THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., Oct. 6 -- The Rockwell Science Center (RSC) was awarded a contract to produce thin-film coatings for laser protective eyewear by the US Department of Defense. The contract comes from funding the department received from the Title III Production Act established to make sure the US has access to viable domestic production capabilities that are essential for national defense. RSC has received $5 million to manufacture thin-film coatings for laser protective eyewear used in defense applications. RSC will attempt to develop high-volume flexible manufacturing capability to support the Defense Department's performance and price goals. As part of the effort, sample spectacles, goggles and visors will be delivered to the US Army, Navy and Air Force for evaluation. The ever-increasing use of lasers presents a hazard in training and combat situations involving our ground, naval, and air forces, said Ray Linville of the Title III program office at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. This program helps ensure that our personnel will have a readily available supply of equipment that protects them in these situations.