Flat Glass Manufacturing

NAICS 327211 - Flat Glass Manufacturing encompasses the production of specialized glass products for various industrial, defense, and scientific applications. This category includes manufacturers of transparent armor, optical windows, specialized glass panels, and other precision-engineered glass components. Products range from military-grade transparent armor and infrared windows to scientific substrate materials and custom glass panels used in aerospace, defense, and research environments.

Federal contract awards in this NAICS code predominantly involve the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and military research organizations, with contract values typically ranging from $5,000 to $250,000. Frequently awarded entities include small businesses like Statz Corp, Hawkins Glass Wholesalers, and Cornell-Carr Co., Inc. Most awards are firm fixed-price purchase orders or delivery orders, often with no specific set-aside designation, though some are designated as total small business opportunities. Common performance locations include naval stations, distribution centers in California, and contractor facilities across the United States. Contracts frequently involve transparent armor, specialized glass panels, optical windows, and components for military vehicles, vessels, and research applications.

Recent federal contract opportunities continue to focus on specialized glass components for defense and scientific research. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center has solicited germanium windows with specific technical requirements, while the Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory seeks silicon substrates for research purposes. Most opportunities are set aside for small businesses, require precise technical specifications, and involve delivery to military research facilities or distribution centers. Typical solicitations demand vendors have specific certifications such as ISO 9001:2015, ITAR registration, and specialized technical capabilities to meet complex manufacturing requirements.