Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar announced that the United States Army awarded an $82,490,177 contract to Gentex Corporation, with work to be performed at its Rancho Cucamonga facility. The contract is for the Joint Service Aircrew Mask for Joint Strike Fighter (JSAM-JSF), which provides respiratory protection to U.S. and allied pilots while flying JSF F-35 aircraft.

“Gentex plays an important role in the Inland Empire economy and in the United States’ national security. Their ability to engage our federal economy and to provide the gear to keep our brave service members safe is a point of pride for our region,” said Rep. Aguilar.

“Gentex is proud to contribute to the JSF program and to the Inland Empire economy,” said Robert McCay, vice president aircrew systems, Gentex Corporation. “Our participation in the JSF program continues our over 45-year partnership with the U.S. government, helping them bring the most advanced solutions to American and allied forces to ensure peace and freedom around the world.”

Rep. Aguilar has toured Gentex’s Rancho Cucamonga facility and last year participated in a joint Gentex and Lockheed Martin JSF F-35 Cockpit Demonstrator event. Rep. Aguilar sits on the House Armed Services Committee and Subcommittees on Emerging Threats and Capabilities and Strategic Forces. He is also a member of the F-35 Caucus. Earlier this year, Rep. Aguilar hosted a procurement workshop with representatives from the Department of Defense for Inland Empire businesses interested in learning more about the defense manufacturing supply chain.