In late September, the small North Carolina firm Conrad Industries -- more readily known by its division A-B Emblem -- was awarded the five-year GSA schedule contract. The Schedule 78 contract will fully display its more traditional products including patches and emblems, but also boasts a new assortment of products for other agencies to readily buy.

Conrad Industries actually harbors a long history with the government -- particular with NASA and the DLA. While the company itself might be somewhat obscure, its products certainly are not. From NASA to the Boy Scouts, Conrad Industries has literally lefts its mark through iconic embroidery seen in its patches. Since its early 80's start working with the Department of Agriculture, Conrad has grown to serve a myriad of agencies and even in work of the seal of the President of the United States.

"We used to have a GSA schedule," notes COO Andrew Nagle. "We're back on it now with help from Government Marketplace, LLC, and we have an array of products that are some our most sensational yet. We hope to really relieve a lot of the contractual burden on the purchasing agents. Our products are literally symbols for our country, and with simplified acquisition, we can trim costs there and maintain the quality we've been so known for."

Conrad Industries can be reached via its website (www.abemblem.com) by phone (800-438-4285) or through email (andrewnagle@abemblem.com).