SAM #W911QY-26-R-MBALCS

Army Solicits Modular Maritime Body Armor and Load Carriage Systems from Small Business OEMs

The U.S. Army Contracting Command Aberdeen Proving Ground Natick Division is seeking innovative modular body armor and load carriage systems for maritime and littoral special operations, targeting Small Business Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). - Government Buyer: - U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground Natick Division - Project Manager Protection and Integration (PM-PI) - OEMs and Vendors: - Only Small Business OEMs are eligible to respond; no specific OEMs or vendors are named - Products/Services Requested: - Maritime Interdiction Body Armor Vest (BAV) variant - Low-profile, ruggedized vest with water-repellent materials and modular flotation integration - Littoral-Land Body Armor Vest (BAV) variant - Structurally reinforced vest for light to heavy combat loads, modular flotation, and durability - SEAL Tactical Harness - Modular chest harness, center-split design, compatible with LOTSAP plate carriers - SWCC Tactical Harness - Low-profile load-bearing chassis for high-speed craft operations, modular MOLLE panels - Automatic Weapon Harness - Ruggedized chassis for heavy ammunition loads, cushioned shoulder straps, quick-release buckle - Load Carriage System (LCS) pouches and accessories - Modular tactical pouches and panels, lightweight, fast-draining, NIR-compliant materials - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Systems must be modular, mission-adaptable, and compatible with existing SPEAR equipment - Emphasis on rapid emergency release, durability, buoyancy integration, and interoperability - Must sustain operational service life of at least 18 months post-issue - Only OEMs may submit solutions; resellers and integrators are excluded - Phased evaluation process with prototype demonstration and potential follow-on production contracts

Description

09 SEPTEMBER 2026 CALL FOR SOLUTIONS

The Program Manager – Protection and Integration (PM-PI) is seeking new innovative solutions for the Maritime Body Armor Load Carriage System (M-BALCS). The requirement is for a modular tactical protection and load-bearing system that supports special operations across a full range of missions. 

The Call for Solutions document (.pdf) and associated attachments, outlining the full problem statement and objectives, can be found in the Attachments section of this posting. 

The Army Open Solicitation that this Call for Solutions is associated with can be found at: https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/923946ff85b94746be9249b5ed5f2fc7/view Additional Links:Army Open Solicitation (W9128Z-25-S-A002)

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