I think you have nailed the most important question. BORK manufacturing strategy is a mystery for now. I think the safe money is on the need for a partner to get their product to market. If their plan is to manufacture in-house strap in for a bumpy ride.
I liked your attempt at discussion on whom to partner with. To me the best choice would be to buy a smaller company that had QA/QC in place as well as solid processes. This route is my favorite for making the law enforcement armor after NIJ.
I think For DOD they need a Joint Venture with a BAE type company that can handle the DOD requirements and already have the confidence of DOD.
Alcoa seems like a bad idea to me as they are in the raw material business and I would not want to allow their nose under that tent. I would only use them as a supplier if needed.
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