US Military Body Armor Report Methodology

Analysis and Methodology

Vector Strategy has invested ten months of research, analysis of data and information, development of procurement forecasts and material requirements, and writing to publish this report.

Procurement forecasts and material requirements have been refined with industry feedback. Independent subject matter experts have verified technical data and industry trends.

Throughout the project’s duration, Vector Strategy has persistently strived to present an accurate, unbiased, and systematic analysis and forecast of the US military body armor industry.

Primary Research

Vector Strategy’s primary research activity included conducting over 100 interviews with industry participants. Interview length ranged from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Vector Strategy engaged interviewee participation from all levels of the supply chain and amongst various industry stakeholders including:

• Fiber suppliers, fabric manufacturers, and uni-directional manufacturers
• Ceramic tile suppliers
• Hard plate integrators
• Soft body armor integrators and manufacturers
• Industry subject matter experts and retired military personnel
• Research experts and technologists
• Body armor designers

Classified or proprietary information was not discussed during the interviews. A questionnaire was shared with participants prior to their interview so they could prepare.

In addition, Vector Strategy attended approximately fifteen industry conferences related to body armor. During these conferences we engaged with industry and military personnel to discuss industry trends, current body armor solicitations, and supply chain dynamics.

Secondary Research

Vector Strategy also reviews a multitude of secondary research sources on a daily basis to stay abreast of published information relative to the armor industry.

These secondary research sources include:

• Company press releases and company websites
• Congressional press releases and testimony
• Government contract awards
• Military and government press releases
• Military program office websites
• Industry trade and news publications
• Industry associations and conferences
• Industry analyst reports
• US Trade and Patent Office activity
• Publications from the CBO, OMB, and GAO
• Online defense news services

Purchase description documents are issued by the US Army and the USMC during the solicitation process for a new body armor component. These documents contain non classified, technical, and performance requirements for body armor components.

Specific purchase descriptions reviewed in association with this report include:

• Outer Tactical Vest (OTV) – CO/PD 00-02G; February 23, 2006
• Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV) – FQ/PD 07-05B; October 12, 2007
• Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV) - FQ/PD 07-05C; March 25, 2009
• Deltoid and Axillary Protector (DAP) – FQ/PD 07-10A; March 20, 2009
• Improved Modular Tactical Vest (IMTV) – Dated July 7, 2009
• Plate Carriers (PC), USMC – Dated July 7, 2009
• Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts (ESAPI) – CO/PD 04-19C; June 14, 2007
• X Small Arms Protective Inserts (XSAPI) – FQ/PD 07-03A; June 14, 2007
• Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) – CO/PD 05-04; October 30, 2007
• Light Weight Helmet (LWH) – FQ/PD 06-35A; October 18, 2007
• Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH) – GL-PD-09-04; April 14, 2009
  

Military Body Armor Contract and Solicitation Analysis

Vector Strategy has conducted extensive research and analysis of US military contracts awarded for body armor since 2004. In total, over 200 IDIQ and delivery awards have been individually documented and reviewed.

In addition, Vector Strategy has built a body armor awards database containing 30,000 records culled from the Federal Procurement Database System related to governmental purchases of body armor.

Publicly available solicitations and sources sought notices related to military body armor are constantly monitored and reviewed.

Source documents and amendments are tracked and analyzed.

This material is a significant source of publicly available information on near term and future military body armor procurement and technology trends.

More Report Details:

Introduction to Vector’s US Military Body Armor Report

Table of Contents, List of Tables, List of Figures

Highlights and Conclusions

Downloadable Report Brochure and Order Form (PDF).

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