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Defense Logistics Agency Short Suspense Coronavirus RFI

March 24th, 2020

Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support Clothing & Textiles Directorate is conducting market research to determine industry capabilities for providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) against viral contamination, specifically COVID-19. This is a Request for Information only and not a solicitation for award. DLA understands this is a fluid situation where the landscape of availability is constantly changing. The primary purpose of this announcement is to identify potential sources, product offerings, availability and/or challenges to procuring and obtaining such items to rapidly meet emerging requirements. Therefore, to the extent practical, additional market research may be conducted prior to posting any solicitation to capture the snapshot of the availability at that specific point in time. DLA urges those companies that can provide the following category of items to respond even after the initial response due date of Tuesday, 24 March 2020, 5:00 PM.

The categories are not an all-inclusive list. DLA welcomes industry to identify alternatives or identify additional PPE items necessary to protect against viral contamination of the COVID-19.

CATEGORIES:

(1) Protective Coveralls, in any variant, i.e. with hood and booties, without hood and booties, with hood no booties, with booties no hood, etc.

(2) Protective Aprons and or Gowns

(3) Protective Hoods

(4) Protective Masks

(5) Protective Booties

(6) Protective Gloves

(7) Protective Boots

DLA is asking the Industry to:

Identify/recommend specific products available or specific products that could be available in the near term that can meet the requirements of PPE to protect against viral contamination of the COVID-19 virus.

For each recommended item:

1. Provide a specification or detailed description of the recommended item.

2. Identify whether the item is specifically certified as PPE for viral infections and how,

3. Identify the place of manufacture for all components of the recommended item, the place of manufacturing for the end item, and storage locations if applicable,

4. Identify if the recommended item is Berry Compliant – meaning that the recommended item is manufactured in the USA with USA sourced/manufactured components.

5. Identify the current level of inventory for each recommended item or the manufacturing lead-time for each recommended item,

6. Identify total monthly and yearly production capacity of each recommended item,

7. Identify any production limitations for each recommended item,

8. Comment on any requirements that may be imposed on potential Government orders for each recommended item (i.e. must have an order in xx amount of time, must have xx amount of time to provide a quote, unable to ship overseas, only willing to ship within the continental USA, etc.)

9. Suggestions on any contractual management fees for providing DLA access to inventory in the event of a future crisis without any guarantee of any order from DLA,

10. Identify if your firm is unwilling or unable to provide PPE items along with a reason why.

Please contact Jessica De La Hoz via email for any questions at jessica.delahoz@dla.mil.

Initial responses are requested by 5:00 PM, Tuesday, 24 March 2020. However, DLA will accept any and all responses received after this date and time for any ongoing requirements.

Posted in CBRNE, Contracts, Medical | Comments Off on Defense Logistics Agency Short Suspense Coronavirus RFI

American Holoptics Press Release Regarding EOTech Acquisition

March 24th, 2020

American Holoptics to Acquire EOTech from L3Harris Technologies

Ann Arbor, Michigan (March 24, 2020) – American Holoptics LLC™, a privately-held U.S. company, has signed a definitive agreement with L3Harris™ to acquire EOTech®.The transaction is expected to close mid-2020 and is conditioned on customary closing conditions. American Holoptics is a subsidiary of Koucar Management, whose strategic acquisitions of Elite Defense® and HEL Technologies™ represent a solid foundation of cutting-edge optical science and weapons systems distribution. The American Holoptics leadership team has an exceptionally broad and deep experience providing high-quality products to the global weapons accessory market. In addition, this team has a proven track record of building customer-first and technology-focused organizations. “We’re proud to sign this agreement to join our team and technology with the EOTech brand,” says Matt Van Haaren, CEO of American Holoptics. “EOTech brings together technologically advanced product lines and production capabilities that will integrate well with our existing business and strategically expand our product portfolio. Together we will deliver an all-new level of service, innovation, and integrity to military, law enforcement and civilian users around the world.”

WWW.AMERICANHOLOPTICS.COM

About EOTech®
Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, EOTech designs, manufactures and markets electro-optical products, VUDU rifle optics, thermal devices, and night vision systems. Due to its advanced technology, EOTECH Holographic Weapon Sights (HWS) are among the fastest and most intuitive sighting systems on the planet. This is exactly why you’ll find them on the weapons of America’s most elite law enforcement professionals and special operations warriors. You’ll immediately see the advantage the instant you engage a target. www.eotech-inc.com

About Elite Defense®
Headquartered in Clawson, MI, Elite Defense LLC is a distributor and regulatory compliance manager for over 170 international partners in the small arms weapons and tactical equipment markets. Since its founding in 2007, Elite has represented many of the most sought-after and well-known brands in the industry. Elite has been EOTech’s largest customer in its international sales history and will bring that expertise with it as a member of the American Holoptics team. www.elitedefense.com

About HEL Technologies™
Headquartered in Clawson, MI, HEL Technologies LLC was formed to continue, and complete holographic R&D. HEL Technologies has developed and secured 4 patents related to its Holographic Edge Lighting design that will bring game-changing innovations to the small arms weapon sight market. In addition, HEL Technologies will have the only USA based emulsion lab dedicated to developing new applications for its holographic R&D.

