US Military Body Armor Report:
An Analysis of 2000 to 2013 Procurement
and Three Scenarios
for 2014 to 2020 Procurement.
(SAMPLE PAGES)
__________________________
This Report Provides Three Future US Military
Body Armor Procurement Scenarios that
Each Prioritize Modernization, Sustainment,
and the Industrial Base Differently
During an Era of DoD Fiscal Constraint.
Published March 2013
Vector Strategy, Inc.
26 Pinecrest Plaza, #134
Southern Pines, NC 28387
Phone: 910-585-6228
Fax: 910-401-1597
www.vector-strategy.com
US Military Body Armor Report
March 2013
Table of Contents
1
2
Report Abstract ..................................................................................................................................... 6
About Vector Strategy, Inc..................................................................................................................... 8
2.1
Company Background and Other Publications ............................................................................ 8
2.2
Copyright and Distribution ............................................................................................................ 8
2.3
Disclaimer .................................................................................................................................... 8
3
Overall Research Methodology ............................................................................................................. 9
3.1
Analysis and Methodology ........................................................................................................... 9
3.2
Primary Research ........................................................................................................................ 9
3.3
Secondary Sources of Information ............................................................................................... 9
3.4
Military Body Armor Contract and Solicitation Analysis ................................................................ 9
4
Description of US Military Body Armor Programs: 2009 to 2012 .........................................................10
4.1
History and Evolution of US Military Body Armor ........................................................................10
4.1.1
Interceptor Body Armor .....................................................................................................10
4.1.2
Vest Improvements ...........................................................................................................10
4.1.3
Hard Plate Improvements ..................................................................................................11
4.1.4
Pelvic Protection................................................................................................................11
4.1.5
Helmets .............................................................................................................................11
4.2
US Army Interceptor Body Armor System and Helmet ...............................................................15
4.2.1
Outer Tactical Vest and Improved Outer Tactical Vest ......................................................15
4.2.1.1 The Outer Tactical Vest (OTV) ..........................................................................................15
4.2.1.2 The Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV) .........................................................................15
4.2.1.3 Design Enhancements to the Current IOTV – Gen I, II and III...........................................16
4.2.1.4 Discussion of OTV and IOTV Weights and Soft Ballistic Inserts .......................................17
4.2.1.5 OTV and IOTV Ballistic Performance Requirements .........................................................19
4.2.2
Deltoid Axillary Protectors (DAPs) .....................................................................................20
4.2.3
SAPI, ESAPI, and XSAPI Front and Back Hard Plates .....................................................20
4.2.3.1 SAPI Discussion and Details .............................................................................................20
4.2.3.2 ESAPI Discussion and Technical Details ..........................................................................21
4.2.3.3 XSAPI Discussion and Technical Details ..........................................................................21
4.2.3.4 SAPI, ESAPI, and XSAPI Performance and Weight Comparison .....................................23
4.2.4
Side Ballistic Inserts (ESBIs, SSAPIs, and XSBIs) ............................................................24
4.2.5
Groin Armor Protective Insert (GAPI) ................................................................................25
4.2.6
Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) ......................................................................................25
4.2.6.1 ACH System Details ..........................................................................................................25
4.2.6.2 ACH Ballistic Performance Requirements .........................................................................27
4.3
USMC Body Armor and Helmets ................................................................................................28
4.3.1
Modular Tactical Vest (MTV) .............................................................................................28
4.3.2
Improved Modular Tactical Vest (IMTV) for the USMC......................................................28
4.3.3
Lightweight Helmet (LWH).................................................................................................32
4.3.3.1 LWH System Details .........................................................................................................32
4.3.3.2 LWH Ballistic Performance Requirements.........................................................................33
4.3.4
Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH) .....................................................................................34
4.3.4.1 ECH System Details ..........................................................................................................34
4.3.4.2 ECH Ballistic Performance Requirements .........................................................................35
4.4
US Army and USMC Plate Carriers ............................................................................................37
4.4.1
USMC Scalable Plate Carrier (SPC) .................................................................................37
4.4.2
USMC Plate Carriers .........................................................................................................38
