BAE Systems to repair Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts under $6.3m award

BAE Systems will inspect and repair Enhanced Small Arms Protective Insert (ESAPI) plates for US Army soldiers under a Readiness and Sustainment contract modification valued at $6.3 million from the US Army PEO Soldier. The Readiness and Sustainment work will include inspecting ESAPI plates returning from theater for damage and replacing the outside spall covers, which are used to contain debris upon impact. Upon completion of the scope of work, the plates will be returned to the US Army.

"BAE Systems is prepared to support the Army and Army National Guard in satisfying short-term needs for the warfighter," said Keith Briem, manager of Readiness and Sustainment for BAE Systems' Personnel Protection Systems. "Our Readiness and Sustainment program is designed to help reset equipment for future deployments. This may include refurbishing helmets, soft and hard armor, Modular Lightweight Load Carrying Equipment, other ancillary items and all forms of Organizational Clothing and Individual Equipment."

Designed to provide a wide range of protection, ESAPI plates provide multiple hit protection from small arms projectiles. BAE Systems' ESAPI plates are fully qualified by the US Government to meet the US military's rigid requirements and specifications.

BAE Systems' Personnel Protection Systems is the original equipment manufacturer of small arms protective insert plates and its derivatives. The $6.3 million contract modification is part of an existing contract issued in October 2008 and will be performed through a series of delivery orders. Repair work for the ESAPI plates will be completed at facilities located in Phoenix, Arizona with completion scheduled for October 2013.

BAE Systems is a leading provider of soldier protective and load carrying equipment in the United States, producing a significant portion of the nation's body armor, tactical vests, combat helmets and load carrying systems. The company's focus on the design, development and production of leading edge survivability products, along with its integration of advanced materials into manufacturing, rigorous product testing and field trials is a demonstration of the company's focus on supporting and meeting the needs of the men and women who serve in the armed forces.

Source: BAE Systems

Follow Shephard News on Twitter