Aviation Body Armor Vests (ABAV) and components

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the "Salient Characteristics" for Aviation Body Armor Vests (ABAV) and associated components. It details the requirements for replenishing stock and issuing new vests to aircrew, specifically for the HC-130J and HH-60W aircrew operating in AFRC, ACC, and 920 RQW.

• ABAV Vest Characteristics: Lightweight design for mobility, modular system, NIJ Level IIIA soft armor (9mm), improved durability, NIJ Level IV ESAPI plates (stopping .30-06 M2 AP rounds), and a quick-release system.
• Critical Function: Provides life-saving protection, immediate buoyancy in overwater emergencies, and maximum combat protection.
• Delivery Requirements: Suspense date of 31 Jul 2026, to be delivered to Patrick SFB, FL.
• Itemized List: Includes National Stock Numbers (NSNs), item descriptions (e.g., USAF Rotary Wing Kit, Tactical Aid to Flotation, Padded Ballistic Insert), and quantities required for various sizes (Small, Medium, Large, XL).

This document specifies the exact components, quantities, and required characteristics for ABAV vests and related armor. Bidders must ensure their offerings meet these detailed specifications and quantities to be considered for this requirement. The delivery deadline and address are also critical for logistical planning.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification for Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items. It outlines the rationale for procuring Aviation Body Armor Vests (ABAV) and associated components as a new Firm Fixed Price award.

The requirement is to procure the following items:

• USAF Rotary Wing Kit w/o CTAF Cummerbund, SAPI/ESAPI, OCP/TAN499 FR (Small, Medium, Large, XL)

• Tactical Aid to Flotation, SAPI (Small, Medium, Large, XL)

• Padded Ballistic Insert, Overlap, SAPI (Small, Medium, Large, XL)

• Padded Ballistic Insert, SAPI (Small, Medium, Large, XL)

• Contracting Activity: 45 CONS/PKB, Patrick Space Force Base, FL

• Purchase Request / Local ID Number: FA252126QB076

• Program / Project: Aviation body Armor Vests and Components

• Authority: AFFARS 5313.501 (10 U.S.C. 3572 and 10 U.S.C. 3403)

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price

• Estimated Contract Cost: Not explicitly stated, but implied to be a significant value based on the detailed item list and quantities.

• The solicitation will be posted on SAM.gov to maximize competition.

• Market research indicated limited vendor participation in previous solicitations for this brand-name requirement.

• The justification cites FirstSpear, LLC's unique qualifications and certifications as necessary for these systems.

• This is a sole source justification, indicating it is not set aside for small businesses.

• The ABAV meets airworthiness and safety requirements for aircrew use under current operational conditions, confirmed by an Interim Safe-to-Fly (iStF) Extension Memo.

• Failure to procure the FirstSpear ABAV would result in non-compliance with airworthiness standards and jeopardize crew safety.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Combined Synopsis Solicitation for "ABAV" (FirstSpear Aviation Body Armor Vests) and associated components. The vests are approved for use by AFLCMC/ROU Human Systems Division for HC-130J and HH-60W aircrew. The requirement is a 100% Small Business set-aside.

• FirstSpear Aviation Body Armor Vests (ABAV) and components.

• The quote must demonstrate technical capability, including product characteristics, installation services, and design capability.

• The technical quote must address the vendor's required time for completion and delivery.

• Contract type is not explicitly stated, but the solicitation implies a firm-fixed price (FFP) contract.

• Period of performance is not specified.

• Estimated value is not stated.

• Questions due date/time: May 18, 2026, 1:00 PM Eastern.

• RFQ due date/time: May 25, 2026, 1:00 PM Eastern.

• Quotes and questions must be submitted via email to gage.beyleu.2@spaceforce.mil and cynthia.whittaker@spaceforce.mil.

• .zip files are not an acceptable format.

• Offers must include solicitation number, vendor name/address/phone, UEI, EFT indicator, information for evaluation factors, responses to provisions/certifications, and a statement of agreement with terms.

• Offers must be held firm for 60 calendar days.

• Evaluation will be based on technical acceptability, price, and schedule, with the goal of selecting the best value to the Government (not necessarily the lowest priced offer).

• This requirement is a 100% Small Business set-aside.

• NAICS code: 315990, with a size standard of 600 Employees.

• References to the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) are noted, which may replace some FAR parts.

• The full text of clauses and provisions can be found at https://acquisition.gov.

• Attachments include "Salient Characteristics" and "26QB076 ABAV JA_signed_Redacted."