The U.S. Department of the Treasury-The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is interested in obtaining, testing, and evaluating any technologies or materials with potential application in overt, visual authentication features in U.S. currency. Technologies offered should provide effective counterfeit deterrence against all types of threats, including both traditional printing and digital reproduction. Proposed features may be incorporated into the note (inks, substrate), or applied to the note, and should not require the use of any device for verification. Any technologies or materials submitted for consideration will be reviewed for inherent and relative effectiveness as a security feature, and may be further assessed for compatibility with design and production factors, durability, environmental acceptability, and other production/processing requirements. An effective feature is defined as a feature that cannot be easily simulated or duplicated; for example, a feature that can be simulated to approximate a passable outward appearance or response of a genuine feature is not effective or acceptable. Additionally, the Bureau is interested in reviewing products, materials, and technologies that will enhance the usefulness of currency notes; for example, authentication/denomination features for the visually impaired and enhancement of circulation life. Current versions of currency paper and ink specifications, as well as durability testing procedures, are available upon written request. The Bureau will only consider technologies or materials, for which at least laboratory feasibility has already been demonstrated (i.e., means a proven concept, can provide a sample). For initial screening purposes, interested parties are requested to submit preliminary samples and/or brief technical descriptions (1-2 paragraphs) plus price information for the purchase of larger test quantities to the BEP, Office of Acquisitions, Attn: Kathleen Reidy, 14th and C Streets, S.W., Room 708-A, Washington, D.C. 20228-0001. Larger quantities of samples may be procured through simplified acquisition (small purchase) for further assessment. The Bureau may submit offered technologies to outside technical experts under government contracts for their evaluation subject to the approval of the submitting party. Previously submitted materials or technologies need not be resubmitted. If you have any questions please contact Kathleen Reidy on (202) 874-2507 or via e-mail at Kathleen.Reidy@bep.gov
