Attachment_A-1_-_Dry_Offset_Ink_Specification_I-SDOC-3_-_26_April_12.pdf

I: SDOC-3

26 April 2012 Supersedes

I: SDOC-2

10 August 2007

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING

WASHINGTON, DC 20228

SPECIFICATION

FOR

INKS: SHEET-FED DRY OFFSET

1.0 SCOPE AND CLASSIFICATION

1.1 Scope. This specification establishes performance and acceptance requirements for sheet-fed dry offset inks. The inks shall be suitable for use in printing United States currency and other security documents on De La Rue Giori Super Simultan® 212 sheet-fed perfecting offset rotary presses at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s Washington, DC facility and Fort Worth, TX facility, hereinafter referred to as the “BEP.”

1.2 Classification. This specification covers one type and various colors of sheet-fed dry offset ink. This ink is also known as offset letterpress or letterset ink.

1.2.1 Ink Identification. The inks shall be identified by the BEP stock item numbers listed in Table I. Inks assigned a BEP stock item number with the letter “T” designated in the last character position shall be transparent in the near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Additional ink colors may be required and will be assigned BEP stock item numbers as needed.

TABLE I

SHEET-FED DRY OFFSET INK IDENTIFICATION

A. Sheet-Fed Dry Offset Currency Inks

BEP Stock Item Number Description 1I001344 Dry Offset Strong Blue 1I001356T Dry Offset Green 1I001357T Dry Offset Orange 1I001358 Dry Offset Dark Blue 1I001359T Dry Offset Purple 1I001360T Dry Offset Red 1I001380 Dry Offset Carrot 1I001381 Dry Offset Gold

Supersedes

BEP Stock Item Number Description 1I001382 Dry Offset Dark Crimson 1I001387T Dry Offset Lilac 1I001388 Dry Offset Gray 1I001389 Dry Offset Orchid 1I001390 Dry Offset Strong Yellow 1I001399 Dry Offset Cool Gray 1I001400 Dry Offset Eggplant 1I001402 Dry Offset Tan 1I001403 Dry Offset Lavender 1I001404 Dry Offset Azure 1I001405 Dry Offset Copper 1I001406 Dry Offset Indigo 1I001407 Dry Offset Cherry

B. Sheet-Fed Dry Offset Inks for Non-Currency Documents

BEP Stock Item Number Description 1I001348 Dry Offset Black 1I001371 Dry Offset Light Blue 1I001372 Dry Offset Light Red 1I001373 Dry Offset Medium Blue

2.0 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS. The issues of the documents are those in effect on the date of the solicitation.

2.1 Government Documents.

2.1.1 Specifications, Standards, and Handbooks. The following specifications, standards, and handbooks are part of this specification to the extent specified herein.

Federal Standards:

FED-STD-141 Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Materials; Methods of Inspection, Sampling and Testing.

(Federal specifications and standards may be obtained from the General Services Administration;

Federal Supply Service; Specification Section (3FP-E); 470 East L’Enfant Plaza, SW; Suite 8100;

Washington, DC 20407.)

Bureau of Engraving and Printing Specifications:

Supersedes

P: CDT4-1A Paper: Currency, Distinctive, Type IV P: CDT5-1A Paper: Currency, Distinctive, Type V I: ICWC-1D Ink: Cylinder-Wipe, Non-Heatset, Intaglio, Sheet-Fed, Currency

Inks and Varnish I: METINK-2A Inks: Cylinder-Wipe, Non-Heatset, Intaglio, Sheet-Fed

Currency, with a Metallic Appearance I: TCGB-1E Ink: Typographic, COPE Green I: CSI-1C Ink: Color Shifting, Cylinder-Wipe, Non-Heatset, Intaglio, Sheet-

Fed Currency L: VAB-1A Vendor Affixed Barcode Labels for Bureau of Engraving and

Printing Materials

(Single copies of BEP specifications are available from the Contracting Officer; Bureau of Engraving and Printing; Office of Procurement; 14th and C Streets, SW; Washington, DC 20228.)

2.1.2 Other Government Documents, Drawings, and Publications. The following other government documents, drawings, and publications form a part of this document to the extent specified herein.

Bureau of Engraving and Printing Test Methods:

SOP 200.004 Tack-O-Scope Operation STM 300.001 Crumple Test STM 300.002 Laundering Test STM 300.003 Chemical Resistance Tests STM 310.008 Determination of Metals in Printing Inks STM 320.015 Color Measurement Dry Offset Inks

(Single copies of BEP test methods are available from the Contracting Officer; Bureau of Engraving and Printing; Office of Procurement; 14th and C Streets, SW; Washington, DC 20228.)

Publications:

29 CFR 1910, Part 1200 – Hazard Communication Standard (Occupational Safety and Health Administration).

40 CFR 60 -- Appendix A – Test Methods.

40 CFR 261 -- Identification and Listing of Hazardous Waste.

40 CFR 720 -- Premanufacture Notification; Premanufacture Notice Requirements and Review Procedures.

40 CFR 761 -- Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs); Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce, and Use Prohibitions.

Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA), Title III:

40 CFR 355 – Requirements for Emergency Planning and Notification under CERCLA.

Supersedes

40 CFR 370 – Hazardous Chemical Reporting and Community Right to Know Requirements.

40 CFR 372 – Toxic Chemical Release Reporting.

42 United States Code 6901 et seq. and 6962 – See also General Provisions for USC 6901 and Federal Procurement for USC 6962.

Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, Section 112 – Air Toxics.

(The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) is for sale on a subscription basis by the Superintendent of Documents; U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, DC 20402. United States Codes (USCs) are available in bound volumes from the same source. Reprints of certain regulations may be obtained from the Federal agency responsible for their issuance.)

California's “Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act” of 1986 (Proposition 65)

(Request for copies should be addressed to the California Environmental Protection Agency; Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment; 301 Capitol Mall, Room 205; Sacramento, California 95814.)

District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR), Title 20, Air Quality Control Regulations

(Request for copies should be addressed to the District of Columbia Office of Documents and Administrative Issuances, Room 520; One Judiciary Square; 441 4th Street, NW; Washington, DC 20001.)

American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association, and the Water Environment Federation (APHA-AWWA-WEF). Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, Method 4500-CN for Total Cyanide.

(Request for copies should be addressed to the American Public Health Association; 800 I Street, NW;

Washington, DC 20001.)

2.2 Non-Government Publications. The following documents form a part of this specification to the extent specified herein.

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standards:

D 1316 Fineness of Grind of Printing Inks By the NPIRI Grindometer D 1729 Visual Appraisal of Colors and Color Differences of Diffusely-Illuminated

Opaque Materials D 2066 Relative Tinting Strength of Paste-Type Printing Ink Dispersions D 2244 Calculation of Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color

Coordinates D 2369 Volatile Content of Coatings D 3424 Evaluating the Relative Lightfastness and Weatherability of Printed Matter

Supersedes

D 3792 Water Content of Coatings by Direct Injection into a Gas Chromatograph E 308 Standard Practice for Computing the Colors of Objects by Using the CIE

System E 1164 Standard Practice for Obtaining Spectrometric Data for Object-Color

Evaluation G 155 Operating Xenon Arc Light Apparatus for Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials

(Request for copies should be addressed to the American Society for Testing and Materials; 1916 Race Street; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-1137.)

Annual Report on Carcinogens (latest edition)

(Request for copies should be addressed to the National Toxicology Program; Public Information Office;

P.O. Box 12233; Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709.)

National Motor Freight Classification Rules and Container Specifications

(Request for copies should be addressed to the American Trucking Association, Incorporated; 2200 Mill Road; Alexandria, Virginia 22314.)

Non-Government standards and publications are available from the organizations that prepare or distribute the documents. These documents may also be available from libraries or other information services.

2.3 Order of Precedence. In the event of a conflict between the text of this document and the references cited herein, the text of this document takes precedence.

However, nothing in this document supersedes applicable laws and regulations unless specific exemption has been obtained.

2.4 Internal References. All paragraph, section, and table references will be to paragraphs, sections, and tables of this specification unless stated otherwise.

3.0 REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Material. The material shall be sheet-fed dry offset ink. Certain colors of ink identified by the BEP shall be transparent in the near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum between 850 nanometers and 1100 nanometers, inclusive.

The inks shall be suitable for multi-color sheet-fed dry offset printing simultaneously on both sides of the security paper (perfecting).

The inks shall be compatible with the intaglio and typographic inks and printing processes used to print United States currency and other security documents. The inks for non-currency security documents shall be chemically compatible with non-currency security paper that is designed for chemical sensitivity (see paragraph 3.4.3.1). The

Supersedes inks shall meet the performance, occupational health and safety, environmental, and other requirements specified herein.

3.1.1 Recovered Materials. In accordance with the requirements of 42 United States Code 6901, et. seq., and 6962, the BEP encourages the use of the highest percentage of recovered materials practicable in the manufacture and delivery of the finished inks as specified herein, as long as all specification requirements are fulfilled.

3.2 Shelf Life. The inks shall not show any evidence of deterioration or change in properties that would render them unfit for their specified use when stored for periods not exceeding one year (365 days) from the date of manufacture.

3.3 Ink Requirements.

TABLE I

PHYSICAL PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS

Physical Property Control Limits

Inks used for

NXG $5, $10, $20, $50

notes and other non-currency documents

Inks used for NXG $100 notes

Viscosity, Pascal•second (Pa•s) ± 20% 4.2 – 6.3

5.0 – 7.5

4.16 – 6.24 (Azure, Indigo) Yield Value, Pascal (Pa) — ≤ 500 ≤ 700

Initial Tack, tack units (t.u.) ± 20% TBD TBD

Maximum Tack, tack units (t.u.) ± 20% 140 – 210

157 – 192 (Strong Yellow) 144 – 176 (Tan, Lavender, Azure) 189 – 231 (Copper)

161 – 197 (Indigo, Cherry) Fineness of Grind > 4 > 4 Set Time, seconds — > 200 > 220

3.3.1 Tack. The target values for the tack of the inks shall meet the printing performance and all other requirements of this specification. The control limit for tack shall be ±20% of the target value. The tack of the ink shall be measured as specified in paragraph 4.3.1.

