The BEP is interested in obtaining, testing and evaluating technologies or materials with potential application as a counterfeit deterrent feature in United States currency. Any technologies or materials submitted for consideration will be reviewed for inherent and relative effectiveness as a security feature, compatibility with design and production factors, durability, environmental acceptability and processing requirements. The BEP may submit offered technologies to other technical experts under government contracts for their evaluation subject to the approval of the submitter. The BEP is interested in reviewing all types of products, materials and technologies to address all types of counterfeiting, whether using traditional or new technology. Anti-counterfeiting products of interest include, but are not limited to the following: ink (intaglio, typographic and off-set) and ink additives, alternate and traditional substrates (paper or other medium), substrate additives, design elements or techniques, diffractive, reflective, or otherwise optically variable materials, laminated, or hot-stamped materials.
Additionally, the BEP is interested in reviewing products, materials and technologies to address all types of currency usage (authentication/denomination) including, but not limited to visual, visually-impaired, blind, vending/fare-card, machine sorting, etc.) Specifications for currency paper, currency and COPE inks, are available upon written request.
For initial screening purposes, interested parties are requested to submit preliminary samples and a brief technical description (1-2 paragraphs) plus price information for the possible purchase of larger test quantities. The BEP may procure additional samples for further evaluation. Information shall be submitted to Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Office of Acquisition, Attn: Larry McCain, 14th and C Streets, SW, Washington, DC 20228. Previously submitted materials or technologies need not resubmit. If you have any questions, please contact Catherine Holland via e-mail or by phone at (202) 874-3148.
Product Development of Currency Production Materials
The BEP is interested in promoting competition for its currency production materials and to continuously improve the quality of United States currency through product development of currency production materials. For initial screening purposes, interested parties are requested to submit a letter outlining the currency production material that they are interested in developing in order to be a viable offer or for future competitive acquisitions. The currency production materials that are available for product development testing are currency paper, various intaglio and offset inks, rigging boards, and drawsheets. Other currency production materials may also be considered. Specifications for these materials are available upon written request to the point of contact listed below. Interested parties shall submit a letter of intent and request a copy of the BEP specification of the material of interest. After receipt of BEP specifications, if the interested party believes that they are capable of providing a material that will meet the BEP's specifications, discussions will be conducted regarding the quantity of material sample required, shipping information, etc. Interested parties are cautioned that product development testing shall be scheduled based on the availability of resources.
All information shall be submitted to Larry McCain, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Office of Acquisition, 14th & C Streets, SW, Washington, DC 20228. Previously submitted materials or technologies need not resubmit. . If you have any questions, please contact Larry McCain via e-mail or by phone at (202) 874-0133.
Technologies and/or Materials for Coating United States currency to Enhance Longevity and Durability in Circulation, Primarily via Improvements to Soiling Resistance
The BEP is interested in obtaining, testing, and evaluating technologies or materials with potential application for coating United States currency to enhance longevity and durability in circulation, primarily via improvements to soiling resistance. Any coating material or process submitted by interested parties must be compatible with all production materials used to produce United States currency (i.e., currency paper, offset inks, intaglio inks, COPE inks and various security features). Specifications for most of these materials are available upon written request to the point of contact listed below. The BEP is interested in a coating that does not significantly alter the appearance or distinctive feel of currency paper, as these characteristics are part of a longstanding tradition that the public has come to trust and associate with United States currency. The prospective materials and processes used to apply a coating may be incorporated at any stage of currency printing production including prior to printing or after all printing has been completed. While it is imperative that coatings provide a measure of improved resistance to soiling, coatings that additionally provide any combination or all of the following benefits are desired: improved ink adhesion, enhanced print quality, reduction of ink set-off, and improvement in physical properties of the notes such as improved folding endurance and tear strength. Officials from the Department of the Treasury and/or a Federal Reserve Bank may also be consulted regarding technologies and materials submitted under this announcement. With the written permission of the submitter, the BEP may also consult with experts under government contracts for their evaluation.
For initial screening purposes, interested parties are requested to submit preliminary samples and a brief technical description of the technology. In addition, interested parties shall submit price estimates in the event the BEP desires to procure larger quantities for testing purposes. All information shall be submitted to Larry McCain, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Office of Acquisition, 14th & C Streets, SW, Washington, DC 20228. Previously submitted materials or technologies need not resubmit. If you have any questions, please contact Larry McCain via e-mail or by phone at (202) 874-0133. Interested parties who submit materials and or technologies shall be aware that the BEP will respond to the submitter and advise whether or not the BEP requires additional information or if the BEP is unable to utilize the technology or material submitted. The review and evaluation process may take several months before the BEP is able to respond to the submitter.
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