N6133126SNQ31-Sources Sought Announcement For Improved Maritime Ballistic Plate (IMBP)

The Performance Work Statement outlines the requirements for contractors to produce and deliver Improved Maritime Ballistic Plates (iMBP) for U.S. Naval personnel. Qualification is contingent upon successful completion of a First Article Test (FAT) as per purchase description NQ/PD 26-01. The contractor is responsible for fabricating iMBPs in six sizes, using commercial products where feasible, and is encouraged to propose product improvements. Extensive testing, including FAT and Lot Acceptance Testing (LAT), will be conducted, with the government covering initial FAT costs. A robust configuration management process is required for raw materials, production, and documentation. The contractor must designate a Program Manager, participate in post-award conferences and in-process reviews, and provide various technical and support documentation, including system safety, environmental information, and configuration management reports. A five-year warranty for the iMBP is mandated. The document also details strict security requirements for classified and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), emphasizing protection and controlled dissemination of sensitive data.

The Purchase Description NQ/PD 26-01, dated April 10, 2026, outlines requirements for the Improved Maritime Ballistic Plate (IMBP), a critical safety item for U.S. Navy forces. Designed for Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) and Anti-Terrorism (AT) duties, the IMBP provides protection against specific 5.56mm and 7.62mm rifle rounds when integrated into compatible armor systems like the Maritime Armor System (MAS) and Naval Security Forces (NSF) Tactical Vest (NTV). The document details construction, operational, ownership, support, and environmental requirements, including specific weights for various sizes (X-Small to X-Large), durability, fluid resistance, and buoyancy. It also specifies extensive ballistic testing protocols, labeling standards, and unique identification (UID) requirements to ensure traceability and performance.

The "REQUEST FOR ACCESS TO LIMITED DISTRIBUTION MATERIALS" form is a critical document for organizations seeking access to restricted government information. It requires applicants to provide their organization's name, CAGE Code, and point of contact, along with their affiliation to government entities (federal, state, or local) or contracts with such entities. The form outlines two primary conditions for eligibility: meeting the material's limited dissemination criteria or demonstrating that access would benefit the U.S. government, particularly the U.S. Sailor, through innovation, competition, or public interest. Applicants must detail their intended use for the documents and any additional considerations. The government uses this information, along with open-source data, to assess eligibility, emphasizing that granting access is not obligatory due to inherent risks to U.S. interests.

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for contractors to produce and deliver Improved Maritime Ballistic Plates (iMBP) for U.S. Naval personnel. The iMBP is a critical safety item, and contractor eligibility is contingent upon successful completion of First Article Testing (FAT) in accordance with purchase description NQ/PD 26-01. The contractor is responsible for fabrication, testing, configuration management, and program management, including providing technical and support documentation. Key requirements include manufacturing iMBPs in six sizes, using commercial products where feasible, and proposing product improvements. The document also details procedures for Lot Acceptance Testing (LAT), security protocols for classified and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and operations security measures. A five-year warranty is required for the iMBP.

This purchase description (NQ/PD 26-01) outlines the requirements for an Improved Maritime Ballistic Plate (IMBP) for U.S. Navy forces, specifically for Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) and Anti-Terrorism (AT) duties. The IMBP, a critical safety item, must provide protection against specific 5.56mm and 7.62mm rifle rounds when used with compatible armor systems. The document details specifications for construction, workmanship, operational requirements (including weight, dimensions, thickness, and color), labeling, health and safety, durability, and performance under various environmental conditions (temperature, fluid resistance, altitude, buoyancy). It also includes comprehensive First Article Testing (FAT) and Lot Acceptance Testing (LAT) protocols, covering ballistic resistance (V50 and V0), back face deformation, and shatter gap resistance. The IMBP will be available in multiple sizes, from X-Small to X-Large.

The NSWC PCD INDUSEC Limited Distribution Materials SOP outlines the process for granting vendors access to restricted government materials or equipment, particularly for RFIs, quotes, or solicitations. It ensures materials are only distributed to eligible vendors or those with a justified temporary access exception. The process involves vendors submitting a request form, Industrial Security (INDUSEC) verifying their Facility Clearance Level (FCL), and preparing an applicable memorandum for access (Condition 1 for meeting criteria, Condition 2a/2b for government or U.S. company exceptions) or rejection. Approved materials are then transmitted via DoD SAFE. The SOP emphasizes that distribution exceptions are only authorized when potential gains from industry competition or innovation outweigh the inherent risks, and recipients must agree to disallow further dissemination without government consent. Specific examples of denial situations are also provided, such as unverifiable information, false claims, or lack of manufacturing capability.

The Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) issued a Sources Sought Announcement (N61331-26-SN-Q31) to identify manufacturers for the Improved Maritime Ballistic Plate (iMBP). This critical safety item provides ballistic protection for Law Enforcement and Antiterrorism duties in land and maritime environments. This is a market survey for information only, not a request for competitive proposals, and the government will not award a contract from this announcement. The anticipated NAICS code is 339999 – All Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing, with a 550-employee size standard. Responses, limited to 10 pages, should include a company profile, capabilities statement, past experience with similar work, and CPARs ratings if applicable. Submissions are due via email by May 22, 2026, 04:00 pm CDT/CST, to Jacob Gabreleski and Courtney Henslee.