NIJ Compliance Testing Program and Equipment Standards Support Services

The Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, National Institute of Justice (NIJ), is conducting market research through a Request for Information to identify qualified contractors capable of providing technical and program support services for the NIJ Compliance Testing Program, with responses due August 10, 2026. This is market research only and not a solicitation for proposals.

Support scope includes standards development, conformity assessment activities, testing coordination, quality assurance, program management, and related technical support. The anticipated period of performance is a 12-month base period plus four 12-month option periods. NAICS codes 541690 (Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services) or 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services) apply; contractors are encouraged to recommend a suitable contract type.

Key performance requirements include administering certification testing and product surveillance processes for ballistic-resistant body armor, stab-resistant body armor, and semi-automatic pistols; managing qualification processes for commercial conformity assessment entities such as testing laboratories and inspection bodies; providing technical support for standards development and implementation; and engaging commercial stakeholders through site visits, trade shows, and manufacturer coordination.

Contractors must provide appropriate laboratory and industrial facilities for inspection, photography, documentation, and secure storage of equipment, including long-term archival storage for body armor samples. Key personnel must include a Project Leader with 6+ years program management experience or Master's degree equivalent, Technical SME with 6+ years ballistics/standards experience or Master's degree equivalent, and Operations Manager with 8+ years management experience or Master's degree equivalent in materials science or engineering. All staff require OJP Personal Identity Verification cards and Moderate Risk Background Investigations. Responses are limited to 10 single-sided pages and must be submitted to Erica Robinson (Contract Specialist) and Angela Smith (Contracting Officer).