This Sources Sought opportunity from Department Of Defense was posted on May 20, 2026. The submission period has ended. Browse the details below for market research, or find similar active opportunities.
RFI Ballistic Helmets
Contract Overview
Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.
Active Opportunities Like This One
AI Contract Overview
The contract seeks to procure Standardized Security Forces Ballistic Helmets that meet or exceed stringent performance standards, including the National Institute of Justice Level-IIIA ballistic protection and Advanced Combat Helmet blunt impact requirements. These helmets must incorporate a dual-layer adjustable padding and liner system with antimicrobial fabric for comfort and hygiene, and be adaptable for communication equipment. They will come in specified colors such as Coyote Brown and Black, with tactical and Operational Camouflage Pattern covers designed for concealment and equipped with features like Velcro patches, bungee retention, cable management, and openings for night vision gear. Additional critical features include a retention system with quick-release capabilities and strap locking to prevent slippage, a chinstrap extender compatible with military chemical suits and gas masks, and a detachable WILCO night vision shroud compatible with multiple NVG devices. The helmets must include bolted accessory rail systems on both sides suitable for various tactical attachments like lights, communication headsets, and riot shields. They must provide enhanced ear clearance and be jump certified according to USAF standards. Weight specifications range from 1.6 to 2.8 pounds, with size accommodations covering a broad range of head circumferences. The helmets must be Berry Amendment compliant, support ballistic mandibles, and be supplied with detailed care, fitting, and wearing instructions. Interested vendors are required to submit comprehensive company and capability information by June 3, 2026, to the provided points of contact within the Department of Defense office managing the solicitation.
General Info
Agency
NAICS
Place of Performance
DWG, TX, 78236, USASet-Aside
Timeline
Submission Closed
Organization & Contact Information
Full Description
Salient Characteristics
The Standardized Security Forces Ballistic Helmet shall:
1. Meet or Exceed National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Level-IIIA with ballistic performance per
(IAW) NIJ STD 0106.01/NIJ STD 0108.01.
2. Meet or exceed current Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) Blunt Impact Protection requirements IAW
AR/PD 10-02 while providing a center channel for communication headband clearance.
3. Padding/Liner System: The helmet must provide a dual-layered adjustable individual padding
system (with at least 14 individual pads) to accommodate the respective sizing spectrums identified
below. The padding systems must have comfort foam sealed with anti- microbial wicking fabric. The
padding system must have a removable center pad to accommodate overhead communications systems
easily. Replacement pads and systems need to be available for replacement purchases.
4. Color: The helmet must be available in Coyote Brown and Black in color with helmet covers
available in Tactical Black and Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) (Note: The helmet cover must
fit on the helmet reflecting a tactical appearance, i.e., assist with concealment for operations in
a tactical environment). Replacement covers need to be available for replacement purchases.
5. Helmet Cover: Each helmet must come with a helmet cover. Covers must be available in Tactical
Black and Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) (Note: The helmet cover must fit on the helmet
reflecting a tactical appearance, i.e., assist with concealment for operations in a tactical
environment). Replacement covers need to be available for replacement purchases. The helmet cover
must have Velcro in the exact locations as the helmet's shell with the addition of a bungee
retention system integrated into the Velcro patch on the top/center of the helmet cover. The helmet
cover must have a cable management system integrated into it. The helmet cover must have an opening
in the front to accommodate the NVG shroud. Helmet covers must come with an optional OCP in color
counterweight pouch with Velcro closure and ability to attach to side rails via strap or elastic
band (tan).
6. Retention System: The retention system must meet ACH pull strength requirements with a
high-strength hook and loop attachment. Feature a dial retention system and a single one-handed
action quick-release capability utilizing high-strength materials resistant to weather and
perspiration degradation. The chinstrap must have locking mechanisms to secure straps and prevent
slippage. Chinstrap must include additional padding sewn into the dual straps for the chin.
