PLUG, EAR

The Defense Logistics Agency awarded a contract to ATLANTIC DIVING SUPPLY, INC. (CAGE 1CAY9) for the procurement of 25 pairs of EP-3 SONIC DEFENDERS ear plugs, size LARGE, with a total contract value of $400.00, awarded on July 22, 2026, under solicitation SPE2DS-26-T-243N. The item, identified by NSN 6515-01-549-6457 and part number EP3-LPR, is classified as personal protection equipment regulated by the EPA but explicitly not a medical device or FDA-regulated product. The ear plugs feature a 9dB noise reduction rating with stoppers out and 16dB with stoppers in, designed to reduce noise above 80dB, constructed from soft, hypoallergenic, medical-grade polymer with an ergonomic, low-profile design. Delivery is required within 20 days of order receipt, FOB Destination, to Fort Bliss, Texas, and the contract mandates packaging in accordance with ASTM D3951 and DLA’s Master List of Technical and Quality Requirements, with marking compliance to Medical Marking Standard No. 1, which supersedes MIL-STD-129. Palletization must adhere to RP001 standards, and all shipments must be in suitable commercial shipping containers. The contract incorporates numerous Federal Acquisition Regulation clauses related to cyber security, whistleblower protections, prohibited materials including hexavalent chromium and covered defense telecommunications equipment, electronic invoicing via WAWF, compliance with the Buy American Act and Berry Amendment, and restrictions on mandatory arbitration and trafficking in persons. Contract administration is governed by the DLA Master Solicitation for Automated Simplified Acquisitions Revision 105, with invoicing processed electronically through WAWF, requiring both invoice and receiving report submissions unless an exception applies. The contracting officer is Vernon Stevenson of DLA Troop Support Medical Supply Chain in Philadelphia, and offerors were required to validate or update their System for Award Management (SAM) representations, including small business status and compliance with domestic sourcing restrictions. The solicitation allowed for automated award and applied HUBZone price evaluation preference unless waived. Inspection and acceptance occur at destination under FAR 52.246-2, and failure to submit required technical data for alternate products disqualifies those submissions.