Garments for anti-ballistic protection

Description

Given the nature of policing within Northern Ireland, any Police Officer can be directed to undertake frontline operational duties where they are required to wear some form of body armour, depending on the threat level at that time. Therefore any purchase of Body Armour by PSNI is made specifically to protect officers from the possibility of injury or threat to life. As it is now more than 10 years since PSNI purchased body armour, research has shown that the market can now provide PSNI with the ability to purchase a body armour system that provides higher flexibility in terms of weight, protection levels and adaptation to suit operational requirements. This provides a more suitable end-product for PSNI as operational departments’ needs are met by having armour that has the ability to increase/decrease protection levels and in cases where comfort and fit are paramount, the body armour can also be modified to suit. As it is now more than 10 years since PSNI purchased body armour, research has shown that the market can now provide PSNI with the ability to purchase a body armour system that provides higher flexibility in terms of weight, protection levels and adaptation to suit operational requirements. This provides a more suitable end-product for PSNI as operational departments’ needs are met by having armour that has the ability to increase/decrease protection levels and in cases where comfort and fit are paramount, the body armour can also be modified to suit. It is anticipated that PSNI will require an initial order of 7189 sets. Following this, up to 132 sets may be required per annum. Any proposed solution must allow for the replacement of a complete Body Armour System, as well as cover and pouches, over the period of the contract where there is damage, wear and tear or contamination. Soft component parts and ballistic plates fall within the sizing range (XS, S, M, L, XXL, XXL) for both Integrated and Covert Armour Systems; this will provide the ability for them to be re-used. However, in these instances due to hygiene reasons, a new cover must be provided for all newly issued Body Armour.