SPE1C1-26-R-0040 C3 JA Redacted.pdf

This is a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition document for a Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) procurement action.

The contracting activity seeks to solicit for Advanced Combat Helmet, Second Generation (ACH GEN II) on an other than full and open competition basis under the authority of 10 USC 3205(a)(3), as implemented by FAR 6.302-3 (Industrial Mobilization; Engineering, Developmental, or Research Capability; or Expert Services). Portion #1 requires 25,000 total ACH GEN II helmets across four size specifications: NSN 8470-01-662-5030 (Small) – 3,500 each; NSN 8470-01-662-5038 (Medium) – 9,000 each; NSN 8470-01-662-5026 (Large) – 9,500 each; and NSN 8470-01-662-5035 (Extra-Large) – 3,000 each. The procurement is designed to build and expand industrial base capacity for this critical safety item and achieve industrial mobilization by maintaining available suppliers for national emergency response.

The purpose of this action is to add two additional vendors—ArmorSource, LLC and an unnamed second vendor—capable of manufacturing the ACH GEN II to increase production capacity beyond the current two vendors (Avon Protection Ceradyne, LLC and Gentex Corporation). Both existing vendors received FAT approval in December 2023 and August 2024, respectively, and began shipping in March and April 2025. ArmorSource currently manufactures the Advanced Combat Vehicle Crewman Helmet (ACVC-H) under a DLA contract and possesses technical expertise and production capacity for ballistic helmets. The solicitation for follow-on procurement utilizing full and open competition procedures is planned for March 2026. The Contracting Officer has determined that anticipated costs to the Government will be fair and reasonable based on price analysis techniques in FAR 15.40401. ArmorSource has expressed interest in the acquisition and possesses production lines with skilled workforce to manufacture the ACH GEN II.