Quicksilver III Notice of Intent to Award Sole Source
ID: 2031ZA24R00031Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

TREASURY, DEPARTMENT OF THEBUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715)

PSC

GENERAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY R&D SVCS; GENERAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT (AJ13)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/1b865d21ffe345bc92602d83e7828dd0/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of the Treasury's Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) intends to award a sole-source contract to SICPA Secureink Corp. for the continued research and development of overt security features for U.S. currency. This contract, valued at approximately $59.5 million over five years, aims to integrate proprietary optical technologies developed in previous phases into new banknote designs, enhancing their security against counterfeiting. The necessity of utilizing SICPA arises from their exclusive rights to the unique technologies required, confirming that no other sources can fulfill the agency's specific needs. For further inquiries, interested parties may contact Victoria Kennedy at victoria.kennedy@bep.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    VICTORIA KENNEDY
    VICTORIA.KENNEDY@BEP.GOV
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    JOFOC_FAR 6.3_2031ZA24R00031_Quicksilver III_Redact.pdf
    The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) seeks approval for a sole-source contract with SICPA Securink Corp., valued at approximately $59.5 million over five years, for the research and development of unique overt security features for U.S. currency. This contract continuation aims to integrate proprietary optical effects developed in previous phases of the BEP's Technology Development Process (TDP) into new banknote designs, enhancing counterfeit deterrence. BEP emphasizes the necessity of using SICPA due to their exclusive rights to the unique technologies involved, confirming that no other sources can satisfy the agency's requirements. The R&D will involve phases from feasibility testing to technology integration, with the goal of creating banknotes that are secure and user-friendly. Despite previous solicitations and market research to identify alternate vendors, only SICPA has demonstrated the capability to meet these specific needs due to their proprietary technology. This justification reflects BEP's commitment to enhancing U.S. currency security while navigating the constraints set by federal regulations regarding competition. By focusing on established partnerships, the BEP aims to develop advanced currency features that maintain public trust and deter counterfeiting effectively.
    Lifecycle
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    Quicksilver III Notice of Intent to Award Sole Source
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    Special Notice
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