Research and Development for Counterfeit Deterrent Feature (s)

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) intends to issue an unrestricted solicitation for a contractor to furnish all facilities, labor, and materials to deliver an advanced micro optic array technology for use in protecting the next generation of US currency from counterfeiting threats and to provide the general public with a user friendly feature with which to quickly and confidently validate notes passed in common, everyday transactions.

It is anticipated that BEP may elect to award multiple contracts to several Offerors offering the greatest value to the Government. Interested offerors are encouraged to register in FedBizOpps for electronic notification of the solicitation, amendments, and/or changes to this notice.

A draft Statement of Objectives (SOO) is included for purposes of industry comment and questions. Please note all referenced documents are available upon written request. All written questions or comments shall be received via email by 2:00 pm on January 12, 2015 to the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer as designated in the following. It is anticipated the solicitation will be issued on or about February 2015.

Further, the Government anticipates the solicitation will allow for a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type contract award and therefore will require a Pre-award Accounting System Adequacy Check. Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA)'s Pre-award Accounting System Adequacy Checklist is included for purposes of reference for all interested offerors. This checklist is used for contractors new to government contracting that have cost reimbursement contracts, or for contractors that are receiving progress payments based on cost. The checklist assesses whether the requirements for an adequate accounting system have been met. The Government may consider documented evidence such as the following: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) audit within the last year who can provide a certificate that the accounting system can comply with the requirements for collecting and segregating costs and/or Evidence that a CPA is or will conduct a cost accounting system audit and certify compliance prior to award and/or Documentation/certification from the result of performance of a compliance audit conducted by external consultants/CPAs or internal auditors to meet this requirement.

Inquiries are to be addressed to Mr. Venton Lamont, Contract Specialist via email at venton.lamont@bep.gov and Ms. Kathleen Barton, Contracting Officer via email at kathleen.barton@bep.gov. Telephonic requests or requests for additional information will not be honored.

NOTHING HEREIN SHOULD BE MISUNDERSTOOD AS A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS, QUOTES OR BIDS.