Final_RFI-Alternate_DC_Retail_Space-2013-07-22.docx

Request for Information—DC Area Retail Location Alternatives

On April 2, 1792, Congress passed The Coinage Act, which created the United States Mint and authorized construction of a Mint building in the nation’s capital, Philadelphia. This was the first federal building erected under the Constitution. The primary mission of the United States Mint is to serve the American people by manufacturing and distributing circulating, precious metal and collectible coins and national medals, and providing security over assets entrusted to us. With revenue generated by the numismatic program, the United States Mint is not only self-funded but returns revenue back to the General Fund of the Treasury.

The United States Mint is authorized by Congress to responsibly expand its numismatic program. One step in this process is to reach out to potential new customers and make our products more readily available to the public. The United States Mint currently maintains four retail sales locations which generate more than $5 million in combined annual numismatic revenue. The size of the average kiosks/retail space ranges from 120 square feet to 1,200 square feet respectively. Two current locations are co-located inside two of our Mint facilities (Philadelphia and Denver) and are operated by a contracted vendor. The other locations are operated by Mint employees and are in close proximity to the United States Mint’s main headquarters in Washington, D.C., however, one of these locations (Union Station) has become increasingly expensive to operate and manage.

It is the United States Mint’s desire to explore alternate retail options and potentially replace or expand to locations that have significantly higher foot traffic and public visibility, and are less expensive to maintain.. Additionally, it is our desire to broaden public awareness of our brand and products and provide a wide range of people access to our products at more accessible and diverse retail locations. We also want to increase opportunities to place our products in front of the average citizen and promote an awareness and appreciation for our products.

This Request for Information (RFI) is for market research purposes only. This is not a solicitation and there will not be any contract awards made as a direct result of this announcement.

The United States Mint is seeking alternate Retail Space in the immediate Washington DC area and is seeking non-binding information from interested parties at this time. Only Principles need respond:

Site/location suggestions should address the following concerns/topics with supporting data and quantitative information.

What customer volumes does the suggested location experience?

What are the projected growth rates in customer volumes?

What are the customer demographics? (Incomes, ages) What crime rates are experienced at that location?

What are the surrounding attractions/features that draw customers?

What is the accessibility from a transportation perspective? (Highways, parking, public transportation) What about parking?

What are Signage restrictions at the location?

What are the ongoing efforts by the owners to promote the location?

Describe available space (and when it is available) and the approximate cost per square foot?

Why should the United States Mint consider the suggested location attractive?