 jackets per year.

SUBCONTRACT

FARMVILLE

AbilityOne Program

The AbilityOne Program provides employment opportunities for over 36,000 Americans who are blind or have other severe disabilities by orchestrating Government purchases of products and services provided by nonprofit agencies employing such individuals throughout the country.

In 1938, the Wagner-O'Day Act was passed under President Franklin D. Roosevelt in order to provide employment opportunities for people who are blind by allowing them to manufacture mops and brooms to sell to the Federal Government.

The AbilityOne program is administered by the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, the federal agency that oversees the Program, (22.jwod.gov) with assistance from National Industries for the Blind (www.nib.org) and NISH – Creating Employment Opportunities for People with Severe Disabilities (www.nish.org).

NISH

NISH, formerly the National Industries for the Severely Handicapped, is the national nonprofit agency designated by the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind Or Severely Disabled to provide technical assistance to Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs) interested in obtaining federal contracts under the AbilityOne Program.

For more information, contact: Nancy Conner, Manufacturing Manager, (434) 392-5649; nconner@steps-inc.org