INDUSTRY INTERVIEW: Matthew J. Baker
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Matthew J. Baker
President
First Choice Armor
Q: Could you tell me a little about First Choice Armor?
A: First Choice Armor & Equipment, Inc. manufactures ballistic armor, tactical vests, advanced load-carriage systems, specialty operator armor, concealed vests and rifle protection. The company has over 135,000 square feet of manufacturing space and has offices in Spindale, N.C., and Braintree, Mass. We are a certified small business with HUBZone certifications. The company has its own ballistic test facility and scientific fiber research section
These features allow us to test all military small arms ammunition, and we can replicate operating conditions to ensure our ballistics continue to surpass certification standards—humidity, moisture degradation, extreme temperature changes. Stopping the projectile is one aspect—stopping it over a five-year period even after excessive usage is what we strive to improve.
Q: What is one of your latest designs and what are you most proud of?
A: The DAC, or Direct Assault Carrier.
The DAC is equipped with the IQRIS quick-release feature. The configuration of the DAC allows the user to decide how to deploy quick-release, either fully-removed, partially removed, or remain at full security.
By activating the release point, the front and rear panels detach and allow the entire system to pull away in less than four seconds. A partial release—for easy access to wound treatment—is completed by pulling a single adjacent release point. Full vest reassembly is completed in less than 45 seconds. The vest can be reassembled in low-light conditions and while wearing gloves.
Detached vest release systems can also be reassembled while being worn by the end-user. Each DAC includes a field repair kit for IQRIS and buckle attachments. The DAC accepts front and rear rifle plates, and accommodates modular side armor plates. It has over 150 inches of MOLLE gear rack space.
Q: What is your position in the market sector?
A: Traditionally, First Choice Armor has been a leader in law enforcement body armor. Tasked with developing our military capabilities and offering, we were able to assemble key resources, in the form of personnel, to better position the company.
These resources include former military operators, contracting officials, R&D specialists and production managers. This team has taken our military sales from $2 million in 2003 to over $65 million in 2006.
More importantly, the technology and network this team now possesses enables us to be on the front-end of military specification and requirement mandates.
Q: Does this mean you are a fairly new player in the military?
A: The company has sold to DoD via our GSA Schedule, GS- 07F-9495G for the last seven years. Our increased dealings with commands like PEO Soldier, Natick and MARCORSYSCOM have created opportunities for our technology.
In fact, we were able to effectively take our same IQRIS quickrelease mechanism and incorporate it into the military issued OTV. This retro-fit design will allow current military inventories to be outfitted with an efficient quick-release feature.
We are in discussions with other manufacturers on teaming and joint-venture projects that share technologies. Ultimately, our goal is to provide the best available to those who fight and serve.
We have partnered with special operations prime vendor Mar- Vel in supplying exclusive operator packages, and our products are offered on other customers’ GSA Schedules, such as Galls and HeadLites.
Q: Can you share some of your company goals for this year?
A: We are seeking more opportunities that will allow us to become part of the SPEAR program. We are currently involved on projects with MARSOC and NSWG. Our ballistic packages offer significant trauma reduction, and that has been encouraged by various DoD commands.
Our carrier design work and IQRIS release mechanism has been heralded by the entire operator community. Our success with international special operations has grown significantly, and we expect that to continue.
Q: How are you positioned for the future within the military?
A: Our capacity allows us to meet large deployment needs, and it gives us more solid relationships with our material suppliers as they have been part of our past success. Working with partners such as Twaron, Honeywell and 3Tex gives us an edge in our development processes. Our contacts and growing network within the military will only help in our future product developments. ♦