4.4.3
US Army Soldier Plate Carrier System ..............................................................................39
4.5
Soldier Protection Demonstration IX: Weight Redistribution Device ...........................................41
4.6
Protective Outer and Under Garments ........................................................................................41
4.6.1
US Army Protective Under Garment (PUG) ......................................................................41
4.6.2
US Army Protective Outer Garment (POG) .......................................................................42
4.6.3
USMC Pelvic Protective Undergarment (PPU) ..................................................................42
4.7
US Army Concealable Body Armor (CBA) Programs..................................................................43
4.7.1
Incremental Development Program: The Family of Concealable Body Armor (FoCBA) ...43
4.7.2
US Army Urgent Requirement for Commercially Available CBA Systems.........................43
4.7.2.1 Commercially Available CBA - Area of Coverage and Design...........................................44
4.7.2.2 Commercially Available CBA - Protection Levels ..............................................................45
4.8
SPEAR Body Armor System .......................................................................................................46
4.8.1
Program Description and History .......................................................................................46
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US Military Body Armor Report
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4.8.2
SPEAR Body Armor / Load Carriage System (BALCS) .....................................................47
4.8.3
SPEAR Body Armor Vest (BAV) Family ............................................................................47
4.8.4
SPEAR Modular Supplemental Armor Protection System (MSAP) ...................................48
4.8.5
SPEAR Soft Ballistic Inserts ..............................................................................................48
4.8.6
SPEAR Hard Plates ..........................................................................................................48
4.8.7
SPEAR Modular Integrated Communications Helmet (MICH) ...........................................49
5
US Military Body Armor Priorities: 2013 to 2020 .................................................................................51
5.1
Overall Military Priorities and Initiatives ......................................................................................51
5.2
Advanced Combat Vehicle Crewmen Helmet (ACVC-H) ............................................................51
5.2.1
ACVC-H Technical Details ................................................................................................51
5.2.2
Integration and Compatibility with Existing Technology .....................................................52
5.3
US Army Soldier Protection System (SPS) .................................................................................53
5.3.1
Introduction and Objectives ...............................................................................................53
5.3.2
Developmental Timeline ....................................................................................................53
5.3.3
Soldier Protection System Vital Torso Protective (VTP) ....................................................54
5.3.4
Soldier Protection System Torso Protection (TP) ..............................................................56
5.3.5
Soldier Protection System Extremity Protection (EP) ........................................................60
5.3.5.1 Enhanced Army Combat Shirt (EACS) ..............................................................................60
5.3.5.2 Enhanced Army Combat Pant ...........................................................................................60
5.3.5.3 Pelvic Protection – Protective Under Garment ..................................................................60
5.3.5.4 Enhanced Knee / Elbow Pads ...........................................................................................61
5.3.5.5 Gloves ...............................................................................................................................61
5.3.6
Soldier Protection System Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS) .............................62
5.3.6.1 Helmet System ..................................................................................................................62
5.3.6.2 Maxillofacial System ..........................................................................................................63
5.3.7
Soldier Protection System Transition Combat Eye Protection (TCEP) ..............................64
5.3.8
Soldier Protection System Individual Soldier Sensor Suite (ISSS) ....................................65
5.3.8.1 Gen III Helmet Sensor .......................................................................................................65
5.3.8.2 Blast Overpressure Gauge ................................................................................................65
5.3.8.3 Physiological Status Monitor .............................................................................................66
5.4
USMC Body Armor Developments..............................................................................................67
5.4.1
Light Weight Plate .............................................................................................................67
5.4.2
Modular Armor System: Sources Sought and Market Research ......................................67
5.4.3
The USMC’s Future Body Armor System: Modular Scalable Protection System (MSPS) .67
5.5
Flexible Body Armor....................................................................................................................68
6
Three Scenarios for Future US Military Body Armor Procurement .......................................................70
6.1
Scope of Procurement Addressed by All Three Scenarios .........................................................70
6.2
Description of Model Used to Generate Each Scenario’s Annual Procurement ..........................71
6.3
Assumptions Common to All Three Scenarios ............................................................................72
6.3.1
DoD Macro Assumptions About Fiscal Environment and Military Engagement .................72
6.3.2
2008 to 2013 Sustainment Rate Analysis and Assumptions .............................................72
