Accelerated Distribution Support for 2026 Semi Quincentennial Circulating Coin Initiative

1. Notice

This Request for Information (RFI) is issued for market research purposes only. This RFI does not constitute a solicitation, Request for Proposal (RFP), or commitment to award a contract or agreement of any kind.

Responses are voluntary. The Government will not reimburse any costs associated with preparation or submission of a response.

Information obtained through this RFI may be used to refine acquisition strategy, assess industry capability, and evaluate potential alternate distribution approaches.

2. Background

The U.S. Mint authorized the production of standard circulating legal tender coins commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States (Semiquincentennial). These coins are intended for general circulation and transactional use.

Under traditional distribution, coins are produced and supplied through the Federal Reserve System to depository institutions and subsequently enter commerce through standard banking and retail channels.

Due to reduced coin demand through traditional banking channels, there is interest in assessing alternative commercial distribution mechanisms capable of accelerating circulation and increasing geographic availability within the current calendar year.

3. Objective

The objective of this RFI is to determine whether qualified commercial entities possess the capability and infrastructure to support accelerated distribution of circulating anniversary coins into active commerce nationwide.

The U.S. Mint seeks information on distribution models that:

• Increase circulation velocity
• Expand geographic reach
• Maintain coin integrity and legal tender status
• Preserve public trust and equitable access

4. Scope of Interest

The U.S. Mint is seeking responses from entities that:

• Operate high-volume retail transaction networks
• Manage national or regional coin handling operations
• Provide armored carrier or cash logistics services
• Operate coin-operated equipment networks
• Serve cash-intensive industries
• Maintain national vending or point-of-sale networks

Respondents may propose one or more distribution models capable of injecting circulating coinage into daily commercial transactions.

5. Information Requested

Respondents are requested to provide the following:

A. Corporate Information

• Legal entity name
• Business size classification
• Headquarters location
• Description of core business operations
• Relevant experience in coin or currency handling

B. Distribution Capability

• Annual volume of coin processed (by denomination, if applicable)
• Number of retail or transaction locations

• Geographic coverage (states/regions served)
• Average monthly coin throughput
• Ability to distribute new coin inventory within 30–60 days

C. Operational Infrastructure

• Coin handling and storage procedures

• Security and custody controls
• Inventory management systems
• Reporting capabilities (frequency and format)
• Traceability mechanisms (if available)

D. Implementation Approach

• Proposed method to inject anniversary coins into active circulation
• Estimated monthly distribution volume
• Timeline to operational readiness
• Required coordination with existing banking channels (if any)

E. Risk Management

• Controls to ensure equitable public access
• Mitigation of hoarding or bulk diversion
• Anti-counterfeit safeguards
• Reputational risk considerations

F. Data & Reporting

• Ability to provide distribution metrics by region
• Reporting cadence
• Capability to measure circulation velocity

6. Review Considerations

Responses will be reviewed for informational purposes based on:

• Demonstrated coin handling capacity
• National or regional distribution footprint
• Scalability within the calendar year
• Operational readiness
• Risk mitigation and internal controls
• Data transparency and reporting capability

7. Submission Instructions

• Responses shall be submitted electronically in PDF format.
• Questions Due: Questions may be submitted anytime and will be answered as they are received.
• Responses Due: Responses are accepted on a rolling basis through the end of 2026.
• Page Limit: No limit
• Submission Email: Devin.Thomas@usmint.treas.gov; Colleen.Grinnell@usmint.treas.gov
• Responses should be clear, concise, and limited to information requested

8. Disclaimer

This RFI is issued solely for planning and market research purposes. It does not obligate the U.S. Mint to issue a solicitation or award any agreement.

The U.S. Mint reserves the right to:

• Use information received to inform acquisition planning
• Conduct follow-up communications
• Issue competitive solicitation
• Take no further action