SOCOM Ballistic Plates AO

The State of Illinois, specifically Sangamon County, is seeking procurement of SOCOM Ballistic Plates through a competitive solicitation process. The contract opportunity involves the acquisition of 100 Level IIIA+ rifle-rated body armor plates with precise technical specifications, including 10"x12" Shooters Cut dimensions, multi-curve design, and maximum weight of 2.80 lbs per plate. The plates must be constructed exclusively of Polyethylene material, NIJ 0101.06 Type III Compliant, and covered in 1000-Denier Cordura fabric. Bidders must provide comprehensive NIJ compliance documentation and demonstrate tested performance against specific ammunition types, including 7.62x51mm NATO FMJ, 7.62x39mm MSC, and 5.56x45mm M193. The solicitation requires a minimum of 6 impact tests for each ammunition type to validate protective capabilities. The proposal is due on October 2, 2025, with the opportunity initially posted on September 26, 2025, giving potential vendors approximately one week to prepare and submit their responses.

While specific set-aside designations are not explicitly detailed in the provided documents, the procurement follows the State of Illinois Chief Procurement Office General Services Standard Terms and Conditions (Version 23.2), which typically includes provisions for minority contractor initiatives. Vendors must meet comprehensive insurance requirements, including $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate general commercial liability coverage, along with auto liability and worker's compensation insurance. The contract mandates a minimum 5-year warranty on the ballistic plates and requires vendors to maintain accurate records for three years. Although a specific budget range is not disclosed, the technical complexity and specialized nature of the body armor suggest a potentially significant investment. The procurement is contingent on fund availability, and the state reserves the right to terminate the contract with appropriate notice, particularly in cases of budgetary constraints or lack of appropriations.