Sole Source Justification (SSJ) for OIL1100 ISOSOLV LOW VOC Wipe Solvent, Used on the Cope Presses 55-Gal Drums

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), part of the Department of the Treasury, has published a Special Notice regarding a sole source justification for OIL1100 ISOSOLV LOW VOC Wipe Solvent used on COPE presses in 55-gallon drums. This notice relates to a procurement under NAICS code 325998 for miscellaneous chemical product manufacturing and PSC category 6810 for chemicals. The BEP has identified Ecolink, Inc., a small business, as the sole source vendor for this specialized low volatile organic compound solvent. The agency previously conducted extensive testing that revealed Ecolink's Isosolv solvent poses significantly lower health and safety risks compared to previously used acetone-based solvents that caused adverse employee health effects. The procurement is driven by regulatory compliance requirements, specifically District Department of Environment regulations mandating low VOC solvents for printing presses used in currency production.

The primary objective of this sole source justification is to ensure BEP can procure a safe, compliant cleaning solvent for its Currency Over Printing Equipment while protecting employee health and meeting environmental regulations. A Notice of Intent was posted on SAM.gov on July 16, 2025, with responses due by July 21, 2025, and the current Special Notice has a due date of August 5, 2025. Only one response was received during the initial solicitation period from NuGenTec Redefining Chemistry, but their product requires additional testing before it can be considered viable. The BEP emphasizes that only Ecolink can currently meet their specific needs for employee health protection and environmental regulation compliance. This sole source procurement is not set aside for any particular contractor category, and the justification is based on the unique technical requirements and proven safety performance of the Ecolink product.