Long term global contract for the supply of UN Ballistic Helmets for the United Nations

The United Nations (UN) intends to establish one or multiple global long-term contracts for the supply of ballistic helmet systems, associated accessories, and replacement components in support of the personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements for UN Secretariat entities worldwide. The resulting contract(s) are expected to be established for an initial period of three (3) years, with the UN's sole option to extend for up to two (2) additional one-year periods (3+1+1). The requirement is divided into two (2) separate lots: Lot 1: Low-Cut Ballistic Helmets (ACH/ECH-type configuration or equivalent) Complete helmet assemblies consisting of a ballistic helmet shell, retention system, comfort and impact pad system, edge trim, and carrying bag. Helmets will be required in four sizes (Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large) and in two colour configurations: UN Blue with UN markings and Black. Lot 2: High-Cut Ballistic Helmets (FAST-type configuration or equivalent) Complete helmet assemblies consisting of a ballistic helmet shell, retention system, comfort and impact pad system, edge trim, front-mounted night vision goggle (NVG) shroud, integrated side rail system, attachment hardware, and carrying bag. Helmets will be required in four sizes (Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large) and in two mandatory colour configurations (UN Blue with UN markings and Black), with an optional Khaki/Sand colour variant. The helmet systems will be utilized by UN civilian personnel, security personnel, and other authorized staff operating in environments where ballistic, fragmentation, blunt impact, or related operational hazards may be present. The equipment will support UN Headquarters, the UN Global Service Center, Offices Away from Headquarters, peacekeeping operations, special political missions, and other UN Secretariat entities worldwide. In addition to complete helmet assemblies, contractors will be required to supply compatible accessories and replacement components, including ballistic nape protection pads, retention system kits, comfort pad kits, carrying bags, and for Lot 2, replacement NVG shrouds and side rail systems. The UN is seeking ballistic helmet systems that meet internationally recognized ballistic protection standards and can demonstrate compliance through one of three accepted standards pathways: NIJ (National Institute of Justice), VPAM, or NATO STANAG 2920. Compliance will be required to be supported by valid third-party testing and/or certification from appropriately accredited laboratories, including NVLAP-accredited laboratories for NIJ testing and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratories where applicable. Prospective bidders should anticipate that the forthcoming solicitation will require submission of relevant ballistic test reports, certification documents, product technical data sheets, and other supporting evidence demonstrating compliance with the specified ballistic, design, durability, and other technical requirements. The UN anticipates awarding at least one contract for each lot. Vendors may express interest in one or both lots. Detailed technical specifications, estimated demand, contractual terms and conditions, and bid submission requirements will be provided in the forthcoming Invitation to Bid (ITB). Purchase orders will be issued periodically on an as-needed basis Secretariat entites and by UNGSC to replenish centralized stock. Delivery terms shall be FCA (Incoterms 2020; Bidder to specify Port of Exit for air and sea), within 60 calendar days from receipt of purchase order. The indicative estimated annual demand is approximately 11,000 Low-Cut Helmets (Lot 1) and 2,000 High-Cut Helmets (Lot 2). To be eligible for contract award, a bidder must be either the manufacturer of the offered ballistic helmet system or an authorized distributor/reseller acting on behalf of the manufacturer. The manufacturer must demonstrate a minimum of five (5) years' experience in the design and manufacture of ballistic helmets meeting recognized ballistic protection standards. Authorized distributors/resellers must additionally demonstrate at least five (5) years' experience in the international supply of similar protective equipment, including at least two (2) years' experience supplying ballistic helmets or comparable ballistic protective products. Both the bidder and manufacturer (where different entities) must demonstrate a proven record of successful contract performance and maintain a documented quality management system, such as ISO 9001 or an equivalent quality assurance framework covering production, quality control, traceability, inspection, testing, storage, and shipment activities. The detailed supplier qualification requirements, general requirements, ballistic helmet specifications, bid evaluation criteria and the supporting documentation to substantiate compliance will be provided in the forthcoming Invitation to Bid (ITB). Specific Requirements/Information Companies that wish to participate in the upcoming tender are requested to submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) by submitting the electronic Vendor Response Form as per below instructions. Suppliers must be duly registered as a UN Secretariat vendor in the United Nations Global Marketplace (www.ungm.org) at the Basic Level or above to participate in the upcoming tender. Vendors are advised that this REOI does not constitute a solicitation. By expressing your interest, bidders are committing that they will not employ child labour and prohibit forced labour as stated in the UN Supplier Code of Conduct that can be found on https://www.un.org/procurement/ The UN reserves the right to change or cancel this requirement at any time during the REOI and/or solicitation process. The UN is under no obligation to invite all companies who expressed interest under this REOI.