Pressure-Activated Overt Security Feature

This is a Request for Information (RFI) (hereinafter Notice). This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, request for bids or quotations, nor, a promise to issue a solicitation in the future. The purpose of this RFI is to obtain knowledge and information for project planning purposes only. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) has interest in, and is seeking information regarding pressure-activated materials with a reversible response that could be used as an overt, security feature for public user authentication of US currency. In the scientific literature, materials displaying a change in color or appearance upon mechanical stimuli (e.g., pressing, compressing, rubbing, etc.) may be referred to as: pressure-sensitive, pressure-responsive, mechanochromic, thermochromic, mechanoluminescent, piezochromic, elastic photonic crystals, shock-sensitive material, kinetically-activated material, phase-dependent optical reflectance material, and the like. For instance, by simply applying finger pressure to the security feature, any member of the public would cause and observe a distinct and reversible color change. These pressure-activated materials could be dispersed in ink to be further incorporated into the banknote, or applied to the note in the form of a film, patch or thread. Materials may be at any level of technology readiness, from innovative ideas or concepts to feature prototypes. Ideal materials for this purpose would have distinct optical responses (e.g., bright colors), short relaxation times, and the capability for industrial manufacturability and scalability. Submissions in response to this RFI should adhere to the following format. Submission should be no more than five (5) single-sided pages (paper size - 8.5 x 11 inch paper; margins - 1 inch; single or double-spaced; font - Times New Roman, 12 point) 1. Section A: Title of Submission, Notice Number, Period of Performance, Estimated Cost, Name/Address of Institution or Company, Technical and Contracting Points of Contact (phone, fax, and email) (this section is NOT included in the 5 page limit). 2. Section B: Task Objective. 3. Section C: Technical Summary and Proposed Deliverables. 4. Section D: Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) Cost The point of contact for this Notice is: Frederick Watson at frederick.watson@bep.gov. Email responses to this Notice shall be sent to the attention of individual listed above. Due date for responses are no later than May 2, 2016. This Notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. All costs associated with responding to this Notice are solely at the responding party's expense. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Further, the Government may contact the vendor for additional information regarding the information submitted as part of this market research effort. Any organization responding to this Notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed. Information provided will be used to assess tradeoffs and alternatives available for the potential requirement and may lead to the development of a solicitation. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract or agreement. The BEP will not be obligated to pursue any particular acquisition alternative as a result of this notice. Responses to the notice will not be returned. Not responding to this notice does not preclude participation in any future solicitation, if one is issued. No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s). If so, respondents are solely responsible for properly marking and identifying such information within their response.