Security_Forces_Plate_Carrier_Salient_Characteristics.docx

Security Forces Plate Carrier Salient Characteristics

MINIMUM REQUIRED SPECIFICATIONS/CHARACTERISTICS

· Shall provide male and female carrier systems where either:

· Vendor uses the carrier/shell to conform to the male/female shape. The ballistic soft armor for males must meet NIJ Standard 0101.06 in neutral or male. The ballistic soft armor for females must meet NIJ Standard 0101.06 in neutral or female. OR

· Vender uses female specific flexible soft armor, then it must be identified as female on the NIJ Standard 0101.06 Certified Product List. Also, if vendor uses male specific flexible soft armor, then it must be identified as male on the NIJ Standard 0101.06 Certified Product List.

· Male and female ballistic insert sizing shall provide ballistic coverage as follows at a minimum (in square centimeters/square inches):

Male/ Neutral Ballistic Insert

Female/ Neutral Ballistic Insert

· Vendor must be listed on the Ballistic Armor Compliant Product List as certified with all sizing C1, C2, C3, C4, and C5 IAW NIJ Standard 0101.06 Appendix C.

· Shall accommodate Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts (E-SAPI) on front and back of the carrier simultaneously with soft armor.

· Hard plate pockets shall be on the outside portion of the carrier shell to increase comfort. Additionally, pockets must conform to the shape of the E-SAPI plate to prevent side spall, movement or drift without compromising range of motion, comfort, ergonomics, or performance.

· Shall feature single-hand operation 4-point (detach points at each shoulder and on each side of the waist (thus “4-point”) using buckle-type components) cut-away for rapid removal via a wire and buckle system at the shoulders and cummerbund. Re-assembly must be accomplished via buckle system allowing for rapid re-assembly. Cut-away lever/tab must be located near the top center of the front panel and must be covered by textile with hook-and-loop to prevent inadvertent activation of the cut-away lever/tab.

· Shall feature rear drag handle with reinforced stitching.

· Shall include mechanism to enhance shape retention, rigidity, and improve longevity of soft armor.

· Shall accommodate optional side E-SAPI, collar/yoke, throat, bicep/deltoid attachments.

· Shall include communications cable/hydration system routing tabs.

· Shall utilize cummerbund lace adjustment and adjustment area must be covered (i.e. lace adjustment on the rear of the vest covered by a zip-up exterior panel).

· Shall be equipped with Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS) webbing on front, back, and side surfaces with reinforced stitching to resist tear.

· Shall be fully modular with standard Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment (MOLLE).

· All stitching shall conform to or exceed ASTM 6193 lockstitch type 301.

· Woven and dyed materials shall be turned under, heat sealed and/or bound with binding tape to prevent defects that affect performance or durability.

· All items shall be available in:

· Coyote Tan

· Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP)

· Tactical Black

· All items shall be fade/scratch resistant, water resistant and hand washable.

· Thread ends shall be trimmed to 1/16 inch maximum.

· Shall be treated for Near Infrared spectral Reflectance (NIR) (NOTE: tactical Black is exempt from NIT capabilities).

· Shall include low profile shoulder straps with optional shoulder pad accessory.

· Shall be Compliant with DFARS 252.225-7012 Preference for Certain Domestic Commodities.

· Meet monthly capacity to deliver 400 plate carrier systems per month.

· Soft Armor Rating – level 3.

· Meet 120 ARO for delivery.