US crystal-maker gets second chance at federal contract for embassies’ glassware

US crystal-maker gets fresh shot at fed contract

ALBANY, N.Y. — A U.S. crystal-maker will get a second chance at a contract to make glassware for U.S. embassies after the State Department agreed to do a better job seeking out and favoring American companies.

Steuben Glass, a Corning, N.Y., glass company that is part of Schottenstein Stores Corp. of Columbus, Ohio, will have a strong chance securing the contract for formal stemware that went to a Swedish company a year ago, said Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, of New York, and Sen. Sherrod Brown, of Ohio. The Democrats met with State Department officials on Thursday.

“We were just appalled that the contract was issued to a company that makes the glass overseas when Steuben Glass makes a better product right here in America,” Schumer said. “We told the State Department how absurd it was.”

The senators said the State Department had believed no American company made the lead-free crystal called for in the contract for U.S. embassies worldwide. Steuben and other companies will be able to bid on the remaining four years of the five-year contract, with most of the $5.4 million total yet to be paid.

Gillibrand said the chance at the contract is especially important for a manufacturer of high-end products in a recession. She said she, as a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, will seek protocols that make sure American companies get strong chances at future contracts from the State Department.

“Whether it’s glassware for our embassies or wind turbines for our energy, we need to ensure U.S. taxpayer dollars go toward domestic job creation and economic development,” Brown said.

Schottenstein spokesman Michael Broidy said the issue is about American jobs.

“The State Department should make it a priority to exhibit and highlight the great craftsmanship of American workers in all its offices worldwide,” he said.

The State Department said it awarded the contract to Systems Design Inc. based in Washington, D.C., in September as part of its effort to consider small and disadvantaged businesses when possible. That company subcontracted part of the work to Orrefor/Kosta/Boda USA, part of a Sweden-based company.

The Swedish company couldn’t identify an American manufacturer to meet the lead-free requirement of the order for table top glassware and crystal for use in formal events, according to the State Department.

Lenox Inc. previously had the contract and had subcontracted production to a German company, according to the State Department.