COSTA MESA, Calif., March 14 (UPI) -- The U.S. Special Operations Command announced it has contracted California-based Ceradyne Inc. for ballistic body armor technologies.

Under the $9.1 million order, Ceradyne will provide SOCOM with ballistic plates for body armor load carriage systems. The BALCS are a SOCOM initiative to maximize ballistic protection and load carrying capacity, while addressing weight, bulk and heat stress. Officials say the Ceradyne contract will be utilized at the MacDill Air Force Base in Florida.

"This delivery order is our second BALCS delivery order issued by SOCOM against the maximum value $400 million indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract," David Reed, Ceradyne North American operations president, said in a statement. "We are pleased to receive this order and believe we will meet all SOCOM delivery and quality requirements."

Ceradyne is a developer of advanced technical ceramic products and components for defense and industrial industries among other markets.