Sole Source Justification – Body Armor and Ballistic Helmets

This is a Sole Source Justification document for a simplified acquisition of commercial items supporting the Air Force's Body Armor and Ballistic Helmets program (772 ESS/PKD). The acquisition is for brand-name BARS (Battlefield Airmen Rapid Replace and Replenish) body armor components and ballistic helmets for deployed airmen, procured under AFFARS 5313.501 authority using Other Contracting procedures. The contracting activity is 772 FSS/PKD, with approval by Contracting Officer Toby L. Carnes dated March 3, 2026. This is a new, individual justification for brand-name acquisition, not a bridge action.

The requirement encompasses three specific brand-name products: Team Wendy Helmets, Crye Precision Body Armor (male standard), and First Spear Body Armor (female standard). Required quantities include 200 Size 1 helmets, 25 Size 2 helmets, 225 ballistic ear cover sets, and modular body armor components in multiple sizes. All items are commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products funded through O&M (3400) appropriations on a firm fixed-price basis. The justification emphasizes that standardization is critical for safety and operational effectiveness, as these items have been validated against National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Standard -0101.06 and integrate with existing Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal equipment. The document references efforts to solicit from women-owned small businesses (WOSBs) through market research and a sources sought posting (FA8051-26-Q-40XX) conducted January 26-30, 2026. Future acquisitions for fiscal years 2027-2030 are anticipated to utilize an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract vehicle.