NLECTC-National Testing and Evaluation: Manufacturer Submission Guidelines

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Office of Science and Technology, through NLECTC-National in Rockville, Maryland, administers testing programs for commercially available law enforcement and corrections equipment to ensure that the equipment utilized in the field is safe, reliable, and meets the needs and requirements of the user community. Submission guidelines and forms are available on this site for Ballistic-resistant Armor testing, Stab-resistant Armor testing, and Metallic Handcuff testing.

Ballistic-resistant Armor Testing 

NIJ Standard 0101.06, Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor: Program Update January 29, 2008

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) has given authorization to the Compliance Testing Program (CTP) to begin accepting applications for participation in the newly revised CTP to be conducted in support of NIJ Standard-0101.06, Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor.   Application packages for body armor manufacturers seeking to participate in the CTP may be downloaded below.  The application packages include instructions and forms that must be completed and returned via email to bactp@nlectc.org. The National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC)-National, as administrators of the CTP, will review completed applications immediately upon receipt.

Ballistic testing laboratories receiving NIJ approval to perform testing for the CTP are posted on www.justnet.org/Pages/lablist.aspx, and laboratories identified on the NIJ-approved laboratory list are eligible to begin compliance testing immediately.

Body armor manufacturers must complete the required forms in a two-step process.  The first step is applying to participate in the CTP.  After receiving NIJ approval for participation in the program, manufacturers may then take the next step to submit applications for individual armor models to be tested.

For all questions regarding the CTP or for assistance with any of the required documentation, please contact NLECTC-National at (800) 248-2742 or e-mail bactp@nlectc.org.

• Applicant Form - To participate in NIJ 0101.06 Body Armor Testing Program
• Instructions - For the completion of NIJ Standard 0101.06 Buildsheet
• Buildsheet - Buildsheet is included as part of applicant forms.
  
  
• CTP Administrative Clarifications:
  
• CTP 2009:01 Labeling Permanency and Durability
• CTP 2009:02 Stop Points During Type Testing
• CTP 2009:03 Clarification of Section 6, Table 3 "Thermal cycle testing conditions", NIJ Standard-0101.06 Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor
• CTP 2009:04 Termination of Testing or Redefining the Size Boundary During the Type Testing Campaign



• CTP Compliance Test Report (public version)



• NIJ/NLECTC Approved Ballistic-Resistant Armor Testing Laboratories
  
  
• Sample Sizing for NIJ Standard 0101.06 Testing
• PDF File for Print on Standard (8.5x11") paper
• PDF File for Arch D (36x24") paper that when printed at normal scale will be actual size

2005 Interim Requirments Forms to be used until January 30, 2009:

• Download the Adobe Acrobat (PDF) file NIJ_IR1-5_transition_provisions_pwd.pdf to your computer. This file includes forms: NIJ IR1 - Certification as to Materials Identified in Advisory Notices, NIJ IR2 - Certification as to Materials of Construction, NIJ IR3B - Certification as to Labeling of Armor (For Transition Provision Use Only), NIJ IR4 - Acknowledgment, and NIJ IR5 - Certification as to Ballistic Performance. You must use the file available on this web site when exercising the Transition Provision of the NIJ 2005 Interim Requirements for Bullet-Resistant Body Armor.
• Administrative Clarification - Test Sample Size & Sizing Templates
  Memorandum Number: BA.0101-2005-01, March 18, 2005
• Body Armor Labeling Requirements
• International Manufacturer Shipping Requirements (English, Español)

Stab-resistant Armor Testing

• Body Armor Labeling Requirements
• Vendor for Spikes Used in Stab-resistant Armor Testing
• NIJ/NLECTC Approved Stab-Resistant Armor Testing Laboratories

Metallic Handcuff Testing

• Manufacturers submit five samples of each handcuff model along with a letter requesting the testing to be conducted in accordance with NIJ Standard 0307.01, and notifying NLECTC of the test date and testing facility that will be conducting the test.
• NLECTC will need to have the handcuffs two weeks prior to the scheduled test date.
• NLECTC staff will examine the handcuffs to confirm that they meet the user information, marking, and workmanship requirements of the Standard is conducted by NLECTC staff, and then the handcuffs are forwarded to the laboratory conducting the testing.
• After testing, the manufacturer will be sent a copy of the compliance test report form by the laboratory, and the laboratory will return the handcuffs to NLECTC.
• NLECTC will issue a letter of compliance to the manufacturer if the handcuffs successfully complete the testing.
• NLECTC retains possession of the tested handcuffs in our archives.
• NIJ Standard for Metallic Handcuffs NIJ Standard 0307.01
• NIJ/NLECTC Approved Metallic Handcuff Testing Laboratories

Other Testing Programs

For submission guidelines and procedures for NLECTC's other standards-based testing and comparative evaluation programs, please contact us toll-free (continental U.S. only) at 800-248-2742, or 301-519-5060 (outside of the continental U.S.). Fax inquiries may be sent to 301-519-5149, or contact us by e-mail at asknlectc@nlectc.org.

Contact Information

NLECTC-National
Standards and Testing Program
2277 Research Blvd., MS 8-J
Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: 800-248-2742
Fax: 301-519-5149
Email: asknlectc@nlectc.org

Last update: April 17, 2009