Sources Sought Notice Number 2031ZA24N00007.docx

SOURCES SOUGHT

Type of Notice: Sources Sought Notice Number: 2031ZA24N00007 Short description of supply or service: Distinctive currency paper, Non-Distinctive banknote paper, and test paper samples to support the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) manufacture of U.S. Currency.

Paper and other Security Paper PCS or FSC Code: 9310 NAICS Code: 322121 Paper (except Newsprint) Mills Recovery and Reinvestment Act Action: No Primary Point of Contact:

Crystal Fleming Contract Specialist Office of Acquisitions (OA) Washington, D.C. 20228 Email: Crystal.Fleming@BEP.gov

Secondary Point of Contact (optional):

Wesley Rankins Contracting Officer Bureau of Engraving and Printing Office of Acquisition Email: Wesley.Rankins@BEP.gov

Description: PLEASE READ ENTIRE NOTICE.

This is a Sources Sought notice (hereinafter Notice). This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, request for bids or quotations, nor, a promise to issue a solicitation in the future. The purpose of this Notice is to obtain information regarding the availability and capability of all qualified sources to perform a potential requirement. Responses to this Notice will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method and determining interest and capability of potential vendors for this type of requirement.

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) has interest in and is seeking information regarding the capability to supply paper suitable as distinctive currency paper, non-distinctive banknote paper, and test paper samples.. There are presently four types, or specifications, each for distinctive currency paper and non-distinctive banknote paper. Respondents are to understand that the paper to be manufactured and supplied is a blend of cotton and linen fibers with each sheet, depending on the specification, possibly containing features such as windowed threads, embedded threads, security stripes, and watermarks.

Response to this Notice should at a minimum include the following:

1. The Sources Sought number;

2. Information regarding capabilities for planning purposes;

3. Respondent's DUNS number, organization name, address, point of contact, and size and type of business (e.g., 8(a), HUBZone, etc.); pursuant to the applicable NAICS code; and

4. Respondent's technical and administrative points of contact, including names, titles, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail addresses;

5. Literature demonstrating the Respondents capability to supply distinctive currency paper and non-distinctive banknote paper, and test paper samples ;

6. Information on how many products/systems have been delivered and a reference list of customers currently using these products/systems for similar applications; and

7. A statement of whether the Respondents capability to supply distinctive and non-distinctive currency paper and various other security papers meets the definition of a commercial item in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 2.101.

8. Respondent shall complete the attached Market Survey and return with their response.

The point of contact for this Notice is: Crystal Fleming, Contract Specialist via email at crystal.fleming@bep.gov. Email responses to this Notice shall be sent to the attention of individual listed above. Due date for responses are no later than stated open response period.

Thereafter the BEP anticipates issuing a full and open indefinite delivery type solicitation, which incorporates the responses to the industry questions, comments, and concerns, to be issued on or about TBD. Offerors will be required to submit material samples of production ready material for BEP testing and evaluation with their proposals. BEP tentatively anticipates a period of performance for 5 (five) years. BEP is interested in developing an alternate source if capable alternative source(s) is (are) identified that can submit a proposal including a material sample for at least any of the following: distinctive currency paper and non-distinctive banknote paper.

Interested suppliers are advised that Public Law 100-440, Title VI 617(a) requires that a contract for the manufacture of distinctive currency paper for United States (U.S.) currency may not be awarded to any corporation or entity owned or controlled by persons who are not citizens of the U.S., nor may distinctive paper for U.S. currency be manufactured outside of the U.S. For purposes of award of a contract, a corporation or other entity is presumed to be owned or controlled by citizens of the U.S. when domestic ownership or control constitutes at least 90%.

This Notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. All costs associated with responding to this Notice are solely at the responding party's expense. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Further, the Government may contact the vendor for additional information regarding the information submitted as part of this market research effort. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization’s qualifications to perform the work. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After a review of the responses received, a pre-solicitation synopsis and solicitation may be published in Federal Business Opportunities. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation.

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 acquisition alternative as a result of this notice. Responses to the notice will not be returned. Not responding to this notice does not preclude participation in any future solicitation if one is issued.

No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s). If so, respondents are solely responsible for properly marking and identifying such information within their response.

Place of Contract Performance: Contractor’s site (or otherwise approved location)