6.3.3
US Army Soldier Protection System (SPS) Timeline Assumptions ...................................74
6.3.4
USMC Modular Scalable Protection System (MSPS) Timeline Assumptions ....................75
6.3.5
Additional 2013 to 2020 Procurement Assumptions Common to All Three Scenarios ......75
6.3.5.1 Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH) .....................................................................................75
6.3.5.2 Lighter Weight Plates Prior to SPS and MSPS ..................................................................75
6.3.5.3 Advanced Combat Vehicle Crew Helmets (ACVC-H)........................................................75
6.3.5.4 Other New Body Armor Components ................................................................................75
6.3.5.5 Light Weight ACH (LW-ACH) ............................................................................................76
6.3.5.6 Concealable Body Armor (CBA) ........................................................................................76
6.3.5.7 USSOCOM Body Armor ....................................................................................................76
6.4
Description of Each Scenario For 2014 to 2020 US Military Body Armor Procurement ..............78
6.4.1
Scenario A: Modernization Through Sustainment .............................................................79
6.4.2
Scenario B: Sacrifice Modernization For Sustainment ......................................................79
6.4.3
Scenario C: Sacrifice Combat Readiness and Technical Innovation .................................80
6.5
Comparison of Annual 2014 to 2020 Procurement Associated With Each Scenario ..................81
6.6
Total Funding Required in 2014 to 2020 to Execute Each Scenario ...........................................86
6.7
Modernization Through Sustainment: The Most Soldier-Centric Path Forward .........................87
7
Detailed Analysis of Historic Procurement and Modernization Through Sustainment (Scenario A) .....88
7.1.1
Overall Procurement Trends by Type of Buy (Fielding Versus Sustainment) ....................88
7.1.2
Overall Procurement Trends by Type of Body Armor (Soft/Hard/Helmets) .......................90
7.1.3
Overall Procurement Trends By Service Branch ...............................................................91
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US Military Body Armor Report
March 2013
7.1.4
Soft Armor Procurement Including Vests and Pelvic Protection ........................................92
7.1.5
Front / Back Plate Procurement ........................................................................................97
7.1.6
Side Plate and Groin Plate Procurement ...........................................................................99
7.1.7
Helmet Procurement .......................................................................................................101
8
In Summary ........................................................................................................................................103
Appendix A: Average Selling Price Assumptions ........................................................................................107
Appendix B: Actual Annual Sustainment Rates 2008 to 2013 ....................................................................108
List of Figures
Figure 1 - Timeline of US Military Body Armor Developments – 1999 to 2008 ..............................................13
Figure 2 - Timeline of US Military Body Armor Developments – 2009 to 2012 ..............................................14
Figure 3 - SPS Development Process ...........................................................................................................54
Figure 4 - Projected Timeline of US Military Body Armor Developments – 2013 to 2020 ..............................77
Figure 5 - Comparison of US Military Body Armor Procurement Scenarios ($Millions – Graph) ....................81
Figure 6 - Body Armor Procurement By the US DoD – Scenario A (By Type of Buy) ....................................83
Figure 7 - Body Armor Procurement By the US DoD – Scenario B (By Type of Buy) ....................................83
Figure 8 - Body Armor Procurement By the US DoD – Scenario C (By Type of Buy) ....................................84
Figure 9 – Body Armor Procurement By the US DoD – Scenario A (By Type of Buy) ...................................88
Figure 10 – Body Armor Procurement By the US DoD – Scenario A (By Body Armor Type) ........................90
Figure 11 - Percent of Total Body Armor Procurement Each Service Branch Represents ............................91
Figure 12 - Body Armor Procurement By US Service Branch – Scenario A...................................................92
Figure 13 - Procurement of Soft Armor Components – Scenario A ($ Millions) .............................................94
Figure 14 - Procurement of Vests and Plate Carriers – Scenario A (# of Units).............................................95
Figure 15 - Procurement of Other Soft Armor Components – Scenario A (# of Sets) ....................................96
Figure 16 - Procurement of Front / Back Plates – Scenario A ($ Millions) .....................................................98
Figure 17 - Procurement of Front / Back Plates – Scenario A (# of Sets) ......................................................98
Figure 18 - Procurement of Side and Groin Plates – Scenario A ($ Millions) ...............................................100
Figure 19 - Procurement of Side and Groin Plates – Scenario A (# of Units or Sets) ..................................100
Figure 20 - Procurement of Helmets – Scenario A ($ Millions) ....................................................................102
Figure 21 - Procurement of Helmets – Scenario A (# of Helmets) ...............................................................102
Figure 22 - Comparison of US Military Body Armor Procurement Scenarios ($Millions – Graph) ................105
List of Tables
Table 1 - OTV and IOTV (All Gens) Maximum Finished Weight - Lbs ...........................................................17
Table 2 - OTV and IOTV Minimum Ballistic Panel Area – Square Inches ......................................................18
Table 3 - OTV and IOTV Vest Assembly Minimum V50 Ballistic Performance ..............................................19
Table 4 - OTV and IOTV Yoke Area Minimum V50 Ballistic Performance .....................................................19
Table 5 - Handgun Ballistic Characteristics for OTV and IOTV ......................................................................20
