Beginning March 2021, HighCom Armor will be a contract holder with NASPO, a cooperative purchasing tool where agencies can use the NASPO contract to purchase body armor. HighCom encourages our partners to leverage the Federal, State, Local, and Education contracts it holds for the purpose of ensuring Agencies and Institutions take advantage of the most competitive government direct pricing available through HighCom Armor.

About NASPO

NASPO is a cooperative purchasing tool that is awarded to states, and within those states, agencies can use the NASPO contract to purchase body armor. The contract is used as a tool for manufacturers designated agents/distributors to sell body armor. In 2019, there were 38 active states using the NASPO contract with a total of $38 million in sales through the contract for body armor. As mentioned, HighCom is a contract holder as of March 2021 and is looking forward to offering this contract through our partner Network.

NASPO is a non-profit association dedicated to strengthening the procurement community through education, research, and communication. It is made up of the directors of the central purchasing offices of the 50 states, District of Columbia and territories of the United States. The NASPO purchasing officials provide leadership for professional public purchasing, improve the quality of purchasing and procurement, exchange information, and cooperate to attain greater efficiency and economy.

NASPO Purpose

The NASPO Board of Directors undertook a strategic planning initiative to guide the organization and help inform the leadership’s decision-making. The adopted strategic plan includes five-year objectives and measurements. Since then, leaders, committees, and NASPO staff have implemented the objectives and advanced the strategic priorities. An annual report to the members is produced each year to ensure member engagement in the fulfillment of the strategic plan.

NASPO Values

• NASPO demonstrates Leadership, Excellence and Integrity through:
  • Service: Everything we do is for the benefit of the members, states, and the public they serve.
  • Sovereignty: We honor states’ sovereignty by recognizing their uniqueness, authority, and autonomy.
  • Ethics: We adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
  • Transparency: We operate in an environment that promotes accountability to the members and encourages fair and open competition in public procurement.
  • Knowledge: We leverage expertise to provide learning and innovative best practices in public procurement.
  • Collaboration: We foster cooperative networking and build strategic partnerships that elevate public procurement.

About NASPO ValuePoint™

NASPO ValuePoint is the contracting arm of “NASPO” the National Association of State Procurement Officials, a unified, nationally focused cooperative alliance aggregating the demand of all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the US Territories, working together to pursue cooperative contracting opportunities and conduct competitive solicitations through the development of multi-state sourcing teams following the procurement laws of the state chosen to lead the procurement.

The sourcing teams develop the request for proposals, evaluate responses and recommend awards to the NASPO ValuePoint Management Board.  Once awarded, master agreements are available to all states, their political subdivisions, and other eligible entities.

NASPO ValuePoint provides the highest standard of excellence in public cooperative contracting. By leveraging the leadership and expertise of all states with the purchasing power of their public entities, NASPO ValuePoint delivers best value, reliable, competitively sourced contracts that offer public entities outstanding pricing and value adds.

Since 1993 NASPO ValuePoint has been the cooperative purchasing arm of NASPO (the National Association of State Procurement Officials) encouraging, fostering and guiding the nation’s most significant public contract cooperative.

NASPO FAQ

• How do I find out if my state/entity has signed a Participating Addendum?
  • Participating addendums signed by states are posted on the NASPO ValuePoint website. Go to the NASPO homepage and click on your state on the map to see all participating addendums signed by your state. Send an email to [email protected] to find out if your non-state government entity has signed a participating addendum.

• How can my entity (city, county, school district, college, non-profit, etc.) purchase from a NASPO ValuePoint contract?
  • If the state you are located in has executed a statewide participating addendum (PA) with one or more NASPO ValuePoint contractors, political subdivisions typically may purchase from the Master Agreement as they would any other state contract. If the state has not executed a statewide PA, political sub-divisions and other eligible entities may have access to NASPO ValuePoint cooperative contracts if the State’s Chief Procurement Official (CPO) approves or has no objection. Please email your request to participate to [email protected] and they will assist you in gaining access to available contracts.

• Can I shop online?
  • Most NASPO ValuePoint contractors have a contract ordering website with contract information specific to your state, and you can order directly from their site. Use this link to search by contractor name for their website. If you need help contact [email protected].

• How does the participation process work?
  • Participating Addendums are executed between a participating entity and the contractor. The Participating Addendum is a contractual document that binds the contractor and the participating entity to the terms and conditions of the Master Agreement. Participating entities have the flexibility of negotiating additional terms and conditions to meet the unique needs of their state. Negotiation of the Participating Addendum is between the participating entity and the contractor.   The Lead State or NASPO ValuePoint generally do not become involved in these negotiations. Once a Participating Addendum is executed, a signed PDF copy must be sent to [email protected].

Please visit NASPO for additional information.

Want to learn more?

• NASPO ValuePoint Body Armor Contract
• NASPO Valuepoint HighCom Conract page
• HighCom Armor NASPO Contract Page

Bullet Proof Vest Partnership Program (BVP)

HighCom Armor holds several contract purchasing vehicles available to purchase body armor, and these contracts also include grant funding access made possible through The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act, allowing jurisdictions to be reimbursed up to 50% of the cost of body armor purchased for law enforcement officers. We actively encourage our partners to leverage these contracts for the purpose of ensuring Agencies and Institutions take advantage of the most competitive government direct pricing available through HighCom Armor.

About BVP

The Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) created by the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 1998 is a unique U.S. Department of Justice initiative designed to provide a critical resource to state and local law enforcement. To be eligible to qualify for the reimbursement, body armor purchased must comply with the most current NIJ body armor standards as of the date of purchase and the agency is required to have a mandatory wear policy. View the HighCom Armor Models that meet BVP funding guidelines.

One Million Bulletproof Vests

Since 1999, the Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) has awarded more than 13,000 jurisdictions a total of $522 million in federal funds for the purchase of over one million vests (1,395,976) as of February 2020.

Apply in 3 Easy Steps

Continuous Open Registration

Step 1: Online Registration

• New users can provide contact and banking information throughout the year. During the Open Application Period

Step 2: Online Application

• Identify the total number, type, and projected cost of vests for the applicant’s eligible and participating law enforcement officers.
• You must complete Steps 1 and 2 by the Application Closing Date.

NOTE: DOJ Funding Decisions

The BVP program makes funding decisions three to four months after the “open application period” ends. Applicants are then notified via email regarding approved funding levels.

You Purchase Your Vests – Vests meeting applicable NIJ standards can be purchased through any vest distributor.

For more information on application guidelines – click here

Step 3: Online Payment Requests

• Once vests are delivered, complete an online receiving report and request for payment.

For immediate assistance, please call toll-free at 1-877-758-3787. You may also reach them by email at [email protected].

NEW! UPDATED Mandatory Wear FAQs

Following two years of declining law enforcement officer line-of-duty deaths, the country realized a dramatic 37% increase in officer deaths in 2010.  59 of the 160 officers killed in 2010 were shot during violent encounters: a 20% increase over 2009 numbers.

The U.S. Department of Justice is committed to improving officer safety and has undertaken research to review and analyze violent encounters and law enforcement officer deaths and injuries.  Due to the increase in the number of law enforcement officer deaths, coupled with our renewed efforts to improve officer safety, beginning with FY 2011, in order to receive BVP funds, jurisdictions must certify, during the application process, that all law enforcement agencies benefiting from the BVP Program have a written “mandatory wear” policy in effect.

This policy must be in place for at least all uniformed officers before any FY 2011 funding can be used by the agency.  There are no requirements regarding the nature of the policy other than it being a mandatory wear policy for all uniformed officers while on duty.  BJA strongly encourages agencies to consult the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s (IACP) Model Policy on Body Armor and to strongly consider all recommendations within that policy. This policy change was announced in October 2010 by Attorney General Holder after consulting with and receiving input from the law enforcement community.

