DHS Market Survey on Shatter-Resistant Window Film: Specs for Government Procurement of Safety & Security Rolls

Source: National Urban Security Technology Laboratory. Shatter-Resistant Window Film Market Survey Report. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, January 2015. Retrieved from [https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/SRWF-MSR_0115-508.pdf](https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/SRWF-MSR_0115-508.pdf). Public domain.

Procurement Guidance for Critical Infrastructure

When government procurement officers are tasked with hardening federal buildings, embassies, or state facilities, navigating the specifications for physical security enhancements can be daunting. To provide clarity, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through the System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER) Program, published a comprehensive Market Survey Report on shatter-resistant window film.

This report serves as a critical guide for agencies looking to purchase supply-only safety and security rolls for in-house application. By aligning procurement specifications with the data outlined in the DHS report, government buyers can ensure they are acquiring materials that meet stringent federal blast and impact standards.

Defining Shatter-Resistant Window Film (SRWF)

The DHS report provides a clear, technical definition of the product. It states: "SRWF, also commonly known as anti-shatter film or security film, is a laminate used to improve post-failure performance of existing windows... SRWF holds the fragments of broken glass together in one sheet, thus reducing the projectile hazard of flying glass fragments" [1].

The report further clarifies that these films are primarily made from heavy-duty "polyester-based materials and coated with adhesives," designed specifically to retain glass shards resulting from blast overpressures, ballistic events, forced entry, or natural disasters [1].

Key Specifications: Thickness and Standards

Not all window films offer security benefits. Standard solar control films are typically 2 mil thick and provide no structural reinforcement. For security applications, thickness and rigorous testing are paramount.

According to the DHS Market Survey Report, while overall film thickness can range from 2 to 25 millimeters (mm), government criteria—particularly for embassies and critical infrastructure—demand heavier materials. The report notes that "a 7-mm thick anti-shatter security film or specially manufactured 4-mm thick film are considered to be the minimum thicknesses required to provide effective response to blast loads" [1]. (Note: In the window film industry, thickness is commonly expressed in "mils", where 1 mil = 1/1000th of an inch).

When drafting procurement documents for supply-only rolls, buyers should require films that have been tested against recognized federal and international standards, including:

The Advantage of Bulk Roll Inventory

The DHS notes that SRWFs are "packaged as rolls that are generally available in widths as small as 24 inches and as large as 72 inches" [1]. For government agencies, purchasing these compliant films in bulk rolls is highly advantageous.

By maintaining a stockpile of 7-mil or 8-mil security film, facility managers can rapidly deploy in-house maintenance crews to perform "daylight applications" (applying the film directly to the glass) or install attached systems on high-risk windows. This supply-only approach bypasses the delays of external contracting, ensuring critical infrastructure remains protected against evolving threats.

The Window Place USA: Compliant Security Rolls

The Window Place USA supplies heavy-duty, 4-mil to 8-mil safety and security window film rolls that meet the rigorous blast mitigation and impact standards referenced by the DHS and GSA. We provide the bulk materials government agencies need to harden their facilities.

SAM.gov registered. P-Card accepted. Agency quotes available. Standard ground/freight shipping to all 50 states. Contact: inquiries@thewindowplaceusa.com | (866) 274-2769.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum thickness for blast-resistant window film?
According to the DHS Market Survey Report, government criteria for embassies and critical infrastructure generally consider a standard 7-mil (often cited as 7-mm in the report's metric conversion) or a specially manufactured 4-mil microlayered film as the minimum thickness required for an effective response to blast loads [1].

Does security film stop bullets?
No window film is truly "bulletproof." However, the DHS notes that SRWF protects against the secondary hazards of "ballistic attacks" by holding the shattered glass together, preventing the window from exploding inward and causing lacerations to bystanders [1].

What is a daylight application?
As defined by the DHS, a daylight application involves placing the security film onto the clear vision area of the glass only, without attaching it to the window frame. This is the easiest and most common method for retrofitting existing windows to retain glass fragments [1].

References

[1] National Urban Security Technology Laboratory. "Shatter-Resistant Window Film Market Survey Report." System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER). U.S. Department of Homeland Security. January 2015. https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/SRWF-MSR_0115-508.pdf