Harris Announces FEMA Contract for Hardwire to Locally Manufacture Face Shields

WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) announced the award of up to $50 million in federal contracts to Hardwire LLC in Pocomoke from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to manufacture face shields in light of the Coronavirus outbreak. Specifically, Hardwire has agreed to manufacture five million face shields under the contract agreement.

Hardwire is a small business that serves as a leading designer and manufacturer of protective systems for military vehicles. When the pandemic struck the United States, Hardwire added COVID-19 face shield production to its operations. Hardwire designed a reusable face shield that is highly protective and functional, protecting the entire face while allowing for 100% freedom of movement in patient care. It is designed to be comfortable and light and can be worn every day for 15 hours without discomfort or skin irritation. Importantly, these face shields are reusable and can be fully cleaned with any solvent – as opposed to many other face shields that are only usable once.

Sourcing medical equipment from Maryland’s small business community, instead of overseas, will provide stability to the state and local economies, along with a quick turnaround time to supply the medical facilities that are facing critical shortages.

Congressman Harris made the following statement:

“I am glad that FEMA made the decision to source some of the production of face shields to use during this crisis to Hardwire LLC, here in Worcester County in the First District of Maryland. My office has been working with FEMA to make this happen, since high quality PPE (personal protection equipment) is essential in this crisis, and bringing back PPE production on-shore is important. With this contract, Hardwire is providing much-needed local jobs. Hopefully, in their future purchases, the State of Maryland will also turn to Hardwire as a supplier of face shields as well.”