The Irish Defence Force, which encompasses army, naval service and air corps, awarded ‘Contract No. CON/091/2006 Military Eye Protection (MEP)’ to Eye Safety Systems Inc. (ESS) of Sun Valley, Idaho USA, via their Irish agent, Daniel Technologies.

The three-year contract, announced in December 2006, is for the supply of the ESS Profile NVG™ goggle and Profile NVG™ accessories. The initial delivery of 5,000 units was completed in December. The decision was the result of a five month solicitation, which itself was the culmination of more than 15 months of careful trial, evaluation, and development.

ESS produced a unique combination of impact protection, anti-fog technology, interchangeable lenses (smoke gray and clear), Rx compatibility, and integration with existing equipment (helmet, NVG, and weapon sight). These factors, along with comfort, ease of fit and adjustment, and visibility were the major factors in the trial and evaluations.

A Contract Award Notice cited ‘compliance with specification, compliance with standards, national and international, ballistic performance and service history’ as the primary criteria for selecting ESS goggles. ‘ESS is honored to be exclusively selected by the Irish Defence Force,’ said ESS President and CEO, John Dondero, ‘We look forward to a lasting partnership in eyewear innovation to protect Irish soldiers.’

Eye Safety Systems Inc. (ESS) creates advanced eye protection systems for military, law enforcement, and fire/rescue professionals. Designed for the planet’s most hostile and unforgiving environments, ESS products feature cutting-edge technologies and patented innovations to ensure peak performance and uncompromised eye safety.