Table 6 - ESAPI Ballistic Performance Requirements ...................................................................................21
Table 7 - XSAPI Ballistic Performance Requirements ...................................................................................22
Table 8 – SAPI, ESAPI, and XSAPI Ballistic Protection Levels Defined by Projectile ....................................23
Table 9 - SAPI, ESAPI, and XSAPI Maximum Weight by Plate Size .............................................................24
Table 10 – GAPI Minimum V50 & V0 Ballistic Performance ..........................................................................25
Table 11 – Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) Weight ....................................................................................26
Table 12 – Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) Ballistic Protection ..................................................................27
Table 13 - IMTV Minimum Ballistic Panel Area – Square Inches ...................................................................29
Table 14 - IMTV Vest Assembly Minimum V50 Ballistic Performance ...........................................................30
Table 15 - IMTV Yoke Area Minimum V50 Ballistic Performance ..................................................................30
Table 16 - Handgun Ballistic Characteristics for IMTV ...................................................................................31
Table 17 - Maximum Finished LWH Weight ...................................................................................................32
Table 18 - LWH Ballistic Protection ................................................................................................................33
Table 19 - Weight Comparison Chart for ACH, LWH, and ECH .....................................................................35
Table 20 - Comparison of V50 Ballistic Protection for the ACH, LWH, and ECH ...........................................35
Table 21 - Comparison of Vest Coverage Areas............................................................................................37
Table 22 - USMC PC Minimum Ballistic Panel Area – Square Inches ...........................................................39
Table 23 - Weight of US Army Prototype Soldier Plate Carriers ....................................................................40
Table 24 – CBA Front and Back Area of Coverage .......................................................................................44
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US Military Body Armor Report
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Table 25. NIJ-STD-0101.06 Level IIIA Ballistic Requirements ......................................................................45
Table 26. NIJ-STD-0115.00 Level I Stab Energy Requirements ...................................................................45
Table 27 - USSOCOM SPEAR Recompete Schedule ...................................................................................47
Table 28 – ACVC-H vs. CVC-H Ballistic Performance ...................................................................................52
Table 29 – ACVC-H System Compatibility Requirements ..............................................................................52
Table 30 – SPS XSAPI and XSBI Weight Reduction Goals ...........................................................................55
Table 31 - SPS ESAPI and ESBI Weight Reduction Goals ...........................................................................55
Table 32 – SPS Torso Protection Weight Goals ............................................................................................57
Table 33 – SPS Torso Protection Areal Density (AD) Goals ..........................................................................58
Table 34 – SPS Torso Protection Thickness Goals .......................................................................................58
Table 35 – SPS Yoke/Center Pelvic Areal Density (AD) Goals......................................................................58
Table 36 – SPS Yoke/Center Pelvic Thickness Goals ...................................................................................59
Table 37 – SPS Pelvic Protection Weight ......................................................................................................59
Table 38 – SPS Load Distribution System Weight Reduction Goals ..............................................................59
Table 39 – SPS IHPS Helmet System vs. ACH Minimum V50 Ballistic Performance ....................................62
Table 40 – SPS IHPS Weight Reduction Goals .............................................................................................63
Table 41 - Ballistic Protection for the Maxillofacial System ............................................................................63
Table 42 – Comparison of Assumed Versus Actual Sustainment Rates For 2008 to 2013 ...........................72
Table 43 - US Military Body Armor Procurement Scenarios (Inputs and Assumptions) .................................78
Table 44 - US Military Body Armor Procurement Scenarios (Outputs and Associated Procurement)............82
Table 45 - Total Funding Required in 2014 to 2020 To Execute Each Scenario ($ Millions) .........................86
Table 46 – Soft Armor Procurement – Scenario A ($ Millions) .......................................................................94
Table 47 - Procurement of Vests and Plate Carriers – Scenario A (# of Units) ..............................................95
Table 48 - US Military Body Armor Procurement Scenarios (Inputs and Assumptions) ...............................103
Table 49 - US Military Body Armor Procurement Scenarios (Outputs and Associated Procurement)..........104
Table 50 - Total Funding Required in 2014 to 2020 To Execute Each Scenario ($ Millions) .......................106
Table 51 – Soft Armor Average Selling Prices .............................................................................................107
Table 52 - Hard Plate Average Selling Prices ..............................................................................................107
Table 53 - Helmet Average Selling Prices ...................................................................................................107
Table 54 - Actual Annual Sustainment Rates 2008 to 2013 .........................................................................108
Copyright 2013 by Vector Strategy, Inc.