3.3.2 Viscosity. The target values for the viscosity of the inks shall meet the printing performance and all other requirements of this specification. The control limit for viscosity shall be ±20% of the target value. The viscosity of the ink shall be measured as specified in paragraph 4.3.2.

3.3.3 Fineness of Grind. The target value for fineness of grind (FOG) of the inks shall meet the printing performance and all other requirements of this specification.

Supersedes

Pigments and other ink ingredients shall be uniformly dispersed in the finished ink. The ink shall be free from entrapped skin, agglomerates or foreign substances and have a smooth appearance absent of speckles when drawn down the paths of the grindometer.

The fineness of grind of the ink shall be such that the ink meets the printing performance and all other requirements of this specification when tested as specified in 4.3.3.

3.3.4 Color Match.

TABLE II

TARGET INK COLOR COORDINATES

BEP Stock

Item Number Color Target

L* L*

Tolerance Target a* a*

Tolerance Target b* b*

Tolerance 1I001344 Strong Blue 40.9 1.5 -5.2 0.6 -8.3 0.6 1I001348 Black 33.2 1.5 1.6 0.5 4.8 0.5 1I001356T Green 49.1 1.7 -11.5 0.5 7.8 0.5 1I001357T Orange 68.2 0.6 34.5 1.0 49.2 1.4 1I001358 Dark Blue 41.0 1.1 1.6 0.6 -29.1 0.5 1I001359T Purple 49.0 0.9 23.6 0.5 8.3 0.5 1I001360T Red 47.8 2.0 57.4 1.0 26.9 3.0 1I001371 Light Blue 78.8 0.6 -18.3 1.3 -4.2 1.7 1I001372 Light Red 77.2 1.0 22.8 0.8 21.6 0.5

1I001373 Medium Blue 69.4 1.5 -11.1 1.0 -15.1 2.4

1I001380 Carrot 52.1 1.1 35.2 0.7 48.2 1.2 1I001381 Gold 59.4 0.7 19.8 0.7 36.5 0.6

1I001382 Dark Crimson 36.6 1.1 38.8 1.5 17.8 1.4

1I001387T Lilac 35.8 1.4 4.7 0.5 -8.7 1.1 1I001388 Gray 38.5 5.0 0.8 0.5 -1.3 1.2 1I001389 Orchid 52.9 1.0 33.9 1.3 0.3 0.6

1I001390 Strong Yellow 67.8 0.8 5.4 0.2 72.4 2.5

1I001399 Cool Gray 45.3 1.0 -0.6 0.5 0.9 0.6 1I001400 Eggplant 27.1 1.1 23.7 1.1 -15.7 2.1 1I001402 Tan 39.2 1.1 9.6 0.6 19.4 1.2 1I001403 Lavender 38.5 0.7 15.7 0.5 -38.3 0.4 1I001404 Azure 38.5 1.0 3.7 1.5 -38.5 1.1 1I001405 Copper 40.7 0.3 23.4 0.4 27.1 0.9 1I001406 Indigo 29.7 0.5 9.4 0.5 -33.3 1.0 1I001407 Cherry 45.0 0.3 58.9 1.3 36.9 1.4

Supersedes

3.3.4.1 Instrumental Color Match. Table II lists the target values of L*, a*, and b* color coordinates for each offset ink, along with allowed tolerances for each coordinate.

Instrumentally evaluated color measurements taken in accordance with paragraph 4.3.4 shall be within the specified tolerance of the target value for each coordinate. The color of production ink batches shall be a spectral color match to that of the corresponding BEP approved formulation (reference) in a side by side comparison when drawn down on paper and analyzed in accordance with paragraph 4.3.4.

3.3.4.2 Broad Spectrum Match. Production ink batches should maintain a broad spectrum match when compared to the BEP reference standard at each wavelength sampled over the spectrum of 200 to 2200 nm. A spectral match is defined as possessing front-face panel reflectance values within tolerances to the BEP reference standard, where reflectance measurements are measured at intervals no greater than 10 nm over the spectral range of 200 to 2200 nm.

3.3.5 Tinctorial Strength. The tinctorial strength of the inks shall be within ±5% of the tinctorial strength of the corresponding BEP approved formulation (standard reference ink) when tested as specified in paragraph 4.3.5.

3.3.6 Lightfastness. The lightfastness of the ink after exposure to the light produced by a xenon-arc for a period up to 72 hours shall not be less than the lightfastness of the corresponding BEP approved formulation (standard reference ink) when tested as specified in paragraph 4.3.6.

3.3.7 Infrared Transparency.

3.3.7.1 Infrared Transparency (Currency). Certain colors of ink identified by the BEP shall be transparent in the near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum between 850 nanometers and 1100 nanometers (nm), inclusive. If infrared transparency is required, the ink shall have a minimum “I Value” of 50 when tested as specified in paragraph 4.3.7.1. The I Value is a measure of the infrared transparency of the offset ink compared to the BEP infrared-opaque green intaglio ink (BEP stock item 1I000286). The I Value is calculated using the following formula:

I Value = ((∆R@850nm) + (∆R@900nm) + (∆R@950nm) + (∆R@1000nm) + (∆R@1050nm) + (∆R@1100nm))/6 where ∆R is defined as the difference in diffuse reflectance percentages between the offset ink and the BEP infrared-opaque green intaglio ink.

