Protect The Force Awarded $1.4M Development Contract and $4.4M Option for US Marines Next Generation Body Armor

September 25, 2014

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Mission Ready Services Inc. (TSX VENTURE:MRS) - Mission Ready Services Inc. ("Mission Ready" or "MRSI" or the "Company") is very pleased to announce that, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Protect The Force ("PTF"), it has been awarded a contract in the amount of $1,487,046 to perform research and development of the Marine Corps Next Generation Body Armor Architecture by the Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) under the Rapid Innovation fund R&D Effort. The award includes an option phase exercisable by MARCORSYSCOM for the provision of $4,455,275 additional funding for the supply of project deliverables for large user evaluations. The Company has no assurance that MARCORSYSCOM will exercise the option.

The $1.4M award is part of a larger program funded through the Department of the Navy ("DoN") Office of Naval Research ("ONR") Rapid Innovation Fund ("RIF"). The ONR is constantly looking for innovative scientific and technological solutions to address current and future Navy and Marine Corps requirements. The goal of the RIF program is to transition innovative technologies that resolve operational challenges or save costs into DoN Acquisition programs.

Francisco J. Martinez, Chief Technology Officer states, "There is heavy competition for these type of programs, however, we had a high level of confidence in our proposal based on feedback we have received on our advanced extremity protection concepts, materials and the ability to exceed the quality and functionality criteria outlined. It is an honor for us at PTF to be able to contribute to the research and development of solutions that could enhance the protection and performance of the Marine Corps and to continue expanding into a value-added solutions-based platform for those who protect us."

Protect The Force's Next Generation Body Armor also known as the Extremity Torso Protection was developed under a 2012-2013 Broad Agency Announcement from the Army Materiel Command - Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center and is based around the concept of biomimetics - the imitation of the models, systems, and elements of nature for the purpose of solving complex human problems.

One of the most elite fighting forces in the world, the United States Marine Corps is the 911 force of the United States of America. Thousands of Marines are Mission-Ready aboard naval amphibious ships to respond to an international crisis. The ability to mobilize quickly has allowed the Marines to become the United States' ready-reaction force. Marines provide power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the US Navy to rapidly deliver combined-arms task forces. Serving on US Navy ships, protecting naval bases, guarding U.S. Embassies and providing ever-ready quick strike force to protect U.S. interests anywhere in the world, the USMC is comprised of approximately 194,000 officers and enlisted Marines and 40,000 Marine Corps reservists.

As part of the qualification process for the award, PTF was audited and approved by the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) that provides audit and financial advisory services to Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal entities responsible for acquisition and contract administration. DCAA operates under the authority, direction, and control of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)/Chief Financial Officer.

Source : Mission Ready Services Inc.