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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

Closed
FA8903772Federal

Contract Overview

Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.

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NAICS: 314999
New
DIBBS
INSIGNIA, GRADE, ENLISTE
Solicitation # SPE1C1-26-Q-0481
Solicitation SPE1C1-26-Q-0481 is a Firm Fixed Price request for quotations issued by the DLA Troop Support C and T Supply Chain for the procurement of 22,000 pairs of enlisted grade cap insignia, identified by National Stock Number 8455-01-049-1516. The requirement specifies polished insignia for ROTC personnel across Army and Air Force grades, specifically for Sergeants in the Senior Division. Delivery is required 120 days after the order date, with a material need ship date of May 28, 2027. The items are to be shipped FOB Destination to Arizona Industries for the Blind in Phoenix, Arizona, where both inspection and acceptance will occur. The contract mandates strict quality and packaging standards, requiring five first article samples for testing within 30 days of award. Packaging must comply with MIL-STD-2073-1E and MIL-I-11132, with each pair mounted on a 2 by 3 inch white sulfite card, sealed in chemically inert clear plastic, and packed in ASTM standard intermediate boxes and shipping containers. Marking must adhere to MIL-STD-129 and MIL-HDBK-129, including bar-coding and specific identification data. The procurement incorporates various FAR and DFARS clauses, including the Buy American and Balance of Payments Program and safeguarding of covered defense information. Invoicing and payment must be processed electronically through the Wide Area WorkFlow system.
C AND T SUPPLY CHAIN

POSTED

1 day ago

DEADLINE

in 5 days

AI Contract Overview

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The U.S. Air Force is seeking information on a standardized ballistic helmet for Security Forces personnel that meets or exceeds NIJ Level-IIIA ballistic protection standards per NIJ STD 0106.01 and NIJ STD 0108.01, while also fulfilling Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) blunt impact requirements per AR/PD 10-02. The helmet must include a dual-layered adjustable padding system with at least 14 individual pads made of comfort foam sealed with antimicrobial wicking fabric, featuring a removable center pad to allow clearance for communication headbands, and replacement pads must be available. It must be offered in Coyote Brown and Black with matching tactical helmet covers in Tactical Black and Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) that fit securely, include Velcro in exact shell alignment, integrate a bungee retention system on the top center, feature a cable management system, and provide a front opening for a night vision shroud; an optional OCP counterweight pouch with Velcro and strap attachment is required. The retention system must meet ACH pull strength standards with a dial adjustment, single-handed quick-release, high-strength hook and loop attachment, and a chinstrap with locking mechanisms and added padding. A chinstrap extender must be included to accommodate wear with a M50 gas mask and chemical suit jacket. The helmet must be compatible with a detachable WILCOX three-hole night vision shroud (Part #56100G34, Cage: 004S1) supporting specified devices including AN/PVS-7B, AN/PVS-7D, AN/PVS-14, AN/PVS-31A, AN/PSQ-20, and NVG Bracket Mount. Left and right side accessory rails using Magpul MOE 5-Slot Mounting Kits with two Picatinny rails each are required, bolt-mounted for security, to support attachments such as Surefire HLM-01-TN, Princeton Tech Switch MPLS LED Task Light, Liberator IV/V headsets, 3M Com-TAC VINIB Peltor headsets, M-50 gas mask, and Paulson Riot Shield. Additional military-grade Velcro patches are mandated on the rear/base, top/center, and both sides above the rails for accessory mounting. The helmet must provide enhanced ear clearance beyond ACH mid-cut, accommodate a ballistic mandible, weigh between 1.6 and 2.8

General Info

Procure ballistic helmets meeting NIJ Level-IIIA, adjustable padding, communication-compatible, tactical features, compliant, submissions by June 2026.

Agency

Department Of Defense → FA8052 773 EssView Agency

NAICS

314999 - All Other Miscellaneous Textile Product MillsView NAICS

Place of Performance

DWG, TX, 78236, USA

Set-Aside

NONE

Documents

(1)

Sources Sought Notice FA8903772 for Ballistic Helmets

DOCXsources-sought

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Timeline

PhaseClosed
Posted

Sources Sought

Response Deadline

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Submission Closed

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Organization & Contact Information

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AgencyDepartment Of Defense → FA8052 773 Ess
Contacts2 people available
OfficeSAN ANTONIO, TX, 78236-0119, USA
Organization / Agency
Department Of Defense → FA8052 773 Ess
View Agency Profile
Office AddressSAN ANTONIO, TX, 78236-0119, USA

Full Description

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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 


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