Choosing NIJ 0101.06 Certified Models: Assurance of Quality and Protection with CAG
Jan 11, 2023
At Custom Armor Group (CAG), our engineering and manufacturing partners prioritize quality throughout the product lifecycle. By maintaining ISO 9001:2015 and BA 9000:2016 internal quality procedures, we differentiate ourselves from most industry teams. When you choose an NIJ 0101.06 Compliant Product Listed (CPL) model from CAG, you can be confident that the product has undergone rigorous testing.
Understanding the NIJ 0101.06 Compliance Testing Program:
The NIJ 0101.06 standard is a globally recognized, rigorous body armor testing standard, covering both soft body armor and hard rifle armor. Established by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and supported by the Homeland Security Act of 2002, the Compliant Testing Program (CTP) ensures certified products meet the highest protection standards.
Participation in the NIJ CTP requires submitting product details through the Testing Information Management System (TIMS). After thorough examination and testing by the Body Armor Compliance Testing Program (BACTP) personnel, compliant models receive a Notice of Compliance for NIJ 0101.06 and are listed on the CPL website.
Ensuring Quality and Protection with Follow-up Testing:
The Follow-up Inspection and Testing (FIT) audit schedule is an integral part of maintaining the NIJ compliance throughout the product lifecycle. This process allows independent BACTP auditors to randomly select in-production samples for additional testing at independent ballistic test labs.
NIJ 0101.06 Ballistic Testing:
The NIJ 0101.06 test protocol includes rigorous conditioning and environmental testing, such as a 10-day conditioning cycle, thermal cycle, and water submersion. After conditioning, soft armor models undergo testing with 324 rounds, while Level III hard armor is tested with 48 shots, and Level IV with 36 shots. Compliance documentation, such as the official NIJ Compliance Testing Report (CTR) and a notice of compliance letter, should be made available for end-users to review.
Recognizing the New NIJ Mark on Labels:
As of March 1st, 2017, all NIJ 0101.06 compliant models feature a trademarked logo. The end-users should request a copy of the Compliance letter issued by the NIJ, along with the full NIJ compliance testing report, to ensure the authenticity of the product. All compliant models can also be found on the CPL at www.justnet.org.
End-users should be cautious of non-compliant armor that uses language such as "according to," "meets," "adheres with," "tested to," or any other wording suggesting the product is built to the same standard. The NIJ Mark logo aims to provide end-users with the confidence that they are purchasing a compliant certified model.
By choosing NIJ 0101.06 certified models from Custom Armor Group, you can trust in the quality and protection provided by our body armor products. Our rigorous adherence to testing standards and ongoing commitment to quality ensure the safety and confidence of our end-users, providing peace of mind in the most challenging situations.