Justification & Approval for Other than Full & Open Competition (J&A) for Integrated Head Protection Systems (IHPS)

Justification & Approval for Other than Full and Open Competition for urgent and compelling, sole source procurement of Integrated Head Protection Systems (IHPS).

The IHPS is a modular helmet system consisting of a ballistic protective shell, retention system, suspension system, helmet cover, maxillofacial protective system, hearing protection, and Night Vision Device Assembly. Soldiers can add or remove levels of ballistic protection based on mission requirements. The IHPS provides improved fragmentation, ballistic, blunt and impact protection and improved fit while reducing weight over the Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH). The IHPS provides better accelerative impact protection while reducing weight over the Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH). Threshold weights for the standard dismounted configuration are five percent (5%) lighter than the ACH or ECH. The ACH provides up to 9mm pistol protection and ECH provides protection up to Threat M.

The IHPS, with the maxillofacial protection (visor and mandible) will protect the Soldier in all mission scenarios and environments. The IHPS enables a holistic focus on protecting the Soldier’shead and its modularity allows Soldiers to quickly scale protection levels up or down based upon the Commander’s threat assessment. The IHPS will significantly increase survivability and effectiveness by incorporating improved ballistics and protection against vision hazards and environmental noises. The IHPS is interoperable with existing Soldier-worn lethality and survivability assets, e.g., weapon, load-carrying equipment, Mission Oriented Protective Posture equipment, and parachute systems. Commanders at all levels will determine the level of protection required after conducting a Commander’s risk assessment and considering all operational considerations.

Awarded contract W91CRB-14-C-0005 to unknown vendor for unknown amount on 2021-03-31.