NOTICE OF INTENT TO RESPOND_ANG Poly Plate_MR.docx

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

TROOP SUPPORT

700 ROBBINS AVENUE

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA 19111-5092

NOTICE OF INTENT TO RESPOND:

Interested parties shall submit their formal response to this RFI via email to the DLA Point of Contact, Casandra Rogers, no later than the closing date of May 8, 2026. Furthermore, respondents are requested to identify any significant omissions or ambiguities within this RFI that could impede their ability to provide a thorough and complete response.

Request for Information (RFI) / Market Research Reference Number: SPE1C1-26-R-ANG Date of Issue: April 23, 2026 Subject: Lightweight Hard Armor Polyethylene Composite Plates for Air National Guard (ANG) Security Forces

1.0 DISCLAIMER

This Request for Information (RFI) is issued solely for market research and planning purposes; it does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. The Government is not seeking proposals at this time and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Respondents are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI; all costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested party’s expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if one is issued. The information provided in this RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government.

2.0 PURPOSE

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is conducting market research to assess the industry's capability to provide Lightweight Hard Armor Polyethylene Composite Plates to increase readiness during Homeland Defense and Domestic Operations to improve survivability. The purpose of this RFI is to gather information from potential sources to help determine the most effective acquisition strategy for a potential future procurement. The Government is seeking to understand the industrial base's capacity, potential supply chain risks, cost structures, and technical feasibility associated with the Lightweight Hard Armor Polyethylene Composite Plates.

3.0 BACKGROUND

DLA anticipates a future requirement for an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to serve The Air National Guard (ANG) Security during Homeland Defense and Domestic Operations. The Lightweight Hard Armor Polyethylene Composite plate project includes a shooter’s cut stand alone non-ceramic ultra-high molecular lightweight polyethylene composite plate set (front and back plate).

4.0 REQUESTED INFORMATION

Please review the following requirements and provide feedback, incorporating the chart provided into your annotated response.

COMPANY INFORMATION

Vendor’s Response/Comments

Business Name, CAGE Code, and Address

Government Business Development Point of Contact (email and phone number)

Business Size (Number of Employees)

Business Type (manufacturer/dealer)

Place of Performance

· List the address where items will be manufactured. If more than one place applies, provide all addresses.

Do you have experience with Government long-term contracts in supplying similar lightweight polyethylene composite armor plates.

· If yes, please provide examples.

GOVERNEMENT REQUIREMENTS

The Government is seeking an IDIQ with a goal to have 17,000 EA delivered by October 1, 2026.

-To meet the operational requirements, what is your latest acceptable date for contract receipt?

What is your company’s most economical standard lot size that can be produced?

What is your company’s production lead time per lot?

NOTE: Please take into account your current and projected manufacturing plans when answering these questions.

The Government is seeking a minimum 7-year warranty. What is your company’s standard commercial warranty?

The Government plans to sustain for the next 7 years. Can the item proposed be supported for the next 7 years?

The Government is deciding whether to stock item at DLA Third-Party Logistics facilities or to have the vendor ship directly to our customers. Does your company have the capability to ship to 100 CONUS locations and US territories?

4.1 Stand Alone Hard Armor Polyethylene Composite Front/Back Plate Baseline Features/General Requirements:

Composite: Polyethylene Composite with OCP/MutiCam Nylon Spall

Plate Shape: Shooter’s Cut

Weight- Size Relative

Stand Alone Polyethylene Plate Size Front and Back Swimmers Cut

Compatibility: Plates are to be compatible with and will properly fit into Eagle AERO Assault Plate Carrier and MSV Gen II in the sizes specified.

Configuration: Stand Alone Plate

Serial Numbers: Each plate will have matching serial numbers.

Finish: OCP/MutiCam Nylon colored Spall with a 3”x3” subdued Security Forces Defensor Fortis logo on the front plate.

Non-Magnetic: Shall be no magnetic influence on compass at any distance.

Fluid Resistance: Plate shall Maintain structural and ballistic integrity exposure after exposure to common battlefield contamination or environmental conditions.

Flammability: Plate shall not drip, combust, or explode when impacted with threats.

Temperature: Plate shall provide structural and ballistic protection when exposed to -60o F to +1600 F

4.2 Special Threat Testing

Ballistic Threat Testing: Provide and conduct third-party test reports and evaluations specifications for plates. Please prioritize data related to the 7.62mm x 39mm threat.

· 5.56mm x 45mm, 55-grain FMJ (M193)

· 7.62mm x 39mm, 123-grain PS Ball (MSC)

· 7.62mm x 51mm, 149-grain Ball (M80)

· 7.62mm x 54R, 148-grain (LPS)

4.3 Additional Requirements

Be compliant with DFARS 252.225-7012 Preference for Certain Domestic Commodities (Berry Amendment).

Are there any raw material components that are at a supply chain risk which could impact end item production?

Lot acceptance testing (LAT): Shall be performed for every production lot of hard body armor plates. A production lot is defined as a group of plates manufactured under uniform materials, processes and environmental conditions. The required number of ballistic test samples shall be determined based on lot size as follows:

· Lot size: 0-500 plates – 1 test plate required

· Lot size: 500-999 – 2 test plates required

· Lot size: 1000 plates or greater – 3 test plates required Selected samples shall undergo ballistic resistance testing and all other applicable compliance assessments. Lot acceptance testing must be successfully completed and approved prior to releasing any plates from the lot for distribution

Status Reporting: Are you able to provide weekly or bi-weekly status emails that include tracking information, inventory levels (ordered vs. delivered), and monthly production data?

Pricing Estimate: While this is not a formal solicitation, please provide a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) price estimate for FOB Destination pricing per plate for each size specified. “This information will be used for budgetary and planning purposes only and will not constitute a binding offer.

Please provide any concerns/issues that may affect your production ability under any resultant contract in your response.

5.0 RESPONSE GUIDELINES

· Interested parties shall submit their final response to the DLA Point of Contact, Casandra Rogers (Casandra.Rogers@dla.mil), by the closing date of May 8, 2026

· Email subject line should read: “SPE1C126ANG for Lightweight Plates”.

· Offerors shall submit their response by completing the table in Section 4.0 of this document in Microsoft Word format.

· Proprietary information, if any, should be minimized and MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED. To aid the Government, please segregate proprietary information.

· Total response length should not exceed 10 pages. Marketing materials are not requested and will not be reviewed.

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