Closed Solicitation · DEPT OF DEFENSE

    RFI BALLISTIC HELMETS

    Sol. FA8903772Sources SoughtSAN ANTONIO, TX
    Closed
    STATUS
    Closed
    closed Jun 3, 2026
    POSTED
    May 20, 2026
    Publication date
    NAICS CODE
    314999
    Primary industry classification
    PSC CODE
    Product & service classification

    AI Summary

    The Department of Defense is seeking information on ballistic helmets that meet specific NIJ and ACH standards. Interested vendors should provide company details and a capabilities statement demonstrating their ability to meet the outlined requirements. Submissions are due by 1:00 PM Central Time on June 3, 2026, and should be sent to the designated point of contact.

    Contract details

    Solicitation No.
    FA8903772
    Notice Type
    Sources Sought
    Posted Date
    May 20, 2026
    Response Deadline
    June 3, 2026
    NAICS Code
    314999AI guide
    Issuing Office
    FA8052 773 ESS
    Primary Contact
    Homer Rios
    State
    TX
    ZIP Code
    78236-0119
    AI Product/Service
    product

    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 

    Key dates

    1. May 20, 2026Posted Date
    2. June 3, 2026Proposals / Responses Due

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    Frequently asked questions

    RFI BALLISTIC HELMETS is a federal acquisition solicitation issued by DEPT OF DEFENSE. Review the full description, attachments, and submission requirements on SamSearch before the response deadline.

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