3.3.7.2 Infrared Transparency (Other Security Documents). The inks shall be transparent in the near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum between 800

Supersedes nanometers and 1,000 nanometers (nm), inclusive when tested as specified in paragraph 4.3.7.2.

3.3.8 CIE 1976 L*a*b* (CIELAB) Uniform Color Space. The contractor shall provide L*a*b* results for each batch of dry offset ink delivered to the BEP when tested as specified in paragraph 4.3.4. The measurements of L*, a*,and b*, as well as results for ∆L*, ∆a*, ∆b*, and ∆E*ab color difference for each delivered batch as compared to the contractor’s corresponding BEP approved formulation (standard reference ink) shall also be reported. The inspection report shall include the batch number of the standard reference ink used for the color analysis.

3.3.9 Spectrometric Data for Color Evaluation. The contractor shall provide spectral data for each batch of ink and its corresponding standard reference ink in the form of a plot of percent reflectance (%R) against wavelength (nanometers, nm).

3.4 Printing Performance Requirements.

3.4.1 Ink Transfer and Stability. The inks shall transfer through the rollers of the press roller trains onto the plates and not ‘hang back’ in the ink fountain. The press rollers shall not require cleaning due to ink drying or accumulation for a period of up to five (5) 24-hour days consisting of three eight-hour shifts per day of continuous press operation. The inks shall stay open and not dry in the ink fountain or on the duct roller during normal operations or during press shutdowns of up to 24 hours. The inks shall stay open and not dry on the plates, blankets, or press rollers during normal operations or during press shutdowns of up to one hour.

The inks shall not attack or degrade the press rollers, plates, or blankets to the extent that damage or loss of service life occurs (see paragraph 3.4.7). The inks shall not sling and shall not mist, pile on the rollers, plates, or blankets or cause streaking on the rollers. The inks shall not cause hickies or linting of the security paper onto the rollers, plates, or blankets. The inks shall be capable of wet-on-wet trapping to achieve the desired color balance of the graphic design. The inks shall not cause a loss of color balance or ink contamination due to back-trapping. The inks shall achieve the target optical density values of the graphic design quickly after press startup and shall maintain color consistency during production runs.

3.4.2 Press Speed. The inks shall be capable of printing the graphic design at a press speed of 10,000 sheets per hour (see paragraph 6.1).

3.4.3 Print Quality. The inks shall be capable of printing graphic designs with quality that is equal to or superior to the BEP reference sheet at an on-press wet ink film thickness equivalent to the wet ink film thickness determined to produce the best print quality of the printed product. The print quality of sheets printed with the inks will be

Supersedes compared visually to the BEP reference sheet. The inks shall not cause an unacceptable level of dot gain as judged by the print quality. The inks shall not cause poor lay, i.e., a non-uniform ink film thickness of the printed ink film.

3.4.3.1 Chemical Sensitivity. Some non-currency security papers are designed to produce a visual reaction to the following classes of chemicals: ketones, esters, glycols, gasoline, mineral spirits, alcohols, chlorinated hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, acids, bases, bleaches. The inks for non-currency security documents shall be compatible with chemical sensitive security product paper such that the paper does not change color due to the ink to such an extent that the printed work is considered to be unacceptable by the BEP. The printed sheet will be compared visually to the BEP reference sheet.

3.4.4 Production Color Match. The image on security products printed with the inks shall be a visual match in color to the same image of the BEP reference sheet when viewed as specified in paragraph 4.3.8.

3.4.5 Abrasive Properties. The inks shall not contain ingredients that will cause premature roller, plate, or blanket wear. The occurrence of premature roller, plate, or blanket wear caused by the ink is unacceptable. The abrasivity of the ink shall not negatively affect the print quality.

3.4.6 Corrosion. The inks shall not corrode the press rollers, plates, or any mechanical part of the press to the extent that damage occurs.

3.4.7 Roller and Blanket Compatibility. The inks shall be compatible with the press rollers and blankets. The inks shall not soften, harden, swell, shrink, or deteriorate the press rollers or blankets to the extent that damage to the rollers, blankets or any mechanical part of the press occurs.

3.5 Printed Work Requirements.

3.5.1 Processing of Printed Sheets. Printed sheets shall be stackable immediately up to 10,000 sheets high without excessive set-off or blocking. Set-off is considered excessive when the ink transfers to adjacent sheets to such an extent that it is deemed to be unacceptable. Blocking is considered excessive when more force than normal is required to separate the printed sheets. The printed sheets shall be process-able, i.e., capable of subsequent intaglio printing 72 hours after offset printing.

Dry offset and intaglio back printed currency sheets should be processable, i.e., capable of subsequent intaglio face printing 72 hours after intaglio back printing.

