SolicitationCoverLetterFINALTOBEPOSTED.doc

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20228

March 17, 2008

SUBJECT:

50% Sodium Hydroxide

SOLICITATION #:

BEP-08-0013

ISSUE DATE:

March 17, 2008

CLOSING DATE:

April 17, 2008 Prospective Offerors:

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing invites your firm to submit a proposal to provide 50% Sodium Hydroxide Solution in accordance with the requirements set forth in this solicitation. Your proposal shall be submitted in accordance with the instructions set forth in Section L of this solicitation. Offerors are urged to carefully read the specifications and Section L, entitled, "Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Offerors."

An original and one copy of your offer, signed by an official authorized to bind the offeror, shall be submitted not later than 2:00 p.m., local time, on April 17, 2008 to the following address:

Bureau of Engraving and Printing Office of Acquisition Materials and IT Contracts Division, Room 708-A Attn: Kathleen Reidy 14th and C Streets, SW

Washington, DC 20228-0001

Material samples are to be submitted separately from the proposal documents, however, these samples are considered part of each offeror's proposal and must be submitted in accordance with the instructions set forth in Section L-17 not later than 2:00 p.m., local time on April 17, 2008.

Offerors are reminded that the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) are due ten working days prior to the submittal of material samples or not later than April 7, 2008 (See provision L-(b)(12)). Material samples will not be evaluated without the receipt of the appropriate and complete MSDS.

This solicitation does not commit the Government to pay for costs incurred in the submission of a proposal or for any other costs incurred prior to the execution of a formal contract unless such costs are specifically authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer. Your attention is invited to the fact that the Contracting Officer is the only individual who can legally commit or obligate the Government to an expenditure of Government funds should a contract result by reason of a response to the solicitation.

Prospective offerors are cautioned against discussing the preparation of their proposal or technical questions with Government technical personnel. Discussions with Government technical personnel concerning the specification, the documents incorporated by reference, cost and pricing, or any technical matters are strictly forbidden. Verification of any such improper conduct may result in non-consideration of the offeror's proposal. Accordingly, all questions regarding this procurement should be directed to the undersigned at (202) 874-0133, via email at larry.mccain@bep.treas.gov or Ms Kathleen Reidy, Contract Specialist, at (202) 874-2539, via e-mail at kathleen.reidy@bep.treas.gov. Your interest and participation in this procurement would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely, /s/

Larry W. McCain Contracting Officer