The Air Force is asking industry to come forward with ideas for better body armor for female airmen. The service’s materiel command posted a contract opportunity on beta.sam.gov, the federal government’s System for Award Management web site, with details. The service wants “a modular, scalable body armor system that will provide levels of protection against fragmenting munitions, handgun, and small arms threats.”
Hard-armor inserts for the new gear are not included in the contract opportunity.
The female body armor (FBA) should be configurable to suit different mission requirements, accommodate each airman’s physical characteristics, and “integrate with existing gear,” the request stated. Hard armor would be placed so to protect vital organs, with soft armor providing protection to the neck, groin, torso and limbs.
