# Navy Awards Contract for Custom Hearing Protection

The U.S. Navy's Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has awarded Aware Defense a sole-source, five-year Program of Record contract starting August 1, 2026, to supply 42,000 custom-fit hearing protection and communications earplugs for Naval Aviation personnel across the Continental United States. This contract expands a prior pilot program and leverages 3D ear scanning and advanced additive manufacturing technologies to deliver precision-fit devices at scale, aiming to enhance hearing conservation and operational communications for aircrew and maintainers.

- The contract establishes Aware Defense as the exclusive provider of digitally manufactured custom hearing protection for Navy aviation personnel, reflecting a strategic commitment to individualized hearing loss prevention.
- Procurement professionals should note the use of sole-source acquisition and the integration of advanced biometric scanning technology as a model for future personalized protective equipment contracts.
- Contractors specializing in additive manufacturing and biometric wearables may find emerging opportunities in military health and safety programs focused on customized solutions.
- The rapid fielding capability demonstrated by Aware Defense, including scanning 700 personnel in five days and delivering devices within 60 days, highlights the importance of scalable production and logistics in defense procurement.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 14, 2026

### Government Entities
- Naval Air Systems Command Aircrew Systems Program Office (PMA-202)
- United States Navy
- Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR)
- U.S. Navy

### Vendors
- Aware Defense (prime contractor)
- Aware Custom Biometric Wearables (Aware CBW) (parent company)

### Key Quotes
> Hearing loss is one of the most common service-connected disabilities, and it is preventable. Because every ear is different, our eFit scanner and advanced additive manufacturing deliver precision-built protection and communications for mission-critical environments, custom fit at scale. This award reflects the US Navy’s commitment to preventing hearing loss and sets a new standard for protecting the warfighter.
> — Sam Kellett Jr, CEO of Aware Defense

> We are proud to continue our partnership with the Navy to accelerate the fielding of advanced hearing protection. We know that gear that fits gets worn, and every ear scan and custom-fit device advances our mission to protect warfighters and preserve long-term hearing health. Our team has proven its ability to seamlessly scan 700 personnel in five days and have precision-fit devices in the warfighters’ ears within 60 days, enabling rapid program expansion across Naval Aviation.
> — Stu Booker, President of Aware Defense

### Sources
- [Aware Defense Awarded Sole-Source US Navy Contract for Custom Hearing Protection Scaled to 42,000 Units | The Hearing Review](https://hearingreview.com/hearing-loss/hearing-loss-prevention/industrial-military/aware-defense-awarded-sole-source-us-navy-contract-for-custom-hearing-protection-scaled-to-42000-units) - hearingreview.com
- [Aware Defense Secures Five-Year U.S. Navy Contract for 3D-Scanned Custom Hearing Protection https://t.co/gOvTRRzAIX](https://x.com/HearingHealthM/status/2099506694317560257) - twitter-defense