The inks shall not flake and cause dust formation during the subsequent printing and processing of the printed sheets. The inks shall adhere to the paper and not “pick off”

Supersedes during subsequent intaglio printing and overprinting with the typographic overprinting ink. The inks should not inhibit or interfere with the curing of the intaglio inks and typographic inks used to print United States currency and other security documents.

3.5.2 Ink Adhesion (Crumple Test). The ink shall adhere to the security paper.

Ink loss on the printed security product shall not exceed acceptable levels at 7 to 10 days after final intaglio printing is completed and during the life of the security product when tested as specified in paragraph 4.3.9.

3.5.3 Ink Resistance to Laundering. The ink on the printed security product shall be resistant to ink loss, loss of clarity, and color changes when laundered. Ink resistance to laundering shall meet or exceed acceptable levels at 7 to 10 days after final intaglio printing is completed and during the life of the security product when tested as specified in paragraph 4.3.10.

3.5.4 Chemical Resistance. The ink on the printed security product shall exhibit chemical resistance when tested as specified in paragraph 4.3.11. The chemical resistance of the ink shall meet or exceed acceptable levels at 7 to 10 days after final intaglio printing is completed and during the life of the security product. The ink shall not be completely removed from the security product by any one of the nine chemicals used to test for chemical resistance.

3.5.5 Lightfastness. The ink shall be resistant to fading and color changes after exposure to the light produced by a xenon-arc for a period up to 72 hours. The lightfastness of the ink on the security product shall meet or exceed acceptable levels when tested as specified in paragraph 4.3.12. Ink that fades completely, i.e., disappears, is unacceptable.

3.5.6 Magnetic Properties. The inks shall not contain any ingredients that can be magnetized and therefore shall not exhibit a magnetic signal when tested using the equipment identified in paragraph 4.3.13.

3.6 Health and Safety Requirements in Handling, Printing, and Processing.

3.6.1 Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). The contractor shall comply with the regulations set forth in 29 CFR 1910.1200, the Hazard Communication (HazComm) Standard, which includes providing Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs). The BEP will not use any products without a BEP-approved MSDS. The BEP will not approve MSDSs that do not meet the provisions of the HazComm Standard.

3.6.2 Hazardous Substance Emissions. The inks shall not emit substances that are hazardous during storage, printing, and processing, such as during ink curing, intaglio printing, examination, trimming, overprinting, and storage of the printed sheets

Supersedes or finished security products. The inks shall not emit substances that are hazardous while in use or during the storage of full or partial containers. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) and its appendices define health hazards (Part 1200 (c)) and list sources to be used in establishing that certain substances at or above certain concentration levels are hazardous (Part 1200 (d) (3)).

3.6.3 Health and Safety. The BEP retains the right to reject any ink that causes an adverse effect upon its employees. Adverse effects include, but are not limited to, headache; eye, dermal, nasal, or throat irritation; nausea; and dizziness. The inks shall not contain any ingredients that are skin or respiratory sensitizers.

3.6.4 Lead and Chromium. Lead, chromium, and compounds containing lead or chromium shall not be used as ingredients in the inks. The total lead and chromium content shall be determined as specified in paragraph 4.3.14.

3.6.5 Cyanide. The inks shall not contain cyanide or any materials that may release cyanide while in use or during storage. Cyanide content shall be determined as specified in paragraph 4.3.15.

3.6.6 Carcinogens. The inks shall not contain any chemicals as ingredients that are known to cause cancer in humans. A chemical is considered to be a known human carcinogen if (1) it has been evaluated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and found to be a Group I carcinogen; (2) it is listed as a substance known to be carcinogenic in the Annual Report on Carcinogens (latest edition) published by the National Toxicology Program (NTP); or (3) it is regulated by OSHA as a carcinogen. Other chemicals listed by IARC or NTP are suspect carcinogens. The use of suspect carcinogens is undesirable and is strongly discouraged.

3.7 Environmental Requirements.

3.7.1 Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) Content. The VOC content of the inks shall be less than or equal to 30.0 percent by weight when tested as specified in paragraph 4.3.16.

3.7.2 Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs). The inks shall comply with the regulations set forth with the requirements in 40 CFR Part 761.30.

3.7.3 Identification and Listing of Hazardous Waste. The inks shall be non-hazardous and not contain ingredients in concentrations that are listed as hazardous in accordance with applicable sections of 40 CFR Part 261.

Supersedes

3.7.4 Premanufacture Notification. The contractor shall comply with the regulations set forth in 40 CFR Part 720 Premanufacture Notification. All suppliers, foreign and domestic, shall certify that the premanufacture notification requirements are met for ingredients used in manufacturing the ink.

3.7.5 Proposition 65. No substance listed by California's “Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986” (Proposition 65) shall be used as an ingredient in the manufacture of the product. If any substance is present in trace amounts as a natural contaminant, the contractor shall provide a list of such substances with their respective concentrations.

If the inks contain any chemicals recognized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and/or any of the individual States, as known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity, the supplier shall provide a list of the chemicals. The supplier shall also identify such chemicals as an ingredient or natural contaminant. The applicable citation shall be noted.

3.7.6 Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA). The contractor shall provide a list of the chemicals and their quantities in the inks that are reportable under the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, Title III.

