HMGCC is seeking to develop discreet, wearable stab-resistant body armour specifically designed for women working in close protection units. HMGCC is interested in technologies, materials and garment designs that could provide effective protection against sharp bladed weapons, developed to a minimum technology readiness level 5 and designed for women from the outset.
Up to £60,000 is available for projects of 12 weeks to deliver a TRL 5 prototype.
Essential requirements
- A minimum deliverable of a swatch of the proposed protective material.
- A delivered final report, detailing performance, limitations and future development opportunities.
- Must be designed specially around female users.
- Must be designed for comfort and concealability under clothing.
- Must be stab and slash proof.
- Must provide a demonstration of effectiveness against bladed weapons
- Must provide at least a roadmap to achieve Home Office Body Armour standard 2017.
- Must use the guide – BSI 30417 Provision of inclusive personal protective equipment.
Desirable requirements
- Demonstrate multiple protective equipment options to users for down-selection.
- Deliverable should include a wearable demonstrator.
- Consider trade-off of armour plates and fibres against performance, concealability and comfort for female users.
- The weight of protective equipment should be below existing commercially available protective solutions.
- The protective equipment should have enhanced breathability and thermal comfort.
- The protective equipment should be compatible with a range of body shapes and sizes.
- A stretch goal is to provide ballistic protection against handgun calibre projectiles.
Constraints
- User comfort should be considered a primary design driver alongside protection
- Designs should consider practicality, maintenance and scalability
- For continued work, the eventual product must be compatible with the Home Office Body Armour standard 2017 or equivalent
Not required
- Overt, military style tactical body armour
- Concept studies without a demonstrator
Submissions are due 5 November 2026.
Document
Challenge Document – Hidden Stab Vests for Women – HMGCC – CH-2026-010
