DS Imports LLC, a U.S.-based Indian company headquartered in Galveston, Texas, was founded in 1985 with roots in eco-conscious textile exports. Beginning with “Khadi,” a traditional hand-spun and hand-woven cotton fabric crafted by small weavers using vegetable dyes and hand blocks, sustainability has been at the heart of the company’s mission from the start.
Today, DS Imports continues that legacy in the United States, operating across multiple sectors including paper packaging, plastic product manufacturing, furniture-related goods, and defense-related supply programs. Recognized as a trusted source for sustainable packaging solutions made from recycled paper—such as disposable tableware, restaurant supplies, medical consumable packaging, and carry bags—the company remains dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint by replacing single-use plastics with compostable and recyclable alternatives.
The Situation
As part of its growth strategy, DS Imports aimed to bolster its presence in defense contracting, specifically by supporting the U.S. Navy’s Submarine Fendering Systems—a highly specialized and mission-critical program. To remain competitive in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) procurement system, DS Imports needed to demonstrate strict compliance with federal
regulations, namely the DFARS 252.225-7000 Buy American – Balance of Payments Program Certificate. This certification ensures that supplied products are domestically sourced and manufactured, aligning with national security and acquisition objectives.
While DS Imports had significant manufacturing capabilities in India, the challenge was to expand their U.S. presence, accurately validate domestic content percentages, and ensure full compliance with Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFARS and FAR). Without this certification, the company would not be eligible to compete for future defense contracts.
The Solution
DS Imports partnered with the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC)—a member of the national Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program—to navigate the complexities of Buy American requirements and position the company for success in defense contracting.
Under the guidance of Igor Chebotniagin, TMAC Business Advisor, TMAC provided critical support across several areas:
Strategic Market Positioning: TMAC aided in improving and validating DS Imports’ profile on the Texas Manufacturing Network, strengthening their market presence and laying the groundwork for growth with a focus on U.S. domestic suppliers
Regulatory Analysis: TMAC delivered a detailed examination of DFARS 252.225-7000 requirements and FAR 25.105 criteria, identifying key compliance points for critical components and items
Technical Product Evaluation: TMAC conducted a technical breakdown of DS Imports’ products, clearly delineating U.S. and Indian components with precise cost calculations
Domestic Content Justification: The team demonstrated that DS Imports met the “Exceeds 55% U.S. content” threshold, a key requirement for certification
Documentation Preparation: TMAC supported the preparation of compliant documentation, including the formal Buy American—Balance of Payments Program Certificate, integral to bid package
Strategic Guidance for Growth: TMAC advised on strategies to further increase U.S. content, including plans to expand manufacturing operations domestically
The Results
TMAC’s partnership with DS Imports yielded outstanding results. DS Imports successfully achieved certification under Buy American requirements, confirming full eligibility to compete for U.S. defense contracts.
Through TMAC’s support, the company secured a new contract projected to increase revenue by 10 percent. This milestone marked a major step in DS Imports’ expansion into the U.S. defense sector. The company also won the U.S. Navy Submarine Fendering Systems contract, ensuring sustained supply and service for this mission-critical program.
As a result of these efforts, DS Imports now manufactures, supplies, and installs submarine fendering systems domestically, complementing its established operations in India. To build on this success, plans are underway to establish a new manufacturing facility in Texas, which will further increase domestic content, strengthen supply chain resilience, and enhance competitiveness in future defense opportunities.
- 10% increase in revenue
- Launched Texas manufacturing expansion plan
“Our company has been in the U.S. market for more than 20 years, always looking for ways to grow and serve new customers. Entering defense contracting during such a complex regulatory environment seemed overwhelming. TMAC gave us the clarity and support we needed. With their help, we not only won a Navy contract but also manufactured, supplied, and installed directly to the U.S. Navy. Looking forward, we plan to expand with a new facility in Texas and will definitely work with TMAC
again.”Dharmesh Patel
President & Owner
