Custom Ballistic Plate Carriers

The purpose of this note is to inform industry that a Sole Source Fixed Price (FFP) Contract will be awarded to Tactical Defence Systems (DUNS 826772548) of Oceanside, CA, under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), FAR 6.302-1(b)(1)(i) and 6.303-2(b)(6), in the amount of $45,032.00. The U.S. Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) unit has a requirement for specialized ballistic plate carriers for the execution of day/night operations, arrest warrants, and unusual law enforcement operations. These specialized plate carriers are a unique design provided by this single custom manufacturer. This solution results in a lightweight, streamlined design for improved ventilation and function. Specifically, there is no other commercial product that meets BORSTAR requirements and properly fits the ballistic plates correctly. Previously BORSTAR used and evaluated several other ballistic plate carriers that assert to provide a solution. BORSTAR has tested and evaluated London Bridge, Eagle, and Diamondback Tactical Ballistic Plate Carriers and found them to be inadequate. The closest comparable product evaluated was the CRYE JPC plate carrier and side plate pouches. Prior to this solution, the CRYE JPC was the best product available, however, it did not include rear Velcro webbing, a custom drag handle, and the side plate pouches did not seamlessly fit BORSTARs side ballistic plates. This acquisition has been carefully thought out and is the result of several years of field testing, evaluation, and operational use of various other products. This solution has been selected because of the custom manufacturing process that Tactical Defense Systems can provide. Through continued market research and product evaluation, BORSTAR has deemed this solution unique and to meet the specific mission critical requirements of BORSTAR operations. The contractor is responsible for the design and fabrication of this specialized equipment. Competition was recently conducted under this PR via FedBid Buy 886176 and was determined that only Tactical Defence Systems could meet the needs of BORSTAR.