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US Military Body Armor Report
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March 2013
Report Abstract
This report presents an analysis of 2000 to 2013 US military body armor procurement and three
scenarios for 2014 to 2020 procurement. Due to the significant uncertainty surrounding future
DoD funding levels, we cannot provide a single prospective of how much military body armor the
DoD will procure in the future. Thus, this report provides three scenarios of future procurement,
each based on a different set of assumptions about procurement of next generation body armor
systems, sustainment of legacy body armor systems, and industrial base sustainment policies or
outcomes.
Which scenario the DoD will execute is unknown, but this report defines the consequences of
executing each scenario to modernization, to sustainment, and to the industrial base. We have
determined the number of units or sets and the millions of dollars of annual procurement
associated with each scenario’s execution in 2014 to 2020. In addition, we have made
observations regarding the number of suppliers or level of competition each scenario is likely to
support.
The three future scenarios for US military body armor procurement are:

Scenario A: Modernization Through Sustainment

Scenario B: Sacrifice Modernization For Sustainment of Legacy Systems

Scenario C: Sacrifice Combat Readiness and Technical Innovation
Scenario A maximizes the procurement of next generation body armor systems such as the US
Army’s Soldier Protection System and the USMC’s Modular Scalable Protection System. This
scenario includes no procurement of current generation body armor components after 2016.
Sustainment of the active inventory of body armor would be maintained by the issuance of next
generation body armor components. Scenario B procures a certain number of SPS and MSPS
per year starting in 2016, but also continues to utilize a significant portion of available funding to
sustain body armor components such as the IOTV, IMTV/MTV, and current technology ESAPI in
2016 to 2020. The procurement funding levels associated with Scenario C are so low that we
believe combat readiness and technical innovation would be sacrificed.
This report also contains an extensive analysis of body armor sustainment awards made by the
DLA and the Services. Actual 2008 to 2013 sustainment awards are compared to sustainment
rates projected by Vector Strategy in their previously published US military body armor report of
2009. In 2009, projected sustainment rates were based on extensive input from industry, and
were further upheld with industry consensus as late as 2011. After comparing actual sustainment
awards to Vector Strategy’s and industry’s sustainment rate assumptions made in 2009, we found
less correlation than expected between the original 2009 assumptions and actual DLA or Service
sustainment contracts. This report quantifies the difference between assumed and executed
sustainment and discusses potential reasons for this gap.
The report provides a full description of major military body armor programs, including a history of
the armor program, planned and anticipated upgrades, and publicly available armor design
elements.
Vector Strategy’s proven approach to developing market scenarios has yielded a thorough and
thought provoking analysis of US military body armor procurement. This report is essential for
business executives who need to understand future US military body armor procurement and the
tradeoffs made when optimizing modernization, sustainment, and the industrial base in an era of
severe DoD fiscal constraint. This includes companies who are responsible for designing,
manufacturing, and marketing military body armor and the raw materials used in the production of
Copyright 2013 by Vector Strategy, Inc.
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US Military Body Armor Report
March 2013
body armor such as composites, ballistic fibers, fabrics, ceramics, and other technologies utilized
in body armor manufacturing. Additionally, this report serves as a vital tool for organizations
involved in specifying, procuring, or testing military body armor.
Copyright 2013 by Vector Strategy, Inc.
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US Military Body Armor Report
2
2.1
March 2013
About Vector Strategy, Inc.
Company Background and Other Publications
Vector Strategy, Inc. is based in Southern Pines, North Carolina and provides market intelligence
for the military armor industry. We help companies stay informed of technology trends,
government procurement, market size and growth, industry players, supply chain issues, and
offer other intelligence that business executives need to make decisions and build effective
strategic plans.
Vector Strategy publishes a set of armor related reports and forecasts throughout the year. In
addition, we offer a range of research services that allows us to meet a client’s custom needs.