3.7.7 Air Toxics. If the inks contain as an ingredient any of the chemicals regulated as Air Toxics by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, Section 112, the contractor shall provide a list of the names and quantities (concentrations) of any such chemicals. The inks shall not contain glycol ethers that are regulated as Air Toxics by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, Section 112, in excess of 1.0 percent by weight.

4.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE PROVISIONS

4.1 Product Conformance. The inks shall meet the requirements of this specification and conform to the contractor’s own specifications, standards, and quality assurance practices. The BEP reserves the right to require proof of such conformance.

4.1.1 Contractor Quality Assurance. The BEP shall rely on the contractors’ existing quality assurance system.

The BEP may conduct periodic site visits and quality audits of the facilities of the manufacturer or major first-tier subcontractors in cases where the contractor is a “broker” or “regular dealer.” Upon request by the BEP, the contractor shall provide a copy of their current quality assurance system document, e.g., quality assurance plan to the BEP. If the contractor is a “broker” or a “regular dealer” and not the manufacturer of supplies to be delivered under the terms of the contract, the BEP may request that the

Supersedes contractor provide a copy of the current quality assurance system document of its major first-tier subcontractors. The quality assurance system document will be used by the BEP as the basis for conducting the quality audit.

4.2 Inspection and Testing.

4.2.1 Responsibility for Inspection and Testing. Unless otherwise specified herein, in the contract, or in the purchase order, the contractor is responsible for the performance of all inspection and testing specified. Except as otherwise specified, the supplier may utilize his own facilities or any commercial laboratory. The BEP reserves the right to perform any inspection and testing that the BEP deems necessary to assure that supplies and services conform to specified requirements. This may include site visits and periodic quality audits at the facilities of the manufacturer.

4.2.2 Batch Samples. The contractor shall provide a sample of approximately 50 cubic centimeters of each batch or lot of ink supplied to the BEP. The samples shall be packaged in airtight metal cans and shall be appropriately labeled including the supplier’s name, product code, batch or lot number, and the date of manufacture. The overpack containing the samples shall be addressed to the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR). The batch or lot sample shall be delivered before or at the same time that the production ink is delivered to the BEP.

4.2.3 BEP Testing. The BEP will evaluate the inks on BEP equipment for conformance to the requirements of Sections 3.4 and 3.5 since these evaluations necessitate the use of BEP equipment.

4.3 Testing. Testing shall be performed in accordance with the following methods. Reference to specific instruments is for information only and subject to change. Use of a company and/or product name in this document does not imply approval or recommendation of the product in preference to others that may also be suitable. The BEP will work with the contractor to establish a correlation among various instruments when required.

4.3.1 Tack. Tack data shall be obtained using a Tack-O-Scope® (TEST-PRINT, Inc., Amsterdam, Holland), inkometer, or equivalent instrument in accordance with BEP SOP 200.004, Tack-O-Scope Operation. The test parameters used for the initial and maximum tack determination shall be recorded.

4.3.2 Viscosity. The viscosity shall be determined using a recording viscometer or rheometer with a cone and plate measuring system. The viscosity value will be measured using test settings that give optimal sensitivity for the material being tested.

Refer to paragraph 6.3 for additional test instrument information.

Supersedes

4.3.3 Fineness of Grind. The fineness of grind shall be determined in accordance with ASTM D1316.

4.3.4 Color Match. Test prints of the production ink and the BEP approved formulation (reference) shall be prepared as described in STM 320.015. A color match shall be defined as possessing L*a*b* values within tolerances to target values presented in Table II, where L*a*b* coordinates are derived from spectral sampling of the 400 to 700 nm wavelength range.

4.3.5 Tinctorial Strength. The relative tinting strength shall be determined in accordance with ASTM D2066, Test Method A.

4.3.6 Lightfastness. Test prints of the production ink and the BEP approved formulation (reference) shall be prepared on distinctive or non-distinctive currency or other security product paper (based on its intended use) with a Prüfbau printability tester or equivalent. The test prints shall be prepared to ±10% of the target optical density value for each ink color.

The optical density of the printed ink film will be measured with a reflection densitometer. The dried test prints shall be exposed to the light produced by a xenon-arc light-exposure apparatus for a period up to 72 hours following ASTM D3424, Test Method 3 and G 155, Operating Xenon Arc Light Apparatus for Exposure of Non- Metallic Materials using the Cycle 2 daylight exposure conditions in Table X3.1.

Visual appraisal of the color of the test print before and after exposure shall be performed in accordance with ASTM D1729. Instrumental measurement of the color difference of the test print before and after exposure shall be performed in accordance with ASTM D2244.

4.3.7 Infrared Transparency

4.3.7.1 Infrared Transparency (Currency). Test prints of the offset ink and the BEP infrared-opaque green intaglio ink (BEP stock item 1I000286) shall be prepared on distinctive or non-distinctive currency paper with a Prüfbau printability tester or equivalent. The optical density of the printed ink film will be measured with a reflection densitometer.

