Authorized Protective Eyewear List
ID: W91CRB-26-32432AType: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE ARMYW6QK ACC-APGABERDEEN PROVING GROU, MD, 21005-5001, USA

NAICS

Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing (339115)

PSC

SAFETY AND RESCUE EQUIPMENT (4240)

Set Aside

No Set aside used (NONE)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/b8101f6f483a41d6a266bc72d892d910/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the Army, is seeking manufacturers to participate in a Sources Sought notice for the Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL), aimed at updating the Qualified Product List (QPL) for protective eyewear. This initiative is crucial for providing military personnel with a variety of eye protection options suitable for combat and training environments, ensuring compliance with the latest performance specifications, including MIL-PRF-32432A and ANSI Z87.1-2020. Interested manufacturers must submit physical samples and comprehensive proposals detailing their products, production capabilities, and compliance with regulatory requirements, with key deadlines set for January 23, 2026, for cold weather goggles and March 13, 2026, for all other items. For inquiries, manufacturers can contact Tim Horne at timothy.m.horne8.civ@army.mil or Reid Lichwell at reid.e.lichwell.civ@army.mil.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    APEL_Berry_Amendment_Buy_American_Trade_Agreement.pdf
    The document outlines two compliance certifications required for vendors supplying the U.S. Government with items for the Authorized Protective Eyewear List. The first is the Buy American Act and Trade Agreement Act Compliance Certification, requiring vendors to certify that all end products comply with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.225. The second is the Berry Amendment Compliance Certification, which mandates that all textile materials (components and end products) provided by a USA facility are grown, reprocessed, reused, or produced domestically, as per 10 U.S.C § 2533(a) and DFAR 252.225-7012. This includes all manufacturing, packaging, inspection, and shipping operations. Both certifications require a binding authority to sign, confirming full understanding and compliance with the respective regulations.
    ECP 22-0124105453 Adoption of ANSI Z87.1 - 2020_signed.pdf
    This government file details an Engineering Change Request (ECR) to update the MIL-PRF-32432A standard for eyewear to adopt the latest ANSI Z87.1-2020 revision. The change, initiated by Timothy M. Horne, a MCEP Product Engineer, is classified as an Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) and affects all future lots of APEL/MCEP eyewear. The ECR's purpose is to align the military performance specification with the most current industry standard for occupational and educational personal eye and face protection devices, as ANSI Z87.1 was updated in 2020. A side-by-side comparison by PM SPE confirmed that the 2020 revision does not critically impact MCEP program requirements or critical safety features. The ECR, approved by PM SPE and other authorities, recommends adopting ANSI Z87.1-2020 immediately, with formal updates to MIL-PRF-32432 in its next revision. This ensures the continued relevance and safety of military eyewear specifications.
    ECP 23-11131130E5 Elongated FSP_signed_fordistribution.pdf
    The PM SPE Engineering Change Request (ECR) form is a critical document for managing modifications to government projects, likely within federal government RFPs, federal grants, or state/local RFPs. Vendors complete sections 2-19 to propose changes, detailing the ECR type, classification, title, affected items (MCN/NSN, model, end item nomenclature), contract information, cost/price and delivery schedule impacts, and a comprehensive description of the ECR and its necessity. The form also includes sections for recurring deviations and corrective actions. PM SPE and other authorities (COR, APM) review and approve or disapprove these requests, particularly for minor, major, or critical ECRs, with designated sections for justification, attachments, and signatures. This structured process ensures thorough evaluation and authorization of engineering changes, maintaining control over project baselines and contractual obligations.
    MIL-PRF-32432A dtd 11 Sep 18.pdf
