US defence logistics agency extends Avon body armour contract

Melksham, UK – The US Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) has extended its body armour contract with Avon Protection for a one-year period. 

The move is the first of the two one-year extension options under the DLA’s enhanced small arms protective inserts (ESAPI) body armour contract, the UK manufacturer announced 24 Sept.

The exercise of this initial option extends the contract to 22 September 2022 and triggers a minimum order value for the option year of $19 million (€16 million).

Avon said first article testing had progressed in line with its expectations and formal product approval for the DLA ESAPI body armour was expected to be received during the first quarter of its 2022 financial year (starting 1 Oct).

Initial shipments are expected during the second quarter.

"I am pleased with the progress the business has made since December to address the delays experienced in obtaining DLA ESAPI product approval,” said Paul McDonald, CEO. 

The contract extension, he said, demonstrates Avon’s “ongoing position as a leading supplier of body armour to the US armed forces.”