The diffuse reflectance percentages of the offset ink and the infrared-opaque green intaglio ink shall be determined at the following wavelengths using a spectrophotometer equipped with an integrating sphere: 850nm, 900nm, 950nm, 1000nm, 1050nm, and 1100nm. A background scan shall be performed with a blank piece of the paper in the

Supersedes spectrophotometer sample chamber to establish a background reference prior to scanning the dried test prints.

After the background check is completed, the test print of the infrared-opaque green intaglio ink shall be scanned followed by the test print of the offset ink. The difference in diffuse reflectance percentages (∆R) between the offset ink and the infrared-opaque green intaglio ink shall be calculated at each specified wavelength. See paragraph 6.2 for additional test equipment information.

4.3.7.2 Infrared Transparency (Other Security Documents). Test prints of the offset ink shall be prepared on non-currency security paper or other paper with similar reflectance properties with a Prüfbau printability tester or equivalent. The optical density of the printed ink film will be measured with a reflection densitometer. A background scan of the paper shall be performed to establish a background reference.

After completing the background check, the test print shall be scanned. The reflectance values of the solid printed stripe shall be above 90% between 800 and 1000 nanometers. See paragraph 6.2 for additional information.

4.3.8 Production Color Match. The image on currency printed with the inks shall be a visual match in color to the same image of the BEP reference sheet when viewed under illuminant D65 and cool white fluorescent light in accordance with ASTM D1729.

4.3.9 Ink Adhesion (Crumple Test). The ink adhesion test shall be performed in accordance with STM 300.001.

4.3.10 Resistance to Laundering. The laundering test shall be performed in accordance with STM 300.002.

4.3.11 Chemical Resistance. The chemical resistance tests shall be performed in accordance with STM 300.003.

4.3.12 Lightfastness (Printed Security Product). The printed security product shall be exposed to the light produced by a xenon-arc light-exposure apparatus for a period up to 72 hours following ASTM D3424 and G 155, Operating Xenon Arc Light Apparatus for Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials using the Cycle 2 daylight exposure conditions in Table X3.1. Visual appraisal of the printed security product before and after exposure shall be performed in accordance with ASTM D1729.

4.3.13 Magnetic Properties. The BEP will evaluate the magnetic signal of currency notes with automated currency verification equipment. Inks for other security products will be evaluated for the presence of magnetic properties by the use of a vibrating sample magnetometer.

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4.3.14 Lead and Chromium. The total lead and chromium concentration in the ink shall be determined in accordance with STM 310.008.

4.3.15 Cyanide Content. The total cyanide concentration shall be determined in accordance with Method 4500-CN of the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater by the American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association, and the Water Environment Federation.

4.3.16 Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) Content. The volatile organic compounds content of the ink shall be determined as the difference between the total volatile content (determined in accordance with ASTM D2369, Procedure B) and the water content (determined in accordance with ASTM D3792).

4.4 Inspection.

4.4.1 Weight. Examination for weight shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions for inspection in Federal Standard No. 141, Method 1022. Any container of ink containing less ink than is marked on the container shall be considered discrepant.

4.4.2 Preparation for Delivery. Inspection of preparation for delivery shall be completed in accordance with Federal Standard No. 141, Method 1022. Inspection shall be covered by the requirements of Section 5.

4.5 Contractor Documentation.

4.5.1 Contractor Certifications and Reports. The contractor shall certify in writing that the ink supplied in each delivery conforms to all the performance requirements including health, safety, and environmental as set forth in this specification. The signed and dated certification shall include a statement of the recovered materials content. This certification of conformance shall accompany the report of contractor inspections and tests. The certification of conformance should include the BEP stock item number, batch or lot number, and the purchase order number.

The report of contractor inspections and tests shall contain the results of testing for tack, viscosity, yield value, fineness of grind, and set time. The control chart shall include CIE 1976 L*a*b*, ∆L*, ∆a*, ∆b*, and ∆E*ab color difference, instrumental color strength difference, and spectral data in the form of a table of wavelength (nanometers,

nm) and measured quantity (percent transmittance (%T) or percent reflectance (%R)) for the sample and its corresponding standard reference ink. The contractor may include any other control variables that they have identified as necessary to ensure the quality and uniformity of the ink. The target values and control limits established by the

Supersedes contractor for the ink properties used to control the quality of the inks shall be included in the contractor report of inspections and tests.

The contractor shall furnish the certification of conformance and reports showing the results of inspections and tests performed on each batch or lot to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The results of inspections and tests shall be provided in electronic form (Microsoft® Office compatible) along with a hard copy.

4.5.2 Control Chart. Each calendar quarter, the contractor shall provide a control chart of each of the following control variables: tack, viscosity, and yield value. The control variables are characteristics or properties of the ink. The control chart is a plot of the control variable of each lot or batch of ink plotted sequentially by the date of manufacture and shall contain the contractor’s specification control limits for the characteristic or property. The contractor shall furnish the control chart of each control variable to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) on a quarterly basis. The control charts shall be provided to the COR in electronic form (Microsoft® Office compatible).