About Koucar Management
Koucar Management, LLC is a privately held, Michigan-based company with a diverse portfolio of holdings and investments. Koucar Management has an investment strategy that firmly focuses on expansion within existing industries, bringing new vitality to acquired businesses and laying the groundwork for new ventures. With their recognized management strengths and ample financial resources, Koucar Management is providing growth capital and other resources to its portfolio of companies. Koucar’s vision is clear; motivated skilled partners & employees, significant financial strength and stability, a willingness to look beyond conventional performance measurements and an untiring commitment to its customers. www.koucar.com

Posted in Industry, Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on American Holoptics Press Release Regarding EOTech Acquisition

L3Harris To Sell EOTech to American Holoptics, LLC

March 24th, 2020

L3Harris has entered an agreement to sell EOTech to American Holoptics, LLC for an as of yet undisclosed amount. Based on Michigan, just outside of Detroit, EOTech manufactures holographic weapon sights as well as a line of telescopic sights under the Vudu line.

Although their Holographic Weapon Sights have been issued for years to USSOCOM and other military and law enforcement organizations, they were infamously sued by the US Department of Justice in November of 2015 due to fraud over performance of the HWS sold to US Government entities at temperature extremes as well as in high moisture environments. The Government also claimed that EOTech failed to disclose testing that demonstrated the inaccuracy issues in those environments. The issue was settled and EOTech conducted a massive refund of consumer purchases sights.

A Safety of Use Message regarding the HWS was issued by the command in 2015 and they began looking for a replacement. Despite this setback, EOTech once again won a SOCOM contract for the Miniature Aiming System–Day Optic with their HWS technology.

Originally purchased by L3 in 2005, EOTech was the only public-facing company in the current L3H portfolio, selling to government and consumer alike. Although the company specializes in precision optics and weapon aiming solutions, this made it the odd man out in the larger portfolio of companies.

During SHOT Show word was that EOTech was for sale with final bids from perspective buyers due in late February. The process is now complete and the new owners are American Holoptics, LLC, an Affiliate of Koucar Management who also own Elite Defense.

We understand that the EOTech brand is not going away but rather is now under new ownership, more in tune with both product and consumer.

Posted in Industry, Optics | Comments Off on L3Harris To Sell EOTech to American Holoptics, LLC

Under Secretary of Defense Issues Guidance To Defense Industrial Base Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce

March 24th, 2020

With some localities and even entire states and territories closing businesses to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Under Secretary of Defense, Ellen M Lord, has issued a memorandum to the Defense Industrial Base entitled, “Defense Industrial Base Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce” which serves to remind those workers of their duty to the nation and the importance of their work.

It and attachments are available for you to read here.

Although Under Secretary Lord issued the memo to the industrial base, local politicians should take heed. Defense work must go on. Our enemies aren’t taking a vacation while we’re out sick. In fact, they’re more likely to try something while they think we’re vulnerable.

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Industry Nine Wants To Help Beat COVID-19

March 24th, 2020

Industry Nine is in a position to help with manufacturing parts needed and assisting supply efforts in combating the virus outbreak. At our disposal are dozens of CNC machines ready to make parts in short supply like ventilator components. Our engineering teams have years of robotics and automation experience ready to support companies producing PPE like masks and gloves. We’re reaching out to our contact network to find ways to support these industries in need, but now we’re calling on our dedicated followers to help us connect with other manufacturers or suppliers.

If you think you can help us in this effort please email:

tips@industrynine.net

Posted in Industry, Medical | Comments Off on Industry Nine Wants To Help Beat COVID-19

Rogue Fitness Pivots to Medical Production

March 23rd, 2020

Rogue Fitness has made the following announcement:

Medical Supply Update: We are taking the following measures

1) Product Development Team is working solely on medical supplies – Masks, Gowns, Shields and ventilators.

2) Manufacturing: We have begun sewing masks and will kick into full production Monday. Next items we are going to make are gowns, shields and ventilators.

We have purchased three Industrial 3D printing machines to help make parts.

3) Supply Chain: We are prioritizing these raw materials and components for these as well.

Per earlier post we are also seeing very strong demand for our products and will do our best to get those items to you in an expeditious manner.

We would encourage you if you want to do this in your state to contact the local hospitals and your state leadership.

Thank You

Rogue Team

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ADS Warrior West Rescheduled for 2021

March 23rd, 2020

Due to the DoD domestic travel ban and San Diego, CA event size restrictions in place to combat the spread of COVID-19, ADS, Inc. has canceled Warrior Expo WEST 2020. The event was scheduled for April 1-2 at the San Diego Convention Center. We look forward to seeing you in 2021 at Warrior Expo WEST on April 28-29.

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Selle Anatomica Seeks Soft Goods Manufacturing Partner For Medical PPE

March 23rd, 2020

Selle Anatomica is a US Manufacturer of Bike Saddles with a sister company Light Composites which is a carbon composite manufacturer for the medical device and aerospace industry.

They’ve reached out in a desire to meet the need of our nation as it relates to the supply of personal protective equipment for our healthcare workers, specifically masks. They can make masks out of carbon fiber, fiber glass, and other fabrics. Light Composites is certified ISO 9001 and AS9100.

If you can help them to connect with the right people, please contact them. If you can contribute engineering resources, raw materials, etc, please contact them.

Please visit lightcomposites.net for more info.

Posted in Industry, Medical | Comments Off on Selle Anatomica Seeks Soft Goods Manufacturing Partner For Medical PPE