The IACP has very generously provided both its Body Armor Model Policy and position paper to the BVP program. To obtain a copy of the Model Policy and position paper, jurisdictions must be registered with the BVP program.  To obtain a copy of the Model Policy, contact the BVP Customer Support Center at 1-877-758-3787 or email [email protected].

Want to learn more?

• About BVP
• BVP Program Requirement
• Registration Application for BVP
• HighCom Armor BVP Contract Page

HighCom currently holds several Federal, State, Local, and Education contracts, including the GSA purchasing opportunity which extends to many regional, state, and municipal nonfederal agencies the buying power of the federal government. HighCom is honored to extend our GSA pricing levels and contract products list through a number of purchasing options. We encourage our partners to leverage these contracts for the purpose of ensuring Agencies and Institutions take advantage of the most competitive government direct pricing available through HighCom Armor.

What is a GSA Schedule?

The General Services Administration (GSA) was created by President Harry Truman in 1949 to streamline the acquisition and administrative work of the federal government. GSA has grown tremendously since the late 1940s and is America’s only source made solely to procure goods and services for the U.S. government. GSA provides centralized procurement for the federal government, lessening the administrative burden on other federal agencies.

GSA offers a wide array of products and services that federal agencies need to serve the public. The GSA Schedules program provides shorter lead times and transparency to the government and for commercial vendors. The Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) delivers comprehensive products and services across the government at the best value for the taxpayer dollar. The GSA Schedules program generates approximately $33 billion a year.

One big difference between selling your products and services through a GSA contract as opposed to selling commercially is that when you sell through a GSA contract, the terms and conditions are previously agreed upon through the GSA Schedule acquisition process. Having agreed-upon terms and conditions simplifies the buying process for the different federal agencies in the government.

And for the vendor, a GSA contract opens a new realm of opportunities in the federal marketplace. By having a GSA contract, government agencies know that your prices and company are previously vetted, which gives them access to buy from you. The contract was created by the General Services Administration (GSA)– an agency created with the sole purpose to help support federal agencies to buy products and services from vendors.

What are the pros and cons of being on a GSA Schedule?

The GSA Schedules program has a lot of great advantages for potential contractors, but it’s important to do a cost/benefit analysis before jumping into the federal marketplace.

PRO: The GSA MAS program is well-established and highly utilized as a contracting vehicle for federal government procurement. It is a diverse platform for government purchasing — GSA offers products and services covering industries from Information Technology to Integrated Consulting to Furniture and more! There is a wealth of opportunity in the MAS program for everyone.

PRO: Although working with the government can sometimes feel overwhelming, there are tools to help you learn more about the GSA world and stay current on any GSA updates. The Roadmap for New Schedule Offers, Vendor Support Center, and Vendor Education Center are all great websites for educational resources to begin the process of getting on a GSA Schedule. The Pathways to Success training, along with the readiness assessment that the VEC offers, is incredibly helpful for new contractors and those who would like to brush up on their GSA knowledge. The Vendor Support Center can also direct you to the correct person depending on the problem at hand. While things at GSA are sometimes complicated, there is always someone to help!

CON: Where there are business opportunities, there must be effort. Potential contractors should consider that they will need to dedicate a considerable amount of time and resources to acquire a GSA Schedule and to keep their contract current and compliant. A GSA MAS contract lives and grows with your company, and as such, it needs to be updated as pricing changes, as services/products are discontinued and added on, as contract administrators change, etc. All these updates need to be made through a modification process with your Contracting Officer, so they will take time to complete. A GSA Schedule is a contract with the government, so your company needs to have processes in place to be sure that they are completing all the terms and conditions, such as delivery times and pricing requirements.

CON: The GSA Schedule is a contracting vehicle, not a guaranteed source of revenue for contractors. There is no such thing as “passive income,” especially in the world of GSA! It’s important for GSA contractors to be proactive in networking with government agencies and publicizing their GSA contract in order to meet the minimum sales requirement of $25,000 a year for GSA. If sufficient effort is not put into the GSA contract and seeking opportunities, it is possible the contract could be canceled if the minimum sales requirement is not met.

