; exceptions (a) Requirement (1) In general In order to ensure that certain components of the Department of Homeland Security procure certain critical equipment of the quality and innovation necessary to carry out effectively their security, enforcement, and investigative missions, except as provided in subsection (b), funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the Department of Homeland Security front line operational components may not be used for the procurement of an item described in paragraph (2) unless the item meets the criteria listed in paragraph (3). (2) Covered items The items referred to in paragraph (1) are as follows: (A) Body armor components intended to provide ballistic protection for an individual consisting of one or more of the following components: (i) Soft ballistic panels. (ii) Hard ballistic panels. (iii) Concealed armor carriers worn under uniform. (iv) External armor carriers worn under uniform. (B) Helmets and other head protection and components that provide ballistic protection. (C) Protective eyewear. (D) Rain gear, cold weather gear, and other environmental and flame-resistant clothing. (E) Footwear. (F) Uniforms. (G) Bags and packs. (H) Holsters and tactical pouches. (I) Patches, insignia, and embellishments. (J) Respiratory protective masks. (K) Chemical/biological/radiological/nuclear (CBRNE) protective gear. (L) Hearing protection equipment. (M) Other critical safety items as determined appropriate by the Secretary of Homeland Security. (3) Criteria The criteria referred to in paragraph (1) are as follows: (A) In the case of a uniform, the item includes technology for tracking and control purposes. (B) The contractor providing the item and each first-tier subcontractor of the contractor, including the end-item manufacturer, is currently registered as an entity with the System for Award Management, administered by the Government Services Administration. (C) In the case of any unit or agency insignia included with the item, the contractor providing the item and each