Body Armor & Ballistic Helmets
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 Department of the Air Force, specifically FA8051 772 ESS PKD, is conducting market research through a Sources Sought notice for Body Armor & Ballistic Helmets. This is for information purposes only; a solicitation will not be issued, and no contract will be awarded from responses to this notice. The opportunity is a Total Small Business Set-Aside under NAICS 339113 (750-employee size standard). Responses are due by February 6, 2026, 8:00 PM EST.
Scope of Interest
The Government is seeking information on industry capabilities to provide various components of body armor and ballistic helmets, including:
- Body Armor: Harnesses, plate pouches, cummerbunds, and soft armor inserts. Key features include lightweight structure, stability for heavy loads, padded interior, vertical/horizontal adjustment, quick attach/detach, emergency quick release, interchangeable load-out capability, full protection coverage, weight transferring system, and OCP Camouflage.
- Ballistic Helmets: One-hand adjustable fit system, left eye dominant option, adjustable/replaceable comfort pads, lightweight NVG compatible shroud/mount, removable side rail mounting system (picatinny-style), and Coyote Brown color. Performance requirements include NIJ Level III-A ballistic protection, specific fragment and backface deformation standards, and compliance with ACH Blunt Impact Protection. Shell weight <2 lbs, complete system weight <3 lbs, and sizing for head circumference 20.5in – 24.5in.
- Ballistic Ear Covers: Providing 21-22 in² additional ear coverage, removable/replaceable, one size fits all helmets, and specific ballistic performance. All items must be Berry Amendment compliant.
Potential Requirements & Manufacturers
A unit pricing sheet indicates interest in specific manufacturers and items for potential future procurement, including:
- Crye Body Armor: Harnesses, plate pouches, cummerbunds, belts, flaps, and ballistic inserts (MCAMO).
- First Spear Body Armor: Plate carriers, soft armor, cummerbunds, tactical belts, and padded sleeves (Multicam).
- Team Wendy Ballistic Helmets: EXFIL Ballistic helmets (Coyote) and Ballistic Ear Cover Sets. Delivery for these items would be to AFCEC/BARS Warehouse, Panama City, FL 32404-5492.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS: 339113 (750 Employees)
- Response Due: February 6, 2026, 8:00 PM EST
- Published: January 30, 2026
Submission & Evaluation
This is not a request for competitive quotations. However, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement or quotation for consideration. Responses will be evaluated to determine if competition would be advantageous for future procurements. Submissions should provide clear and convincing evidence of capabilities. Inquiries should be sent via email.
Contact Information
- Primary Contact: Toby L Carnes (toby.carnes.1@us.af.mil, 850-890-5481)
- Secondary Contact: Nikita Chandiramani (nikita.chandiramani@us.af.mil, 850-283-6854)