The Rhode Island Air National Guard’s 143d Airlift Wing has issued a solicitation for 300 biometric gun cases to improve firearm security and accountability. Published on September 2, 2025, through the Department of Defense’s SAM.gov portal, the notice calls for fingerprint-activated locking cases designed to restrict weapon access to authorized personnel. Quotes are due by September 16, 2025, under a total small business set-aside procurement.
Procurement Specifications
According to the solicitation, each case must securely hold a standard-issue sidearm and two magazines. The design must incorporate biometric fingerprint technology, be constructed of impact-resistant materials, and remain portable for transport in vehicles or by hand. Delivery is scheduled for Quonset State Airport in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, the base of the 143d Airlift Wing.
The solicitation is classified under NAICS code 332439 (Other Metal Container Manufacturing) and Product Service Code 8145 (Specialized shipping and storage containers). Submissions will be evaluated based on technical compliance, delivery timeline, and pricing.
Broader Security Context
The initiative reflects a broader U.S. military focus on weapon security. Earlier this year, the U.S. Air Force adopted biometric security kits for Javelin systems, underscoring interest in using advanced authentication for access control. At the wing level, the Rhode Island Air National Guard’s order highlights a more limited, pilot-scale application of biometric gun case technology.
Biometric gun cases are designed to prevent unauthorized firearm access, but they have also faced scrutiny. In June 2024, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled 133,000 Sports Afield and Sanctuary biometric safes after flaws allowed virtually any fingerprint to unlock them. A similar recall followed in February 2025 for Stack-On biometric models. These cases underline both the promise and the risks of relying on biometric systems for firearms security.
By moving forward with this procurement, the 143d Airlift Wing signals a cautious step toward integrating biometric technology into daily security practices. While the scale is modest at 300 units, the outcome may influence broader adoption across the Air National Guard and the wider Air Force if the cases meet operational expectations.
Source: SAM.gov
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By Ali Nassar-Smith
