MELKSHAM, England – The U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) has extended its body armor contract with Avon Protection for one year.
The move is the first of two one-year extension options under the DLA's enhanced small arms protective inserts (ESAPI) body armor contract, the U.K. manufacturer announced Sept. 24.
The option extends the contract to Sept. 22, 2022 and triggers a minimum order value for the option year of $19 million.
Avon said first article testing had progressed in line with its expectations and formal product approval for the DLA ESAPI body armor was expected to be received during the first quarter of its 2022 financial year, starting Oct. 1.
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 armor to the U.S. armed forces."