Vector Strategy is a member of the National Defense Industrial Association and the Association
of the US Army. Other forecasts and reports published by Vector Strategy, Inc. include:
Armor Procurement Forecast for US Military Ground Vehicles. This report presents a
forecast of armor procurement from fiscal year 2005 to fiscal year 2020. Combat wheeled and
tracked vehicles, such as the Stryker, Abrams, Bradley, and the Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV),
as well as all tactical wheeled vehicles, such as the HMMWV, JLTV, FMTV, FHTV, MTVR,
MRAP, and MATV are addressed in this report. The forecast includes US Army, USMC, US Air
Force, and US Navy ground vehicle and armor requirements to support the deployment of US
troops.
The forecast provides a full description of each vehicle armor program, including history of the
vehicle and armor program, planned upgrades, publicly available armor design elements, and
related contractors and suppliers. The forecast also includes a discussion of overall procurement
trends, Department of Defense initiatives that affect armor procurement from 2009 to 2020, and
future vehicle programs.
Material Requirements and Supply Chain Analysis of Military Ground Vehicle Armor. This
report forecasts the amount (in pounds and dollars) of various materials used in the production of
military ground vehicle armor. Materials addressed in the report include steel, aluminum,
titanium, transparent armor, ceramic, and composite materials such as resin, high performance
glass, aramid, and UHMWPE fibers.
2.2
Copyright and Distribution
This report is copyrighted by Vector Strategy, Inc. Clients may distribute this report freely within
their corporate enterprise. The report may not be distributed to corporate identities outside of the
report purchaser’s organization; clients may not share it with vendors, suppliers, or customers. In
addition, clients or report purchasers may not include reference to, or quotes from, Vector
Strategy’s report in any press release or public document without Vector Strategy’s approval (via
email or written correspondence). If such approval is given by Vector Strategy, a notation in that
information release must credit Vector Strategy as the original data source.
Vector Strategy limits their own public release of report data at industry conferences and in press
releases to broad abstracts and overall market trends to protect the investment that clients make
in their reports.
2.3
Disclaimer
The data contained in this forecast has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable,
and all analysis and comments are provided in good faith. However, no warranty is given or
implied as to the accuracy or completeness of this report, and Vector Strategy, Inc. accepts no
liability whatsoever for the validity and use of this data, or any consequential loss.
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US Military Body Armor Report
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March 2013
Overall Research Methodology
3.1
Analysis and Methodology
Vector Strategy has invested months of research, analysis of data and information, development
of procurement scenarios, and writing to publish this report. Throughout the project’s duration,
Vector Strategy has persistently strived to present an accurate, unbiased, and systematic
analysis and projection of US military body armor procurement. Additional discussion of
assumptions employed in the development of procurement scenarios are presented later in the
report.
3.2
Primary Research
Vector Strategy’s primary research activity included conducting interviews with industry
participants. Interview length ranged from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Most were conducted via
telephone; some were conducted in person during onsite visits and during industry trade shows
and conferences. Classified or proprietary information was not discussed during the interviews.
During this project Vector Strategy attended industry conferences and military “industry days”
related to body armor. We engaged with industry and military personnel during those
conferences to discuss industry trends, current body armor solicitations, and future requirements.
3.3
Secondary Sources of Information
Vector Strategy reviews a multitude of secondary research sources on a daily basis to stay
abreast of published information relative to the armor industry. We have text searches set up on
several alert services that scan published information for over 150 key words or phrases. These
secondary research sources include:
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3.4
Company press releases and company websites
Congressional press releases and testimony regarding vehicle and armor programs
Government contract awards
Military and government press releases
Military program office websites
Industry trade and news publications
Industry associations and conferences
Industry analyst reports
US Trade and Patent Office activity
Publications from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the White House Office of
Management and Budget (OMB), and the Government Accountability Office (GAO)
Online defense news services
Military Body Armor Contract and Solicitation Analysis
Vector Strategy has conducted extensive research and analysis of US military contracts awarded
for body armor since 2004. In total, over 400 IDIQ and delivery awards have been individually
documented and reviewed.
Various procurement related documents are issued by the US Army and the USMC during the
solicitation process for new body armor components. These documents contain non classified
technical and performance requirements for body armor components. Purchase descriptions,
statements of work, technical statements of need, and solicitations (including attachments and
amendments) have been thoroughly analyzed to produce this report.
Copyright 2013 by Vector Strategy, Inc.
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