A GSA Schedule is a Multiple Award Schedule (or MAS) program whereby multiple vendors receive awards on a single contracting vehicle. The GSA Schedule is also an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (or IDIQ) contracting vehicle, meaning the number of products/services required are undetermined.

The GSA Schedules program serves as an acquisition vehicle for the executive branch of the United States government to purchase commercially available products and services. In some cases, state and local governments can also purchase from the GSA Schedules program. This contracting vehicle offers more than 11 million products and services and accounted for roughly $32 billion in federal procurement spending during the 2018 federal fiscal year.

For Buyers

Negotiated contract ceiling prices

GSA Contracting Officers and Contract Specialists pre-review products and services awarded in GSA MAS contracts to ensure the price awarded to the contract which the customer pays is “fair and reasonable.” These pre-negotiated ceiling prices achieve the best value for customers buying from a GSA MAS contractor.

Opportunities for discounts at the order level

Competition for contractors to receive orders through the GSA Schedules program is high, meaning that buyers should expect multiple contractors to respond to their product and service needs. GSA understands that overall best value is highly important to buyers. However, the Schedules program also allows its contractors to offer additional discounts on their products and services at the task order level to ensure that our customers are receiving responses that include the best pricing available. The GSA’s online procurement tools GSA eBuy and GSA Advantage!® make it easy for buyers to request quotes and additional discounting for services and products available through GSA MAS contracts.

Single contracting vehicle to fulfill complex or ongoing needs and reduce overall contract awards and administration

Because a GSA Schedule contract is an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Multiple Award Schedule (MAS), the nature of the GSA Schedules Program not only produces streamlined ordering procedures, but also includes key features such as Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs), Contractor Teaming Arrangements (CTAs), and the ability to easily connect with small businesses. These features provide buyers with a single contracting vehicle to fulfill complex or ongoing needs and reduce overall contract awards and administration.

Less administrative time and contract documentation, since the master contract is managed by GSA

Contracts awarded as a GSA Schedule are managed by GSA’s Contract Specialists, Contracting Officers (COs), Administrative Contracting Officers (ACOs) and Industrial Operations Analysts (IOAs). The team of GSA specialists assigned to each master contract not only review and verify fair and reasonable pricing, but they also oversee the contractor’s compliance with the Federal Supply Schedules regulations and the respective GSA Schedule Solicitation for their MAS contract which enforce necessary FAR regulations. By managing each GSA MAS contract with a team of GSA officers, government buyers spend less time on the administrative and documentation requirements associated with the procurement process.

Socioeconomic credit for orders awarded to small business and other socioeconomic categories

Through the Schedules Program, GSA increases contracting opportunities for small businesses, and assists buyers in achieving or exceeding their socioeconomic goals. Small Business Administration (SBA) policy allows agencies to include in their procurement base and goals the dollar value of orders expected to be placed against GSA MAS contracts, and to report actual Schedule procurements as accomplishments against these goals.

MAS contractors are identified in GSA eLibrary and GSA Advantage!® by socioeconomic indicators: Other Than Small (o), Small Business (s), SBA Certified Small Disadvantaged Business (d), Women-Owned Business (w), Veteran-Owned Small Business (v), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (dv), SBA Certified HUBZone Firm (h), and SBA Certified 8(a) Firm (h). Buyers awarding orders from these socioeconomic categories receive credit toward their business size purchasing goals when utilizing GSA Schedules.

HighCom History with GSA

HighCom has held the GSA (MAS) contract for the past 15 years, while recently being awarded the contract in October 2005. HighCom is pleased to have the contract through October 2025. GSA extends purchasing opportunities to many regional, state, and municipal nonfederal agencies with the buying power of the federal government. HighCom extends our GSA pricing and contract products directly to our partner network.

HighCom Armor’s GSA Contract #GS-07F-9247S – click to purchase HighCom Armor products directly from the GSA website.

Want to learn more?

• The GSA Advantage
• About GSA eBuy
• About GSA eOffer
• HighCom Armor GSA Contract Page