Airsave Survival Vest Type I & II and Components

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support Clothing and Textiles has issued a Special Notice on February 18, 2026, announcing a Consolidation Determination and Finding (D&F) for the procurement of Airsave Survival Vest Type I & II and Components. This notice informs the public of the agency's decision to consolidate thirteen National Stock Numbers covering survival vests and associated components—including sea pocket assemblies, harness hoisting assemblies, pocket variations, pocket knives, adjustment straps, and panel expansions—previously procured under separate small and large business contracts. The consolidation will be structured as an Unrestricted Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with firm-fixed pricing and a 60-month term divided into five 12-month pricing tiers. Although this announcement does not constitute a formal solicitation, it provides critical planning information to potential contractors regarding the government's acquisition strategy.

The DLA justified the consolidation decision based on anticipated substantial benefits including economies of scale, reduced administrative burden through single-contract management, improved lead times, potential cost savings, and enhanced quality through dedicated production line setup. Market research identified limited contractor capability in the industrial base, with only one small business demonstrating the capacity to manufacture the vests and components simultaneously, which precluded a 100% Small Business Set-Aside; consequently, the acquisition will proceed on an Unrestricted basis allowing all qualified contractors to compete. The consolidation does not exceed $10 million and required approval by the Chief of the Contracting Office per Defense Logistics Agency Directive (DLAD) 7.107-2(b). Contractors should note that previous procurement history included a May 23, 2022 small business IDIQ contract with guaranteed minimum quantities of 521 units and maximum quantities of 5,981 units. While this Special Notice is issued for informational and planning purposes only, interested parties should monitor SAM.gov for the formal solicitation release and ensure they understand the complex manufacturing requirements and zero-defect quality standards that characterize these critical safety items.