Tactical Body Armor

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

Subject: Tactical Body Armor, Concealable Compression Tops, and Load Carriage Systems

1. PURPOSE

This Request for Information (RFI) is being issued for informational and market research purposes only. This is not a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a Request for Quotation (RFQ), nor is it considered to be a commitment by the Government/Issuing Agency.

The purpose of this RFI is to identify qualified vendors and manufacturers capable of providing Berry Amendment Compliant commercial tactical body armor, concealable carriers, plate carriers, and associated accessories. All quantities listed within this RFI are estimated quantities and are subject to change.

The contract shall be issued as a Firm Fixed Price, Indefinite Quantity/Indefinite Delivery (IDIQ) type contract with up to five (5) separately priced tiers, spanning 12 months each.

2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

All proposed solutions must meet the following general requirements:

• Berry Amendment Compliance: All items, materials, and manufacturing processes must be 100% Berry Amendment compliant. Proof of compliance will be required.

• Commercial Armor that must meet or exceed NIJ Standard 0101.06, DEA, and FBI 4.1 testing requirements, and must be tested and approved by the FBI.

• Sizing: All garments and carriers must be available in standard sizing, at a minimum ranging from Extra Small (XS) to Extra-Large (XL), with some items requiring 2X-Large (2XL). Both Male and Female specific cuts/designs must be available where specified.

3. SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS & ESTIMATED QUANTITIES

Category A: Ultra Low Visibility Compression Tops 

Estimated Quantity: 2,650 units total (Ranging from 150 to 930 units per tier).

Description: Male and Female low-visibility compression tops designed to hold concealable body armor panels.

Required Features:

• Must meet or exceed NIJ Standard 0101.06, DEA, and FBI 4.1 testing requirements, and must be tested and approved by the FBI.
• Must be a concealable shape and grade, designed to be worn under clothing.
• Fabric must be a four-way stretch nylon/spandex blend for a snug, body-conforming fit.
• The design must form around the shape of the user's anatomy to provide coverage to vital organs in a concealed shape.
• Zippers must enable the wearer to don/doff without assistance (zippers located on either side).
• Must feature reinforced shoulders for comfort.
• Must be available in a neutral color conducive to concealment under light/dress shirts.
• Carrier must be washable.
• Carrier material must be anti-microbial to ensure hygiene during extended use.
• Internal armor sleeve must be constructed of polyester.
• Female-specific versions must feature structured seams to appropriately shape around the female body.
• Each kit must include a spare compression top armor panel carrier and an armor carrying bag.

Category B: Enhanced Tactical Load Carriage Systems / Plate Carriers

Estimated Quantity: 2,635 units total (over 5 years).

Description: Male and Female tactical plate carriers intended for overt operations.

Required Features:

• Must be able to be worn over both standard clothing and the concealable body armor listed in Category A.
• Must be designed to hold standard Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts (ESAPI).
• Available in solid black, solid dark green/olive green, coyote brown, or similar approved solid colors.
• Must utilize a quick-connect buckle system allowing users to don/doff with one hand and without assistance. Include a repair buckle kit.
• Must include integrated or modular pouches to accommodate:
  • Two (2) M4 30-round magazines
  • Two (2) Handgun magazines
  • One (1) Tourniquet
  • One (1) Motorola-style Radio
  • One (1) set of hard handcuffs
  • One (1) baton
  • One (1) handheld flashlight
  • One (1) Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK)
  • One (1) Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Spray
• Must feature MOLLE webbing on the front, sides, and front flap.
• Must include padded shoulder straps with mesh lining and an inner cummerbund.
• Carrier must be ventilated to reduce heat buildup.
• Hook and loop panels on upper chest and back for attaching identification patches.
• Flush admin chest pocket with internal elastic keepers.
• MOLLE assaulter’s zip-on back panel.
• Must include a panel suspension and energy disbursement frame that increases overall load carriage performance and provides a rigid platform for weight distribution.
• Must utilize advanced materials (e.g., PV material) and ballistic vein technology.
• Must include an Integrated Ballistic Framework system that increases ballistic protection, decreases side spall, and reduces back face deformation.

Category C: Modular Vest Systems

Estimated Quantity: 50 units total over 5 years.

Description: Small through 2X-Large vest configurations in Grey (or similar requested color).

Required Features:

• Must seamlessly integrate with the ultra-low visibility compression tops and meet all necessary structural and load-bearing requirements for operational use.

Category D: Supplemental Hard Armor Panels

Estimated Quantity: 140 units total over 5 years.

Description: Hard armor plates in various standard sizes (Extra Small through Extra Large), as well as 6x6 side plates.

Required Features:

• Must meet standard operational ballistic threat requirements (Level III/IV equivalent or as specified in future solicitations).

4. INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMISSION

Interested parties are requested to submit a Capability Statement demonstrating their ability to provide the requested items. Submissions should include:

1. Company name, address, Point of Contact (POC), telephone number, and email address.
2. Confirmation of 100% Berry Amendment Compliance for all proposed products.
3. Product specification sheets or literature matching the salient characteristics listed above (without providing pricing).
4. Estimated lead times for the stated estimated quantities.
5. Capability Statements may be sent to Kimberly.Sabo@dla.mil through August 3, 2026.

Please note: Pricing is not required at this time, as this RFI is for market research purposes.