Bourque Industries Inc (BORK)

[KZMike]

My research over the last 5-6 years indicates that MANY companies 'apply' a level 3 or level 4 plate 'equivalent' without the NIJ cert OFTEN, based on 3rd party or internal testing. I have a contacts with more than one law enforcement entity that substantiates that research. The plates are sold with their own 'equivalency' rating and are purchased knowing that there is no NIJ certificate. This usually happens when that particular agency is not purchasing the plates, but allow the officers to purchase their own and reimburse the cost, whether it be a fixed sum or a % of the cost. Overall it depends on who the particular officer trusts to make the plate. In this case plates are most often obtained at a lower cost.

On the other hand in many cases where the governing agency purchases the plate, there is often a requirement for NIJ certification. . .

Not having a NIJ Cert, does NOT prohibit the production or sale of any particular protective plates. . . NOT having the NIJ Cert only prohibits the selling of plate as being "NIJ certified".

I spent more time researching this than I care to admit in attempting to understand why there were so many sellers of [NIJ] level 3-4 'equivalent' plates without actually having that particular certification.