Protect The Force Inc. Awarded $1.4M development contract and $4.4M Option for United States Marines Next Generation Body Armor
VANCOUVER, B.C. / ACCESSWIRE / September 25, 2014 / Mission Ready Services Inc. (TSX-V: MRS) - Mission Ready Services Inc. ("Mission Ready" or "MRSI" or the "Company") is very pleased to announce that, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Protect The Force ("PTF"), it has been awarded a contract in the amount of $1,487,046 to perform research and development of the Marine Corps Next Generation Body Armor Architecture by the Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) under the Rapid Innovation fund R&D Effort. The award includes an option phase exercisable by MARCORSYSCOM for the provision of $4,455,275 additional funding for the supply of project deliverables for large user evaluations. The Company has no assurance that MARCORSYSCOM will exercise the option.
The $1.4M award is part of a larger program funded through the Department of the Navy ("DoN") Office of Naval Research ("ONR") Rapid Innovation Fund ("RIF"). The ONR is constantly looking for innovative scientific and technological solutions to address current and future Navy and Marine Corps requirements. The goal of the RIF program is to transition innovative technologies that resolve operational challenges or save costs into DoN Acquisition programs.
Francisco J. Martinez, Chief Technology Officer states, "There is heavy competition for these type of programs, however, we had a high level of confidence in our proposal based on feedback we have received on our advanced extremity protection concepts, materials and the ability to exceed the quality and functionality criteria outlined. It is an honor for us at PTF to be able to contribute to the research and development of solutions that could enhance the protection and performance of the Marine Corps and to continue expanding into a value-added solutions-based platform for those who protect us."
Protect The Force's Next Generation Body Armor also known as the Extremity Torso Protection was developed under a 2012-2013 Broad Agency Announcement from the Army Materiel Command - Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center and is based around the concept of biomimetics - the imitation of the models, systems, and elements of nature for the purpose of solving complex human problems.
One of the most elite fighting forces in the world, the United States Marine Corps is the 911 force of the United States of America. Thousands of Marines are Mission-Ready aboard naval amphibious ships to respond to an international crisis. The ability to mobilize quickly has allowed the Marines to become the United States' ready-reaction force. Marines provide power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the US Navy to rapidly deliver combined-arms task forces. Serving on US Navy ships, protecting naval bases, guarding U.S. Embassies and providing ever-ready quick strike force to protect U.S. interests anywhere in the world, the USMC is comprised of approximately 194,000 officers and enlisted Marines and 40,000 Marine Corps reservists.
As part of the qualification process for the award, PTF was audited and approved by the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) that provides audit and financial advisory services to Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal entities responsible for acquisition and contract administration. DCAA operates under the authority, direction, and control of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)/Chief Financial Officer.
About Protect The Force Inc.
Protect The Force is a strategic consulting firm specializing in providing leading manufacturers with relationship management, product development, acquisition & contracting expertise, and sales & marketing support geared towards successfully selling to the U.S. Federal Government.
Protect The Force offers over 100 years of combined experience in developing products, contracting, and selling to the federal government, first responder and tactical markets through open-market procurements, teaming arrangements and a variety of federal contract tools.
About Mission Ready
MRSI was created to meet a critical need of one of the world's largest customers, the US Government and in particular the Departments of Defence, Homeland Security and Justice and various other agencies such as law enforcement, first responders and the many others worldwide that help to safeguard our health and security.
Headquartered in Vancouver, BC, MRSI has three distinct, synergistic operating divisions:
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ooStrategic consulting services and manufacturers representation
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ooEquipment inspection, cleaning/decontamination and repair services of personal protection equipment
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ooProduct research and development
MRSI's mission is to save lives and enhance the performance of military personnel, first responders, and those who protect us by working to ensure they are equipped with the best possible personal protective equipment.
MRSI's management team offers over 100 years of combined industry experience and is composed of industry experts in developing products, contracting, and selling to the federal government, first responders and tactical markets through open market procurements, teaming arrangements, and a variety of federal contract tools.
For further information, visit the Company's website at MissionReady.ca or contact:
Terry Nixon - Director, Corporate Communications
Telephone: 1.877.479.7778
Investor Relations
1-866-684-6730
Mission Ready Services Inc.
(signed "Rod Reum")
Rod Reum,
President & CEO
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SOURCE: Mission Ready Services Inc.