RFI Ballistic Helmets

Location: Texas
Posted: May 20, 2026
Due: Jun 3, 2026
Agency: DEPT OF DEFENSE
Type of Government: Federal
Category:
  • 84 - Clothing, Individual Equipment, and Insignia
Solicitation No: FA8903772
Publication URL: To access bid details, please log in.
Follow
RFI Ballistic Helmets
Active
Contract Opportunity
Notice ID
FA8903772
Related Notice
Department/Ind. Agency
DEPT OF DEFENSE
Sub-tier
DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE
Major Command
AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND
Sub Command
AF INSTALLATION & MISSION SUPPORT CENTER
Office
FA8052 773 ESS
Looking for contract opportunity help?

APEX Accelerators are an official government contracting resource for small businesses. Find your local APEX Accelerator (opens in new window) for free government expertise related to contract opportunities.

APEX Accelerators are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense.

The APEX Accelerators program was formerly known as the Procurement Technical Assistance Program (opens in new window) (PTAP).

General Information
  • Contract Opportunity Type: Sources Sought (Original)
  • Original Published Date: May 20, 2026 03:23 pm CDT
  • Original Response Date: Jun 03, 2026 01:00 pm CDT
  • Inactive Policy: 15 days after response date
  • Original Inactive Date: Jun 18, 2026
  • Initiative:
    • None
Classification
  • Original Set Aside: No Set aside used
  • Product Service Code:
  • NAICS Code:
    • 314999 - All Other Miscellaneous Textile Product Mills
  • Place of Performance:
    JBSA Lackland , TX 78236
    USA
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




Attachments/Links
Contact Information
Contracting Office Address
  • CP 210 395 9550 1517 BILLY MITCHELL BLVD BLDG 954
  • SAN ANTONIO , TX 78236-0119
  • USA
Primary Point of Contact
Secondary Point of Contact
History
  • May 20, 2026 03:23 pm CDTSources Sought (Original)
Daily notification on new contract opportunities

With GovernmentContracts, you can:

  • Find more opportunities and win more business
  • Receive daily alerts for all new bid opportunities
  • Get contract opportunities matched to your business
ONE WEEK FREE TRIAL

See also

...Description: The University seeks a qualified Proposer to deliver comprehensive, integrated event security... ...

University of Texas at San Antonio

Bid Due: 6/22/2026

...Notice Department/Ind. Agency HOMELAND SECURITY, DEPARTMENT OF Sub-tier US CUSTOMS AND BORDER... , ...

HOMELAND SECURITY, DEPARTMENT OF

Bid Due: 6/15/2026

...and controls and physical security measures for an integrated and operational system....

City of Fort Worth

Bid Due: 6/25/2026

...is seeking a single, fully integrated provider ("Developer") to deliver a complete water ...

City of Portland

Bid Due: 7/09/2026

* Disclaimer: Information regarding bids, requests for proposals (RFPs), or requests for qualifications (RFQs) is provided on this website only for convenience and does not constitute official public notice. Persons wishing to respond to or inquire about bids, RFPs, or RFQs should contact the appropriate government department.