The Bureau of Engraving and Printing ("BEP") is interested in expanding the developmental concepts of print designs that the screen-printing process and or spot coating process can provide. In support of this interest, the BEP is requesting information in the form of market research to identify sources that could provide UV cured screen-printing inks/varnishes and coatings possible of providing haptic perception to U.S. banknotes. THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and is 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 (Request for Proposal or Request for Quotation) or a promise to issue a solicitation in the future. This RFI 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 RFI. All costs associated with responding to this RFI are solely at the responding party's 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. Responses to the RFI shall include the following: - Submitter's Name - Street Address, City, State, and Zip Code - Name of Point of Contact (POC) - POC's telephone number, email, web site, and facsimile number. - A discussion referenced to the availability of UV screen-printing inks/coatings, intended to provide haptic perception to U.S. banknotes, including a concise discussion of the following information (note: If a respondent is providing information on more than one supplier or location then the below information shall be provided for each facility being submitted): - Location of facility, - Material product description and up-to-date Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). - Shipping and receiving capabilities and restrictions, if any (i.e. size, weight or quantity considerations), - Any restrictions regarding the type(s) of substrates which can or cannot be utilized with the supplied materials (i.e. cotton/linen, polymer, etc). - Non-binding price estimate for materials. POINT OF CONTACT AND ADDRESS INFORMATION: Interested parties shall send their response to this RFI to the attention of Kathleen Reidy Contract Specialist via one of the following methods: Post: Bureau of Engraving and Printing Office of Acquisition, Room 708-A 14th and C Streets SW Washington, DC 20228-0001 Attention: Kathleen Reidy, Contract Specialist E-mail:
[email protected] This RFI will be posted for a period of one year (12 months).