The Armor List: A Practical Guide to Thinking Clearly About Body Armor Decisions
Body armor decisions are rarely simple—and the information needed to make them is often scattered. This guide explains how professionals actually use The Armor List to research products, verify manufacturers, understand standards, and make defensible decisions across procurement, use, and lifecycle.
The Operating Reality for Small U.S. Body Armor Manufacturers Entering 2026
As small and mid-sized U.S. body armor manufacturers enter 2026, the market is clearer and less forgiving. Costs remain elevated, regulatory transitions are unresolved, and market noise has not corrected itself. This analysis explains why these pressures are now structural rather than temporary, and how disciplined manufacturers are responding through verification, compliance maturity, and operational rigor.
“NIJ Certified” Body Armor Is a Myth – Here’s the Truth About Real NIJ Compliant Armor (2025 Update)
“NIJ certified” is a myth. And one that continues to mislead buyers, sellers, and even manufacturers. The National Institute of Justice does not certify body armor; it defines performance standards and oversees the Compliance Testing Program (CTP) that determines which models appear on the official Compliant Products List (CPL). In an industry where accuracy saves lives, using the right terminology matters. This article explains what NIJ actually does, why the “NIJ certified” claim persists, and how to verify legitimate compliance through the NIJ CPL and The Armor List.
The NIJ Mark in 2025: The Complete, Definitive Guide to What It Means, How It Works, and How to Use It Correctly (NIJ 0101.06 & NIJ 0101.07)
The most complete and authoritative guide to the NIJ Mark in 2025. Learn what the mark means, how it must be used, the difference between NIJ testing and NIJ compliance, and why misuse remains widespread across the industry. Relevant for NIJ 0101.06 and NIJ 0101.07.
NIJ 0101.07 Is Live — But the CPL Isn’t: What Buyers and Sellers Must Know in 2025
NIJ 0101.07 and 0123.00 are officially in effect — but the Compliant Products List (CPL) hasn’t caught up yet. As testing moves forward through 2025, many “0101.07 certified” claims circulating the market are false. IntelAlytic breaks down what’s real, what’s not, and how buyers and manufacturers can navigate the transition with confidence.
BA 9000 Certification: Boosting Quality, Compliance, and Edge in Ballistic Armor
BA 9000 certification is no longer optional in the ballistic armor industry—it’s the benchmark that defines credibility. For manufacturers, it means higher upfront costs but stronger bids and reduced risk. For buyers, it streamlines sourcing through pre-vetted, compliant suppliers. And for end users, it guarantees armor that performs as tested. By 2025, nearly every leading U.S. manufacturer has integrated BA 9000, while non-certified firms are increasingly left out of major procurements.