Sources Sought for Acuity Studies

I. OVERVIEW: THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE ONLY. This Sources Sought notice is for market research purposes in determining interest and capability of potential small business vendors for this type of requirement only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government for any actual procurement of supplies or services. This notice does not constitute a solicitation (e.g. Request for Proposal or Request for Quotations) or a promise to issue a solicitation in the future. This notice does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Responders are advised that the Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this notice. All costs associated with responding to this notice are solely at the responding party's expense. 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. II. PURPOSE: The Bureau of Engraving & Printing (BEP) has initiated an effort to provide blind and visually impaired individuals one or more means of denominating U.S. banknotes. The BEP conducted a comprehensive study of the technical, social and economic factors involved and formulated a multi-faceted approach to providing blind and visually impaired individuals 'meaningful access' to U.S. banknotes. One approach includes developing a tactile feature that can be incorporated into the design of U.S. banknotes which can provide a means of denominating the banknotes through touch or feel. The Office of Product Development (OPD) within the BEP has been tasked with managing this approach. In order to fully investigate and evaluate the effectiveness of various styles, types and patterns of tactile elements that could potentially be incorporated into U.S. banknotes, the BEP/OPD is interested in issuing Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) to obtain specific expertise and experience in the field of tactile perception and acuity studies. Under the BPA, task order(s) shall be issued including specific requirements, timelines and deliverables for each study requested. This expertise is essential for designing, developing and conducting a tactile feature testing program. The studies will provide accurate and sufficient data to assist the BEP in developing the most effective and efficient tactile feature design and pattern that will be most helpful to blind and visually impaired individuals in denominating U.S. banknotes. In support of this effort, the BEP shall contract with subject matter experts in the field of blindness and haptic perception to administer studies to determine the relative effectiveness of the proposed tactile elements for incorporation into U.S. banknotes for denominating U.S. currency using the sense of touch. The objective of the studies/tests will be to measure the accuracy and speeds of denominating by the trial participants. The data from these trials will be used by the BEP to help select from among the options the tactile feature that is most accurate and quickest for blind and visually impaired individuals. III. Submission Requirements: Responses to the notice shall include the following: a. Company Information and Point of Contact ("POC"): - Company's Name - Street Address, City, State, and Zip Code - Contact information for identified POC, including e-mail, telephone number and facsimile number. b. Capability Information: Service/Capability Literature and other supporting documentation that demonstrates your company's ability and certification to provide the subject services and supplies. IV: DUE DATE: Responses to this notice are due no later than 1:00 P.M. Eastern Time, January 7, 2013 and shall be sent via e-mail to the attention of individual listed above.