Revised Compliance Testing Program for Body Armor IACP Conference – San Diego, California November...

Revised Compliance Testing Program for Body Armor

IACP Conference – San Diego, CaliforniaNovember 8, 2008

Revised Compliance Testing Program for Body Armor

IACP Conference – San Diego, CaliforniaNovember 8, 2008

NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CORRECTIONS TECHNOLOGY CENTER SYSTEMNATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CORRECTIONS TECHNOLOGY CENTER SYSTEM

Lance MillerDirector

National Law Enforcement and CorrectionsTechnology Center–National

Rockville, Maryland

Lance MillerDirector

National Law Enforcement and CorrectionsTechnology Center–National

Rockville, Maryland

National Institute of Justice

Sponsors the CTP Provides Funding Legal Expertise/Counsel

National Institute of Justice

Sponsors the CTP Provides Funding Legal Expertise/Counsel

National Institute of Justice Voluntary Compliance Testing Program (CTP)

National Law Enforcement and Corrections

Technology Center

Administers the CTP Provides Subject Matter

Expertise Law Enforcement Agency

Outreach

National Law Enforcement and Corrections

Technology Center

Administers the CTP Provides Subject Matter

Expertise Law Enforcement Agency

Outreach

National Institute of Justice Voluntary Compliance Testing Program

National Institute of Standards

and Technology (NIST)

Provides Scientific and Engineering Support

Conducts ResearchAuthors standards and user

guides

National Institute of Standards

and Technology (NIST)

Provides Scientific and Engineering Support

Conducts ResearchAuthors standards and user

guides

National Institute of Justice Voluntary Compliance Testing Program

NIJ Standards and Testing ProgramNIJ Standards and Testing Program

The Purpose of the National Institute of Justice’s Voluntary Compliance Testing Program is

to ensure to the degree possible that body armor used for law enforcement and corrections application is safe, is reliable,

and meets performance requirements throughout the declared performance period.

A new approach to compliance testing for body armor.

• In response to the Attorney General’s directive “to assess…the processes by which body armor is tested and approved.”

• Based on input from the law enforcement community, it is no longer satisfactory to only test armor designs once in “like new” condition:

Must address ongoing performance of subsequent production units (post-compliance), and

Take steps to begin to understand the effects of environmental factors over time on armor performance.

• The NIJ/NIST/NLECTC team reviewed current methods used to evaluate product conformance and safety to determine approach.

A new approach to compliance testing for body armor.

• In response to the Attorney General’s directive “to assess…the processes by which body armor is tested and approved.”

• Based on input from the law enforcement community, it is no longer satisfactory to only test armor designs once in “like new” condition:

Must address ongoing performance of subsequent production units (post-compliance), and

Take steps to begin to understand the effects of environmental factors over time on armor performance.

• The NIJ/NIST/NLECTC team reviewed current methods used to evaluate product conformance and safety to determine approach.

Compliance Testing Program OverviewCompliance Testing Program Overview

Revisions to theNIJ Standard

for Ballistic-Resistant Body Armor:

NIJ Standard 0101.06

Revisions to theNIJ Standard

for Ballistic-Resistant Body Armor:

NIJ Standard 0101.06

NIJ Standards and Testing Program

What Changes?

• Redefined Threat Level Classes: Elimination of Threat Level I: No longer sufficient for LE duty use

Velocities at Level IIA, II, and IIIA increased to reflect current threats

.357 SIG replaces 9mm test round for Type IIIA

• Specified projectiles: Manufacturer and model of test rounds clearly identified in standard to reduce potential for variability in testing.

• Increased Amount of Testing: More armor samples tested per model: 12 complete vests (4 previous)

Increased number of P-BFS shots: Previously 48 – Now 144

• Testing of Multiple Armor Sizes: Five standard templates, from Small to Extra Large, are identified in standard. Manufacturers must submit the smallest and largest sizes for testing that they intend to produce for model.

What Changes?

• Redefined Threat Level Classes: Elimination of Threat Level I: No longer sufficient for LE duty use

Velocities at Level IIA, II, and IIIA increased to reflect current threats

.357 SIG replaces 9mm test round for Type IIIA

• Specified projectiles: Manufacturer and model of test rounds clearly identified in standard to reduce potential for variability in testing.

• Increased Amount of Testing: More armor samples tested per model: 12 complete vests (4 previous)

Increased number of P-BFS shots: Previously 48 – Now 144

• Testing of Multiple Armor Sizes: Five standard templates, from Small to Extra Large, are identified in standard. Manufacturers must submit the smallest and largest sizes for testing that they intend to produce for model.

