Prescription Safety Eyewear Program

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is soliciting bids for a Prescription Safety Eyewear Program through an Invitation for Bid (IFB) numbered 605CO8000569, targeting safety-sensitive, full-time employees who require prescription protective eyewear in work environments with eye hazards. The initial contract period will run from November 1, 2017 to October 31, 2018, with MoDOT retaining the option to extend the contract for up to four additional one-year periods. The program requires vendors to provide a comprehensive prescription safety eyewear solution, including multiple frame types (metal, plastic, titanium), lens styles (single vision, bifocal, trifocal, progressive), and lens materials that meet ANSI Z87.1-2004 standards. Vendors must maintain a network of at least 10 service providers within each MoDOT district, ensuring statewide accessibility. The bid submission deadline was October 12, 2017 at 3:00 PM CDT, with bidders required to be registered in the MissouriBUYS system to participate. Estimated program participation ranges from 75-250 employees per district, with a total estimated participation of approximately 1,325 employees statewide.

The IFB encourages participation from Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and Women Business Enterprises (WBE), targeting 10% MBE and 5% WBE involvement. The program operates on a subsidy model where MoDOT will pay a set amount per employee for prescription safety glasses, with employees responsible for costs exceeding the subsidy and eye exam expenses. Vendors must provide a minimum one-year warranty covering repairs and replacements with no incident limits. The solicitation includes provisions for cooperative purchasing, allowing Missouri counties, cities, and other political entities to potentially purchase under the same contract terms. While no specific incumbent vendor is identified, the program allows for potential price adjustments during renewal periods, with vendors required to provide written justification for any increase requests. Payment will be made on a net 30-day basis, and vendors may be compensated via state purchasing card (VISA). The contract also includes provisions for Service-Disabled Veteran (SDV) participation, though specific set-aside percentages are not explicitly defined.