WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Small Business Administration and General Services Administration have removed 22 flatware product listings from the federal government’s procurement marketplace after determining the items were marketed as American-made despite originating overseas, escalating the administration’s enforcement of domestic sourcing requirements for federal contractors.
The action targets products listed on GSA Advantage!, the online purchasing platform used by federal agencies to acquire approved goods and services from government vendors.
According to the SBA, the review was initiated after concerns were raised during the White House Small Business Summit by New York-based Sherrill Manufacturing, which alleged that foreign-made flatware products were being marketed through the federal procurement system as “Made in America” despite only limited assembly or finishing work occurring in the United States.
Federal agencies purchasing products through GSA Advantage! must comply with laws including the Buy American Act, the Trade Agreements Act and, for certain military purchases, the Berry Amendment, which requires covered products to be produced entirely within the United States.
Following an investigation conducted by GSA in coordination with the SBA, the agencies identified and removed 22 flatware offerings that they determined did not meet applicable country-of-origin requirements.
The enforcement action follows President Donald Trump’s executive order directing federal agencies to prioritize the purchase of American-made goods and strengthen oversight of domestic sourcing compliance.
SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler said the agencies moved quickly after concerns were brought to the administration’s attention.
“In less than three weeks, we investigated and removed nearly two dozen foreign companies that were cheating federal agencies and taxpayers alike,” Loeffler said.
The administration has paired procurement enforcement with a broader effort to support domestic manufacturing. Recent SBA initiatives include a 90% Made in America loan guarantee program for small manufacturers, fee waivers for manufacturing-related SBA loans during fiscal 2026, and programs designed to connect businesses with domestic suppliers.
The agency has also expanded oversight of federal contracting programs and increased scrutiny of supplier compliance with sourcing requirements.
Sherrill Manufacturing, which produces Liberty Tabletop flatware in New York, said the removals address competitive disadvantages faced by domestic manufacturers when imported products are marketed as American-made.
“Their commitment to prioritizing American-made purchasing strengthens our economy, supports domestic industry, protects critical supply chains, and ensures that government agencies receive high-quality products made from American steel,” said Matthew Roberts, co-founder and chief executive officer of Sherrill Manufacturing and Liberty Tabletop.
The SBA said it will continue coordinating with GSA, the Department of Justice and other federal agencies to identify sourcing violations, investigate potential fraud and protect the integrity of federal procurement programs.
Individuals seeking to report suspected false “Made in America” claims related to federal procurement may contact FBI Financial Crimes Section Chief Dom Coppo at dmcoppo@fbi.gov, submit a tip online at https://tips.fbi.gov/home, or call the FBI at (800) 225-5324.
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