    MIL-PRF-32432A outlines performance specifications for Military Combat Eye Protection (MCEP) systems, encompassing both prescription and non-prescription eyewear. The document details requirements for qualification, testing, and quality management to ensure technical acceptability for Department of Defense agencies. MCEP systems, classified into spectacles, goggles, and hybrid goggles, come in styles like Universal Prescription Lens Carrier (UPLC) compatible, transition lenses, and cold weather goggles. Key requirements include ballistic fragmentation and UV protection, chemical and mildew resistance, and seamless integration with existing Soldier equipment and helmets. Eyewear must meet strict optical standards, including luminous transmittance, neutrality, chromaticity, and resistance to fogging, scratching, and abrasion. The specification also covers durability, human factors engineering (fit, comfort, donning/doffing), and safety against prolonged effects and skin irritants. All components must be permanently marked, comply with ANSI Z87.1, and meet flammability and ignition standards. The document outlines a comprehensive verification process, including qualification, recertification, and lot acceptance inspections with detailed visual examination criteria for defects.
    RFD 20-1006093125 MIL-PRF-32432 Adhesion Test_signed.pdf
    The PM SPE Engineering Change Request (ECR) details a proposed deviation to the MIL-PRF-32432A adhesion test requirement. The original standard specifies a test tape with a 40 ounces per 1 inch of width adhesion rating. However, due to the scarcity and discontinuation of this specific tape, testing laboratories have faced difficulties. The ECR proposes changing the requirement to a test tape with a 45 ounces per 1 inch of width adhesion rating. This change is justified by the unavailability of the previously specified tape and the fact that most vendors already use higher-rated tapes for in-house testing. The PM SPE approves this deviation until MIL-PRF-32432 Rev B is released in September 2021, providing a more robust requirement while allowing accurate testing.
    RFD 22-0223085515 MIL-PRF-32432A Instruction Booklet Update_signed.pdf
    The PM SPE Engineering Change Request (ECR) RFD 22-0223085515 proposes a critical modification to the MIL-PRF-32432A standard, specifically concerning the instruction booklet requirement for Military Combat Eye Protection (MCEP) systems. The change, initiated by Timothy M. Horne, addresses increased lead times and costs associated with physical instruction booklet manufacturing due to supply chain issues. The ECR suggests an alternative method: providing a QR code that directs users to an electronic instruction booklet maintained by the vendor. This modification impacts all APEL/MCEP items and aims to modernize the process while alleviating lead time problems. The PM SPE justifies this change as an interim update to MIL-PRF-32432 Rev A until a formal update can be incorporated into Rev B. The change also includes updates to verification procedures (Paragraph 4.5.3) to ensure the functionality and accuracy of the QR code link. This RFD was approved by both Brad McPherson and David M. Querim on February 23, 2022.
    RFD 24-05200940A1 MIL-PRF-32432A Packaging Update_print.pdf
    The PM SPE Engineering Change Request (ECR) form is a critical document for managing modifications to government projects, likely within federal government RFPs. It outlines a structured process for vendors and PM SPE personnel to propose, classify, describe, and approve engineering changes. Vendors initiate the process by completing sections detailing the ECR's origin, type, classification, title, affected items, contract information, cost and delivery impacts, and the need for the change. The form also includes sections for corrective actions and submitting activity details. Subsequent sections are for PM SPE justification and multiple levels of approval (COR, PM SPE Technical Staff, APM, and PM SPE), depending on the ECR's classification (minor, major, or critical). This multi-stage approval process ensures thorough review and accountability for all engineering changes, maintaining project integrity and compliance.
    RFD 25-01171027A1 MIL-PRF-32432 Insect Repellent Update_signed.pdf
    This government file details an Engineering Change Request (ECR) for the MIL-PRF-32432A Insect Repellent Update, specifically addressing a deviation from chemical resistance testing requirements. The original recommended insect repellent, 3M Ultrathon Cream, was discontinued due to containing benzene. As an interim solution, PM SPE recommends using Ben's 30 Tick & Insect Repellent Pump Spray for testing, despite it not being a
    Lifecycle
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    Authorized Protective Eyewear List
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