Advanced Combat Helmet, Second Generation
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support has issued a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition for the Advanced Combat Helmet, Second Generation (ACH GEN II). This action aims to add two additional vendors to the industrial base to increase production capacity and ensure the supply of this critical safety item for national emergency preparedness and industrial mobilization. The statutory authority is FAR 6.302-3 – Industrial Mobilization; Engineering; Developmental; or Research Capability; or Expert Services.
Purpose & Scope
The primary purpose is to expand the limited domestic ballistic helmet industry by bringing on new manufacturers for the ACH GEN II. This is crucial for meeting warfighter needs and maintaining industrial readiness. The ACH GEN II provides ballistic protection against small arms and fragmentation, features reduced weight, and serves as a platform for mounting electronics. All testing must adhere to U.S. Department of Defense Director, Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E) protocols.
Key Requirements / Deliverables
- Item: Advanced Combat Helmet, Second Generation (ACH GEN II)
- Total Quantity (Portion #1): 25,000 helmets
- Size Small: 3,500 each (NSN 8470-01-662-5030)
- Size Medium: 9,000 each (NSN 8470-01-662-5038)
- Size Large: 9,500 each (NSN 8470-01-662-5026)
- Size Extra-Large: 3,000 each (NSN 8470-01-662-5035)
Contract Details
- Authority: 10 USC 3205(a)(3) and FAR 6.302-3
- Contract Type: Intended to maintain a facility, producer, manufacturer, or supplier for national emergencies or industrial mobilization.
- Number of Awards: DLA plans to make up to two awards under this effort.
Eligibility & Strategy
- Current Vendors: Only two vendors (Avon Protection Ceradyne, LLC and Gentex Corporation) currently manufacture the ACH GEN II.
- Targeted Vendors: The action aims to add ArmorSource, LLC and potentially one other vendor.
- Set-Aside: This is an Other Than Full and Open Competition justification due to industrial mobilization needs.
Submission & Evaluation
- Synopsis: The proposed contract action will be synopsized in SAM.gov 15 days prior to solicitation issuance.
- Market Research: DLA conducted market research in September 2025, confirming ArmorSource's capability.
- Cost Determination: Anticipated cost will be determined fair and reasonable using price analysis techniques.
Additional Notes
- The ACH GEN II is the standard issue combat helmet for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines.
- A follow-on procurement for this item is expected in March 2026, utilizing full and open competition procedures.
Contact Information
- Primary: Mara Cremen (mara.cremen@dla.mil)
- Secondary: Michelle Falkowski (Michelle.Falkowski@dla.mil, 215-737-5479)