Request for Information (RFI) laboratory testing of ink

This is a Request for Information (RFI) only. This RFI is for informational planning purposes only and it not to be construed as a commitment by the Government for any actual procurement of materials, machinery, or services. This notice does not constitute a solicitation or a promise of a solicitation in the future. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service. Respondents are advised that the Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI. All costs associated with responding to this RFI are solely at the responding parties' expense. Respondents are solely responsible for properly marking and clearly identifying any proprietary information or trade secrets contained within their response. The Government will not be liable for, or suffer any consequential damages for any proprietary information not properly marked and clearly identified. Proprietary information received in response to this RFI will be safeguarded and handled in accordance with applicable Government regulations. 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 RFI. Responses to the RFI will not be returned. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future solicitation, if one is issued. The U. S. Department of the Treasury, Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), is interested in obtaining information about potential sources for laboratory testing of inks. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is looking for vendors with the capability to test physical and appearance characteristics of inks with paste-like consistency. Properties of interest include tack, rheological properties including viscosity, drying time, angle-dependent reflectance measurements of thick films of metallic inks, reflectance spectra of thin and thick ink films, and color measurements of ink films. Capabilities would include preparing printed strips with precise volumes of inks as the basis for obtaining relectance spectra and color measurements. In addition to having capabilities for testing, vendors must be able to securely store samples and safeguard all data files and reports. Along with the data files and reports, unused portions of the ink samples and printed strips will be returned to the BEP on a periodic basis. A quality assurance program to comply with ISO 9001 requirements is needed for the calibration and verification of equipment. Please provide a general overview of your company's products, services, capabilities, and security. If your company is interested in receiving our Request for Proposal (RFP) should we issue one for this effort, please include contact information for your company. In addition, provide information on the equipment that would be used for specific tests. All sources may submit a response, which will be considered by the Government. This market survey is for information and planning purposes only, does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals, and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. For initial screening purposes, interested parties are requested to submit information to: Bureau of Engraving and Printing Office of Acquisitions Attn: Kathleen Reidy 14th and C Streets, S.W., Room 708-A, Washington, D.C. 20228-0001. If you have any questions please contact Kathleen Reidy via e-mail at Kathleen.Reidy@bep.gov Possible NAICS Code(s): 541380 Laboratory Testing (except medical, veterinary services) 323 Printing and Related Support Activities 339999 All Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing