Armor, Personal

PSC Category 8470 encompasses personal armor and protective equipment, including body armor, ballistic vests, plate carriers, tactical helmets, and associated accessories designed to provide physical protection for law enforcement, military, and security personnel. These products are engineered to meet specific National Institute of Justice (NIJ) ballistic protection standards and are designed to protect against various levels of ballistic threats, from handgun rounds to rifle ammunition. The category includes both soft armor and hard plate systems, with variations tailored to different operational environments and user requirements.

Recent federal contract awards in this category demonstrate a diverse range of procurements, predominantly by defense and law enforcement agencies, with total contract values ranging from a few thousand to over $500,000. Key contractors include Hardwire LLC, Atlantic Diving Supply, Aspetto Inc., and Southern Police Equipment Company, frequently receiving awards from agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, and Department of Veterans Affairs. Most awards are firm fixed-price delivery orders or blanket purchase agreements, with performance periods typically spanning several months to a year. While many contracts are open competition, a significant number utilize small business set-asides, including total small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, and women-owned small business designations.

Federal contract opportunities in this period focus on specialized body armor and tactical protective equipment for various military and law enforcement units. Solicitations include requirements for ballistic helmets, plate carriers, soft and hard armor plates, and tactical gear for agencies like the Air Force, Coast Guard, Army National Guard, and Veterans Affairs. Typical procurements request brand-specific or equivalent equipment with precise technical specifications, including NIJ certification levels, specific color patterns like Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP), and custom sizing options. Performance locations span multiple states and international sites like Japan and Hawaii, with most opportunities set aside for small businesses and requiring detailed technical submissions demonstrating compliance with specific protective equipment standards.