The Department of the Air Force Headquarters Air Force Academy issued a Notice of Intent to Sole Source 63 Axiom football helmets from Riddell All American Sports Corp., with a capability statement submission deadline of June 29, 2026 at 10:00 AM MDT. The requirement supports the USAFA Prep School Athletics Program and will be awarded as a firm fixed-price purchase order on or before September 30, 2026, subject to fund availability. The contract value falls below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold, so no formal solicitation will be issued.

The sole-source justification rests on unique safety and proprietary manufacturing requirements. Riddell is the exclusive manufacturer and authorized regional distributor of the required Axiom helmets with no third-party authorized distributors in Colorado. NOCSAE safety certification voids immediately if unauthorized parties customize the helmets, creating unacceptable legal liability. Custom liners are fabricated exclusively at Riddell's Ohio manufacturing facility using proprietary machinery and chemical formulations unavailable elsewhere. The design is patent-protected intellectual property with no legal rights extended to competitors including Schutt, Xenith, or Vicis.

Interested vendors may submit capability statements with clear and convincing evidence that competition would benefit the Government to marissa.morris.4@us.af.mil and danielle.hyde.2@us.af.mil. All contractors must maintain current SAM registration.

File	Type	Posted
FY26 USAFAPS Football Helmets Specifications.pdf	PDF	Jun 22, 2026
Notice of Intent to Sole Source FY26_PSA_Football Helmets.pdf	PDF	Jun 22, 2026

FY26_PSA_Football Helmets

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