NIJ Standard-0101.06NIJ Standard-0101.06

What Changes?

• New Wet Conditioning Protocol: Previously shower spray: now submersion Verifies water resistance of ballistic panel

covers and seams

• Increased Edge Performance: Minimum shot-to-edge distance reduced from

3 to 2 inches Manufacturers have option of specifying

closer shot-to-edge distances

• New Shot Pattern (Type IIA, II, and IIIA): Remains six shots per panel, but 3 shot group

introduced Grouped shots can be randomly placed on

panel (in fair hit zone) Better evaluates armor’s ability to withstand

multiple hits in a

localized area

What Changes?

• New Wet Conditioning Protocol: Previously shower spray: now submersion Verifies water resistance of ballistic panel

covers and seams

• Increased Edge Performance: Minimum shot-to-edge distance reduced from

3 to 2 inches Manufacturers have option of specifying

closer shot-to-edge distances

• New Shot Pattern (Type IIA, II, and IIIA): Remains six shots per panel, but 3 shot group

introduced Grouped shots can be randomly placed on

panel (in fair hit zone) Better evaluates armor’s ability to withstand

multiple hits in a

localized area


Previous shot pattern New Shot Pattern

(0101.04, 2005 IR’s) (0101.06)

Previous shot pattern New Shot Pattern

(0101.04, 2005 IR’s) (0101.06)


What Changes?

• New Environmental Conditioning Protocol: Selected samples will be exposed to varying

levels of temperature and humidity prior to ballistic testing

Mechanical “wear and tear” (bending & flexing) will be simulated through the use of a tumbling chamber

Intended to help identify armor designs that have inherent weaknesses to environmental conditions encountered in routine field use

This protocol cannot be used to predict length of service life under field use conditions; instead, it provides some indication of the armor’s ability to maintain ballistic performance after exposure to heat, humidity, and simulated mechanical wear

What Changes?

• New Environmental Conditioning Protocol: Selected samples will be exposed to varying

levels of temperature and humidity prior to ballistic testing

Mechanical “wear and tear” (bending & flexing) will be simulated through the use of a tumbling chamber

Intended to help identify armor designs that have inherent weaknesses to environmental conditions encountered in routine field use

This protocol cannot be used to predict length of service life under field use conditions; instead, it provides some indication of the armor’s ability to maintain ballistic performance after exposure to heat, humidity, and simulated mechanical wear


What Changes?

• Expanded Ballistic Limit (V50) Testing: Introduced in NIJ Standard-0101.04 (2000) as

an adjunct (no pass / fail criteria) to determine if ballistic limit testing was an appropriate tool to benchmark and evaluate ongoing armor performance; testing performed on 1 vest, 9mm only

0101.06: Now part of the pass / fail criteria – no perforation of the armor at or below NIJ P-BFS fair hit velocities.

V50 data now collected on new and environmentally conditioned samples, and with both calibers for the threat level

Enhanced statistical analysis of data, to better characterize armor penetration performance

What Changes?

• Expanded Ballistic Limit (V50) Testing: Introduced in NIJ Standard-0101.04 (2000) as

an adjunct (no pass / fail criteria) to determine if ballistic limit testing was an appropriate tool to benchmark and evaluate ongoing armor performance; testing performed on 1 vest, 9mm only

0101.06: Now part of the pass / fail criteria – no perforation of the armor at or below NIJ P-BFS fair hit velocities.

V50 data now collected on new and environmentally conditioned samples, and with both calibers for the threat level

Enhanced statistical analysis of data, to better characterize armor penetration performance


Revisions toNIJ’s Compliance Testing Program:

A New Beginning

Revisions toNIJ’s Compliance Testing Program:

A New Beginning


Four Major Elements of the CTP

1. Type Testing2. Compliance Decision3. Attestation of Conformity4. Conformity Assessment Follow-Up


•New program is a Conformity Assessment process

Ensures products comply with the requirements of the standard during type testing and increases the confidence that subsequent production models continue to meet select requirements of the standard.

• Initial Type Testing to determine compliance with the standard

Expanded test sample size Testing of conditioned samples.

• Periodic Follow-Up Testing of production models.

Abbreviated ballistic testing (perforation only, 2 samples)

Comparison of construction to originally tested samples

Comparison of manufacturer documentation (build sheets) to original documentation on file

•New program is a Conformity Assessment process

Ensures products comply with the requirements of the standard during type testing and increases the confidence that subsequent production models continue to meet select requirements of the standard.

• Initial Type Testing to determine compliance with the standard

Expanded test sample size Testing of conditioned samples.