7. Chinstrap Extender: Each helmet must come with a chin strap extender to allow the wearer to wear
a Military Chemical Suit Jacket top and the M50 Joint Service General Purpose Gas
Mask. When worn, the chin strap must be able to be fastened with both accouterments.
8. Night Vision Shroud: Each helmet must include a coyote brown or black detachable WILCOX three
hole night vision shroud (Part # 56100G34, Cage: 004S1)compatible with the night vision devices
listed in Para. 8(i).
i. The helmet shroud must accommodate the following accessories:
1) AN/PVS-7B: 5855-01-228-0937
2) AN/PVS-7D: 5855-01-422-5413
3) AN/PVS-14: 5855-01-423-0524
4) AN/PVS-31A: 5855-01-618-8462
5) AN/PSQ-20: 5855-01-534-6449
6) NVG Bracket Mount: 5340-01-509-1467
9. Left and Right Accessory Rail Connector System (Side): Each helmet must include a coyote brown
or black side accessory rails connector system must attach via bolts and be attached on the left
and right sides of the helmet. The rails system must consist of (1) Magpul MOE 5-Slot Mounting Kit
with Two (2) 5-Slot Picatinny Rails for mounting standard Picatinny/MIL-STD-1913 accessories.
a. Due to the past performance of Security Forces units, feedback has indicated the critical need
that all that mounts and rails must be mounted via bolts to provide the necessary security to
minimize potential defects.
b. The end-users need to replace shrouds and rails has been proven relevant.
c. The accessory rail connector system must have slots for custom mounting and compatibility to
accommodate tactical headsets and must be able to adjust the below accessories (see items below
#i).
i. The helmet rails must accommodate the following accessories:
1) Surefire: HLM-01-TN
2) Princeton Tech Switch MPLS LED Task Light
3) Liberator IV and V Advanced Dual Communication Headsets
4) 3M Com-TAC VINIB Peltor Headsets
5) M-50 Gas Mask: 4240-01-512-4437
6) Paulson Riot Shield AGL PPK1007R
10. Ear Clearance: Provide more clearance around the ear than the ACH mid-cut, cover the entire
head area, and have a high-cut ear area. Must have a military-grade Velcro patch on the helmet's
shell on the right and left side above the rail (2" x 3 ½"). Military-grade Velcro patch on the
top/center of the helmet shell (2" x 6 ½").
11. Jump Certification: The helmet must be listed on the United States Air Force (USAF) Approved
for Use List (AUL) as required by Air Force Instruction (AFI) 10-3503, Personnel Parachute Program,
paras. 4.3.1 and 4.4.1.
12. Military-grade Velcro patches: The helmet must have a Military-grade Velcro patch on the
rear/base of the helmet (1 ½" x 6") with (3 ½") in height along the rear of the rails only.
12. Helmet Weight: The helmet weight must be between 1.6 lbs. and 2.8 lbs. before and after
shroud installation, accessory rail, impact liner, and retention system.
13. Fit Sizes: Helmets must accommodate hat sizes from 6 5/8 -7 ½ and 7 3/8 -7 7/8 or head
circumferences (inches) 20.5-23.5 and 23-24.75. Fit head sizes 52-63cm with shell sizes.
14. Care Instructions: Each helmet must come with individual care/handing instructions, how to fit,
and a wear guide included with the helmet.
15. Be fully Berry Amendment compliant.
16. Must accommodate ballistic mandible.
SUBMISSION DETAILS/INFORMATION SOUGHT BY THE GOVERNMENT:
1. Your general company information, to include:
- Company name
- Address
- Point of contact (POC)
- Phone number
- E-mail address
- Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code
- Unique Entity ID
- Business Size (i.e., Small Business, Other than Small)
- NAICS code(s) the company usually performs under
2. Capabilities statement providing sufficient information (such as product literature) describing your company's ability to meet the minimum salient characteristic.
ALL SUBMISSIONS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN 1:00PM CENTRAL TIME ON Wed, 3 June 2026.
Packages are to be sent via email to POC:
Homer Rios, Contract Specialist
Emial: homer.rios@us.af.mil