4.5.3 Test Prints. The contractor shall supply a color measurement test print for each batch of the production ink, produced as described in STM 320.015. The test print shall be a representative print of the production ink batch and the BEP approved formulation (standard reference ink). The supplied test print shall be prepared at the same time and under the same conditions as the test print used to obtain the color data for that batch of ink. The test prints shall be appropriately labeled to include the supplier’s name, formula number, BEP stock item number, batch or lot number, and the date of manufacture. The test print shall be delivered before or at the same time that the production ink is delivered to the BEP.

4.5.4 BEP Approved Formulation (Standard Reference Ink) Samples. The contractor shall supply samples of each BEP approved formulation (standard reference ink) currently being manufactured when a contract has been awarded. The contractor shall not change the reference ink without prior testing and approval of the BEP. The samples shall be replaced with fresh samples whenever the contractor switches to a new standard reference batch of any of the dry offset inks currently supplied to the BEP.

5.0 PREPARATION FOR DELIVERY

5.1 Packaging and Packing. The packaging and packing shall conform to Department of Transportation Rules and Regulations and to the applicable requirements of the National Motor Freight Classification Rules and Container Specifications.

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5.1.1 Container Packaging. The ink shall be packaged in clean, open-head plastic pails. Each pail shall contain 18 pounds (8.1 kilograms) of ink. The surface of the inks shall be covered with a top liner. The top liner shall be compatible with the ink and minimize or prevent the ink from polymerizing or skinning. The pail shall have a handle and be tightly sealed with a plastic lid. The pails shall be easy to open and reseal at press side. The contractor may propose alternative container packaging for BEP approval.

5.1.2 Pail Marking. Each pail of ink shall be appropriately labeled with the description of the material, e.g., Dry Offset Strong Blue; contractor formula number;

batch or lot number; date of manufacture; net weight; BEP purchase order number; BEP stock item number; and the contractor’s name, address, and telephone number.

5.1.2.1 Hazard Warning Labels. Each pail shall be labeled in accordance with applicable Department of Transportation rules and regulations and with the information required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200 (f). This labeling shall include the name and address of the manufacturer, the identity of the hazardous materials, and the appropriate hazard warnings.

5.1.2.2 Barcode Label. Each pail shall be marked with the information listed in Table II.

TABLE III

BARCODE INFORMATION

Specification Category Label Information Offset Product Processing Accountability OPPAR Color Code*, lot number, Record (OPPAR) date manufactured Color * PPAR Color Code Strong Blue BLUE Black BLAK Regular Yellow YELL Green GREN Orange ORAN Dark Blue DKBL Purple PURP Red RED Light Blue LTBL Light Red LTRD Medium Blue MBLU Carrot CARR Gold GOLD Dark Crimson DCRM Lilac LILC Gray GRAY Orchid ORCH

Supersedes

Strong Yellow STYL Cool Gray CGRY Eggplant EGGP Tan TAN Lavender LAVR Azure AZUR Copper COPR Indigo INDG Cherry CHRY

OPPAR Barcode Information Example:

BLUEX207817X082406 (PPAR Color Code X Lot Number X Date Manufactured)

The PPAR Color Code, ink lot number, and manufacture date (MMDDYY) are separated by an “X” character with no blank spaces.

5.1.2.3 Expiration Date Label. Each pail of ink shall have a separate label indicating the expiration date of the batch of ink packaged in the pail.

5.1.2.4 Combined Labeling. The information required in paragraphs 5.1.2, 5.1.2.1, and 5.1.2.2 may be combined into one or more labels as long as all information and requirements of these paragraphs are met.

6.0 NOTES

6.1 Press Speed. The maximum operating printing speed of the De La Rue Giori Super Simultan® 212 sheet-fed perfecting offset rotary printing press is 10,000 sheets per hour.

6.2 Infrared Transparency Measurement. The BEP uses a Perkin Elmer Lambda 900 UV/VIS/NIR spectrophotometer with a 150 mm integrating sphere operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. However, the use of a particular make and model is subject to change. The BEP uses the settings on the spectrophotometer that give optimal sensitivity for the ink being tested. Typically, the BEP test parameters include:

Instrument Scan Page Line Setting 1 – Ord/Absc Mode %R 3 – Scan Speed 240 nm/minute 4 – Response 1 second 8 – Recorder serial dash 10 – Absc min/max 400/1400 11 – Abscissa Format 100 nm/centimeter 12 – Printer grid/scale

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6.3 Viscosity and Yield Value Measurement. The BEP uses a Haake Rheostress 1 Rheometer operated in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

However, the use of this particular brand name and model is subject to change. Typical BEP test settings are: shear rate 300 s-1, 3 minute ramp time, temperature 50° C, and 25 millimeter (1° angle) cone.

6.4 Definitions. Certain words and phrases are frequently used in this specification. The following definitions will apply:

6.4.1 “Shall,” the emphatic form of the verb, is used whenever a requirement is intended to express a provision that is binding.

6.4.2 “Will” is intended to express a declaration of purpose on the part of the Government. It may also be used to indicate simple futurity.

6.4.3 “Should” is used whenever a non-mandatory characteristic is judged to be desirable for the material. As such, this characteristic may be graded during the evaluation of the material in order to assist in the selection of the best-qualified material.