Respirator lens

The Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime is procuring 80 packages of respirator lens cartridges for MSA Abrasive Air Blast Hoods through a sole source acquisition. The specific item required is the Western Safety INSP-4 Cartridge lens (Part Number 481742 3LENS/CA), which consists of two-layer laminated, 0.12" thick untempered glass lenses that have been approved by the Respiratory Protection Program Manager and certified by NIOSH. This specialized lens is essential for compatibility with existing respiratory protection systems and must meet OSHA and NIOSH safety requirements for workplace respiratory protection. The solicitation was issued on September 9, 2025, with offers due by 12:00 PM on September 10, 2025, providing contractors with an extremely tight response window of just one day. The procurement carries National Stock Number 4240-01-426-5454 and includes standard federal acquisition regulation clauses related to cybersecurity, supply chain security, and item unique identification requirements.

This procurement is designated as a total small business set-aside with 100% reserved for small business participation, though it is structured as a sole source acquisition to Mine Safety Appliances (The Safety Company) located in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. The contract requires delivery by September 30, 2025, to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Receiving Officer in Bremerton, Washington, indicating a relatively short performance timeline of approximately three weeks. While specific award values are not disclosed in the available documentation, the procurement involves safety-critical equipment for naval shipyard operations. The solicitation falls under NAICS code 315990 (Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing) and PSC code 4240 (Safety and Rescue Equipment), reflecting the specialized nature of the respiratory protection equipment. The sole source justification emphasizes the critical need for this specific lens type due to its unique compatibility requirements and regulatory compliance with established safety standards.