Bid guide
How to bid on Civilian Armored Vehicle Manufacturing for the Department of State
What the Department of State is buying
The U.S. Department of State is seeking information from companies that manufacture and perform complete armoring work on civilian passenger vehicles. This is market research to identify qualified sources for future acquisition planning. They are looking for firms that perform the armoring work from start to finish, not brokers or intermediaries. All armoring work must be done at facilities located in the United States.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This is a Request for Information (RFI), not a solicitation for bids. The deadline for submitting your company and capability information is October 13, 2026, at 11:00 AM ET. After this date, the Department of State will review the submitted information to assist in their acquisition planning for future contracts. This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not guarantee a future contract opportunity.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for manufacturers and upfitters specializing in civilian armored vehicles. The relevant NAICS code is 336211 (Motor Vehicle Body Manufacturing), with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees. Firms must perform the actual armoring work themselves at U.S. facilities. Companies with experience in providing ballistic and blast protection for various passenger vehicles in both private and public sectors are encouraged to respond.
How to respond
To respond, you need to provide specific company and capability information. This includes your company name, address, point of contact, DUNS number (or UEI), and small business status. You must confirm your SAM registration and provide your SAM UEI number. The core of your response will be a capability statement, maximum 20 pages, detailing your armoring experience, contract volume, manufacturing capabilities, facility security clearances, and GSA Schedule information if applicable. You will also need to provide feedback on acquisition strategy and contract structure.
Tips for preparing a competitive response
Focus on clearly demonstrating your firm's direct experience in armoring civilian passenger vehicles from start to finish. Provide specific examples of vehicle types, protection levels achieved, and materials used. Highlight your manufacturing capacity, lead times, and surge capacity. If you have facility security clearances, be sure to detail them. When providing feedback on the acquisition strategy, offer well-reasoned explanations for your preferences, especially regarding contract types and pricing arrangements. Ensure all requested information is included and your capability statement is concise and impactful within the 20-page limit.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from State, Department of; the original posting controls.