Request for Information - Nickel-Plated Zinc 5-cent blanks.docx

Request for Information: Nickel-Plated Zinc 5-cent blanks

The Common Sense Act allows the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe a 5-cent coin with an inner layer of zinc and an outer layer of nickel, subject to testing and evaluation. This alternative composition must reduce the cost incurred to produce such a coin and to the greatest extent practicable, have a minimal adverse impact on machines designed to accept coins.

The United States Mint (USM) desires to identify qualified suppliers who can produce and deliver ready-to-strike (RTS) nickel-plated zinc blanks to meet the needs of the American public.

History Although the artistic designs of the nickel have changed, the coin’s physical attributes have remained virtually the same since 1866. At that time, post Civil War shortages and precious metal hoarding by the public paved the way for a new 5-cent coin made of 75% copper, 25% nickel and weighing 5 grams.

Blank and Coin Specifications Below is a table of relevant blank and corresponding coin specifications for genuine and alternative alloys. Please also see the appendix for additional details and the blank profile including the upset rim.

(21.01 mm)

0.835 inch (21.21 mm)

(21.21 mm)

(1.80 mm)

0.077 inch (1.95 mm)

(1.95 mm)

Requested Information Interested suppliers are asked to provide detailed information addressing the following areas:

Production Capabilities

· Ability to manufacture nickel‑plated zinc blanks that meet Mint dimensional and metallurgical specifications

· Current manufacturing location and capacity, including the ability to produce blanks at multiple locations (if applicable).

· Supply chain logistics including approximate lead times, estimated order frequencies and volumes that may be required of the USM and a description of reliability as it pertains to unforeseen supply chain interruptions

· Ability to acquire raw materials in accordance with the Buy America Act, the Trade Agreements Act, and any applicable Executive Orders. Additionally, the interested supplier’s ability to comply with federal regulations stating that no raw metals are procured from any source that is listed as a prohibited source under the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)

Plating & Surface Treatment

· Description of the interested supplier’s production and plating process for achieving uniform nickel coverage and appropriate adhesion which can withstand cold forged, metal coin stamping

· The addition of protective coatings or lubrication treatments that improve die life, tarnish resistance, and improve the shelf life of blanks

Quality Assurance

· Ability to provide blanks whose surface is free from visible cracks, porosity, roll marks, deep scratches, inclusions, and other visual defects

· Summary of in‑house or third‑party testing capabilities related to:

· Blank geometry and material properties

· Adhesion strength of nickel layer

· Protective layer thickness

· Tarnish‑resistance testing

· Surface analysis for lubricity

· Any relevant certifications, quality programs, or compliance standards

Test and Evaluation

· Ability to support small‑scale pilot testing (hundreds to thousands of pieces), progressively leading to pre-production trials (thousands to 1 million pieces), and subsequently large‑scale production validation (over 1 million pieces)

· Willingness to participate in Mint‑led testing at Philadelphia and Denver

Corporate Information

· Company overview, including general size, years in operation, and primary lines of business

· A description of company ownership including parent organizations and/or affiliates

· Prior experience with supplying similar plated blanks and/or coin-related materials

APPENDIX

Cross-Section of Nickel Blank Including Upset Profile image1.png image2.png