NLECTC-National Testing and Evaluation: Manufacturer Submission Guidelines

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Office of Science and Technology, through the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC)-National in Rockville, Md., administers testing programs for commercially available law enforcement and corrections equipment to ensure that the equipment used 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

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 e-mail to bactp@nlectc.org. NLECTC-National, as administrator of the CTP, will review completed applications immediately on 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 Package - 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.
• Note on Figure 6.1 Sample Ballistic Panel Label - Please be advised that the NIJ Statement of Compliance shown in the sample label is INCORRECT. The correct wording shall be “This model of armor has been determined to comply with NIJ Standard-0101.06 by the NIJ Compliance Testing Program and is listed on the NIJ Compliant Products List.” A corrected sample label can be seen here, and will be included in an updated version of the Applicant Package
  
  
• CTP Administrative Clarifications - Administrative clarifications will be issued by the CTP on an as-needed basis when questions arise from participants regarding CTP requirements.  Click to view all issued clarifications.
  
  
• Draft Documents - The following documents are currently under revision and have not been finalized or released:
• CTP Administrative Manual - August 2009.
• CTP Ballistic Body Armor Applicant Instructions - July 2009.
• CTP Ballistic Body Armor Applicant Forms - July 2009.
• BA 9000: National Institute of Justice Body Armor Quality Management Requirements - September 2009.
  
  
• 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
  
  
•  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 conduct 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, 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 the 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: March 30, 2010