Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) Request for Information (RFI) - R&D Overt Security Features - FY26

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), a division of the Department of the Treasury, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) regarding research and development for overt security features for future U.S. currency. This market research initiative seeks to identify novel, counterfeit-deterrent technologies and materials that are easy for the general public to authenticate under various lighting conditions without the need for external devices. The desired features must be difficult to simulate through traditional printing, digital reproduction, or commercially available materials and may be incorporated into the banknote substrate, inks, or applied directly to the note. This RFI is for informational planning purposes only and does not constitute a formal solicitation or a commitment to enter into a contract. Interested parties are required to submit preliminary samples and a brief technical description to the BEP R&D technical lead, Chris Dollberg, by the deadline of November 15, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST. Submissions will be evaluated based on their inherent effectiveness, compatibility with production factors, durability, environmental acceptability, and processing requirements. Respondents are responsible for all costs incurred during this process, and the government will not pay for any information or administrative expenses. Additionally, respondents must ensure that no proprietary, classified, or sensitive information is included in their responses, as the government reserves the right to use non-proprietary technical information in future solicitations.