AFRC FY26 - New RS Badges and Stars
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) is conducting a sole source acquisition for new RS Badges and Stars for Air Force Reserve recruiters and their support staff. This procurement is being awarded to NLS Specialties Inc (CAGE: 00TX4) due to their exclusive ownership of proprietary tooling. Quotes are due by May 20, 2026.
Scope of Work
This acquisition covers various quantities of Air Force Reserve Recruiting Service (AFRS) badges and stars, designed to update the recruiter uniform. The new design aligns with the active component's Air Force Recruiting badge, incorporating the Air Force Reserve logo for distinct identification while promoting a consistent professional appearance. The updated badges introduce a recognition system using stars for individual achievements and silver/gold wreaths for skill levels and accomplishments.
Key items include:
- AFR Basic Recruiter Badges (Small & Large)
- AFR Silver Wreath Badges (Small & Large) with star holes
- AFR Gold Wreath Badges (Small & Large) with star holes
- AFR Master Badges (Small & Large) with star holes
- AFRC Senior, Master, and Command Master Badges (Small & Large) with fixed or encircled 3D stars
- Silver, Gold, and Blue Stars with blue numbers
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sole Source, Firm Fixed Price (FFP)
- Product Service Code: 8455 - Badges And Insignia
- Required Delivery: July 23, 2026
- Response Due: May 20, 2026, 6:00 PM EDT
- Published: May 14, 2026
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source)
Justification for Sole Source
The decision to sole-source to NLS Specialties Inc. is based on their exclusive ownership of original molds and dies for these badges for over 70 years. This ensures the production of items that meet exact specifications, maintaining program continuity, uniformity, and the preservation of authenticity and heraldry required by the Air Force. Market research confirmed no other source could replicate these items to the exact specifications within the required timeframe without significant cost and delays associated with new tooling.
Additional Notes
All CLINs are FFP. FOB and Inspection/Acceptance will be at Destination: HQ AFRC/RSXR at Robins AFB, GA (DoDAAC F5BFRS). Quotes should include all unit price discounts based on cited quantities. Standard commercial terms and conditions apply.
Contact Information
- Primary Point of Contact: Rachel May
- Email: rachel.may.1@us.af.mil
- Phone: 478-327-1608