By Francis Scarcella
The Daily Item
SUNBURY — Army helmets made by inmates that failed ballistics testing standards could soon be manufactured by two regional businesses and create hundreds of jobs.
ArmorSource, of Hebron, Ohio, subcontracted the manufacturing of the gear to Federal Prison Industries, which employs inmates. Two weeks ago, 44,000 helmets were deemed unsatisfactory by the Army and recalled.
After U.S. Rep. Chris Carney, D-10, of Dimock, authored an amendment to the Defense Authorization Act that would have forced Federal Prison Industries to competitive bidding, the subcontractor waived its preferential status that gave it right of first refusal on U.S. government contracts.
Two northeast Pennsylvania companies, Gentex and BAE, have the opportunity to gain contracts and add hundreds of jobs.
"Not only do we now need 44,000 more helmets, but they had two contracts for several hundred thousand more," Carney said, "which can have the ability to produce a lot of jobs in the region."
Recalled helmets were used by troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the Army is still trying to find all the faulty head gear.
Federal Prison Industries' decision came after the Justice Department investigated the subcontractor's helmet manufacturing.
"Our military men and women deserve only the best equipment and it has become clear that Federal Prison Industries cannot meet the standards required in manufacturing helmets," Carney said.
Carney was unsure of the exact problem with the helmets, but did say he wouldn't accept anything less then 100 percent safety for the troops.
"Any of our constituents that have family or friends deployed is a concern of mine, that they are assured they have the safest equipment," Carney said. "This recall will help make them safer."
The cost to produce a helmet is in cloudy because prisoners are paid a very low wage.
Cost wasn't the issue, Carney said.
It was quality.
"Because the inmates were making the helmets, the cost was down, but the main concern was the product being sub-standard," Carney said.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons, which overseas Federal Prison Industries, said if the subcontractor resumes helmet production, it will voluntarily submit to competitive bidding.
"FPI has not met protective standards, nor has it met required deadlines in its production of these crucial helmets," Carney said, "and we can't wait any longer to protect our troops.
"These are my brothers and sisters in uniform and I want them protected."
Carney is a former U.S. Navy Reserve commander, who also served in the Pentagon as an intelligence analyst.
n E-mail comments to fscarcella@dailyitem.com.