• Periodic Follow-Up Testing of production models.

Abbreviated ballistic testing (perforation only, 2 samples)

Comparison of construction to originally tested samples

Comparison of manufacturer documentation (build sheets) to original documentation on file

Compliance Testing Program OverviewCompliance Testing Program Overview

What stays the same?

• Participation in the program is voluntary.

• NLECTC provides oversight and coordination of the Conformity Assessment process.

• Samples are tested by NIJ-approved, independent, third party laboratories.

• For initial Type Testing, applicants select NIJ-approved laboratory, negotiate and pay test costs directly to laboratory.

• Models found to comply with the standard will be listed on NIJ’s Body Armor Compliant Products List (www.justnet.org).

What stays the same?

• Participation in the program is voluntary.

• NLECTC provides oversight and coordination of the Conformity Assessment process.

• Samples are tested by NIJ-approved, independent, third party laboratories.

• For initial Type Testing, applicants select NIJ-approved laboratory, negotiate and pay test costs directly to laboratory.

• Models found to comply with the standard will be listed on NIJ’s Body Armor Compliant Products List (www.justnet.org).

Compliance Testing Program AdministrationCompliance Testing Program Administration

What Changes?

• New laboratory accreditation process.

• New manufacturer application process (on line /Internet forms)

• Standardized “build sheet” for documenting construction.

• Labeling and Model Designation for test samples:

“Test Article” labeling for samples. Test Article test identification # assigned

by CTP. Applicant provides listed model

designation and NIJ Standard-compliant labels post-test.

• Test samples sent directly to test laboratory, not NLECTC.

• A “Stop Point” for models that fail PBS prior to conditioning.

What Changes?

• New laboratory accreditation process.

• New manufacturer application process (on line /Internet forms)

• Standardized “build sheet” for documenting construction.

• Labeling and Model Designation for test samples:

“Test Article” labeling for samples. Test Article test identification # assigned

by CTP. Applicant provides listed model

designation and NIJ Standard-compliant labels post-test.

• Test samples sent directly to test laboratory, not NLECTC.

• A “Stop Point” for models that fail PBS prior to conditioning.


What Changes Continued:

• Compliance Status: Applicants must agree to participate in

“Follow-up” testing program for subsequent production units.

Compliance Status of models is no longer infinite. Compliance is for a specific period of time (5 years), but is subject to periodic renewal.

• New process to address appeals and

complaints:Special Review Committee (SRC): An

impartial committee is convened whenever there is a dispute or appeal related to a compliance decision. The SRC reviews the matter and makes recommendations for resolution to NIJ.

SRC members will include technical experts from Law Enforcement, Technical/Testing/Research, and Standards Development Organizations.

What Changes Continued:

• Compliance Status: Applicants must agree to participate in

“Follow-up” testing program for subsequent production units.

Compliance Status of models is no longer infinite. Compliance is for a specific period of time (5 years), but is subject to periodic renewal.

• New process to address appeals and

complaints:Special Review Committee (SRC): An

impartial committee is convened whenever there is a dispute or appeal related to a compliance decision. The SRC reviews the matter and makes recommendations for resolution to NIJ.

SRC members will include technical experts from Law Enforcement, Technical/Testing/Research, and Standards Development Organizations.


Follow-Up Testing Program:

•Working with the ANSI/ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB)

• Assembled Committee of Experts

• Review of Body Armor Sector-specific requirements (BA 9001)

• Design scope

• Contract with assessors for ISO 9000 / BA 9001

•NLECTC oversees periodic sample collection and testing

• Follow-Up testing will require fewer samples

• Subjected to Perforation testing, in conjunction with physical comparison of construction and documentation.

• Developed a detailed process to ensure appropriate and consistent compliance status decisions based on test results.

Follow-Up Testing Program:

•Working with the ANSI/ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB)

• Assembled Committee of Experts

• Review of Body Armor Sector-specific requirements (BA 9001)

• Design scope

• Contract with assessors for ISO 9000 / BA 9001

•NLECTC oversees periodic sample collection and testing

• Follow-Up testing will require fewer samples

• Subjected to Perforation testing, in conjunction with physical comparison of construction and documentation.

• Developed a detailed process to ensure appropriate and consistent compliance status decisions based on test results.


A phone call… a mouse click awayA phone call… a mouse click away

800-248-2742

www.justnet.org

[email protected]

800-248-2742

www.justnet.org

[email protected] NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND

CORRECTIONS TECHNOLOGY CENTER SYSTEM

THE NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND

CORRECTIONS TECHNOLOGY CENTER SYSTEM

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