Scleral Contact Lenses

The purpose of this Sources Sought Notice is to conduct market research to determine if responsible sources exist, to assist in determining if this effort can be competitive and/or a total Small Business Set-Aside.

The proposed North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code is 339115: Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing with a corresponding size standard of 1000 employees.

The Government will use this information to determine the best acquisition strategy for this procurement. The Government is interested in all small businesses to include 8(a), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, HubZone, and Women-Owned small business concerns. 

The Medical Readiness Contracting Office - W, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, is seeking potential sources to provide Scleral Contact Lenses in support of Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) on Fort Sam Houston, TX.

This is not a solicitation. This information is for planning purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government, implied or otherwise, to issue a solicitation or award a contract. Contractors responding to these sources sought notice are advised their response does not ensure participation in future solicitations or contract awards. The Government will not reimburse any company or individual for any expense associated with preparation or participation in this research. 

Point of contact is Ms. Gerri Hernandez, Contract Specialist, at geraldein.i.hernandez.civ@health.mil.  The solicitation will have all the necessary information required for the preparation and submission of offers.  Once the solicitation is posted, interested parties are urged to visit the FedBizOpps website frequently for any updates/amendments to any and all documents.

Salient Characteristics for the Scleral Contact Lenses are a type of specialty contacts lenses compatible with the unique requirements of the patients seen at BAMC Optometry clinic for vision corrections that cannot be resolved using standard contact lenses. The following outlines the essential characteristics for Scleral Contact Lenses used at the Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC)’s Optometry Department.

1. Design and Fit

- The lenses shall be larger than the cornea, designed to vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera (the white, tough part of the eye).

- Each lens shall be custom-fitted to the unique shape of the patient’s eye to ensure precise alignment, comfort, and optimal performance.

2. Fluid Reservoir

- The lenses shall provide sufficient space between the back of the lens and the cornea to accommodate preservative-free saline solution.

- This fluid reservoir must maintain constant hydration and comfort for the eye, especially for patients with severe dry eye conditions or corneal irregularities.

3. Material Specifications

- The lenses shall be made of rigid gas permeable (RGP) material with high oxygen permeability to ensure adequate oxygen flow to the corneal surface, promoting eye health.

- The material shall be durable and designed to last between one to three years under normal usage conditions.

4. Vision Correction

-  The lenses shall be capable of correcting vision for both near and far distances, tailored to the individual needs of the patient.

- They shall accommodate complex prescriptions, including astigmatism and irregular corneal shapes.

5. Compatibility

- The lenses shall be compatible with multipurpose contact lens solutions for cleaning and preservative-free saline solutions for wearing.

- They shall be suitable for daily wear and offer the option for extended wear periods, as clinically appropriate.

6. Patient Comfort and Safety

- The lenses shall be designed for everyday use, ensuring comfort and safety for patients with unique vision correction needs.

- They shall minimize risks of irritation or adverse reactions, adhering to medical-grade standards. DS/EN ISO 13485

 Contractor responses should include:

1. The size of your business with regard to North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code as referenced above and described in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 19.102 (FAR available at http://farsite.hill.af.mil).  Also state your socio-economic category.

2. Recommended Bid schedule (Contract Line item) and invoicing recommendations

3. Company name, DUNS, CAGE, Contact information including phone number and email.

4. Identify if you are interested and capable of providing these services.

5. Interested parties should e-mail responses to geraldine.i.hernandez.civ@health.mil no later than 22 June by 10:00 AM CST.  Anticipated RFP posting date 10 Jul 2026.