The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) seeks a sole-source Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with STA Technologies Inc. for $36,000,000. This action, justified under FAR 6.302-3 for research capability, aims to continue developing STA's proprietary security feature technologies for future U.S. currency. STA is deemed the only qualified source due to its unique intellectual property and expertise, essential for advancing counterfeit deterrence. The BEP has conducted extensive market research, including continuous Requests for Information (RFIs) and industry outreach, but has identified no alternative vendors for this specific technology. The cost is considered fair and reasonable based on historical pricing and internal estimates. The BEP remains committed to fostering competition for new security features, maintaining open channels for submissions, and exploring competitive procurements in the future to identify diverse solutions.
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is seeking a sole-source Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with STA Technologies Inc., valued at $36,000,000, for research and development (R&D) services. This contract aims to continue developing STA Technologies' unique, proprietary security features for future U.S. currency, building on five previous contracts. The justification for this sole-source award is based on STA Technologies owning the intellectual property and being the only responsible source capable of performing the required R&D. The BEP's strategic goal is to continuously develop advanced security features to combat counterfeiting. Despite the sole-source nature, the BEP actively seeks new technologies through continuous Requests for Information (RFIs), Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), vendor conferences, and market research to promote future competition. The anticipated cost is deemed fair and reasonable based on historical pricing and an independent government cost estimate.
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury seeks to establish a sole-source contract with STA Technologies Inc. for research and development (R&D) services focused on advancing proprietary security technologies for future U.S. currency. The proposed contract, valued at $36 million, aims to build upon five previous contracts with STA, which is the only qualified source capable of delivering the unique technology necessary to enhance currency security against counterfeiting.
The contract will facilitate critical phases of technology development, including testing, optimization, and integration of security features. BEP asserts that extensive market research confirmed STA's exclusivity in relation to the intellectual property and specialized expertise required for this effort. To foster competition for future projects, BEP will maintain continual outreach and public solicitations through Requests for Information (RFIs) and other channels, encouraging the submission of innovative technologies. The BEP's strategic goal is to keep U.S. currency secure and trusted on a global scale, underlining the importance of investing in advanced security measures. This document serves as justification for not pursuing full and open competition under federal regulations.