Currency Inks
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Department of the Treasury, Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) has issued a Sources Sought notice to identify capable sources for offset, intaglio, and letterpress inks used in the printing of Federal Reserve Notes. This is a market research effort, not a solicitation, to determine industry capability and the appropriate acquisition method. Responses are due by March 11, 2026.
Scope of Work
The BEP is seeking information on the capability to supply various currency inks, including:
- Offset inks (multiple types for most denominations)
- Intaglio inks (multiple green opaque/transparent, magnetic/non-magnetic black)
- Letterpress inks
All supplied inks must meet specific requirements. Specifications are available upon written request with a letter of intent, potentially requiring a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). The BEP reserves the right to deny specification requests.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Anticipated Period of Performance: Tentatively 5 years
- NAICS Code: 325910 - Printing Ink Manufacturing
- Set-Aside: None specified (BEP is interested in developing alternate sources)
- Response Due: March 11, 2026, 8:00 PM ET
- Published: February 24, 2026
Submission & Evaluation
Respondents must provide:
- Sources Sought number
- Capability information for planning purposes
- DUNS number, organization name, address, point of contact, and business size/type
- Technical and administrative points of contact
- Literature demonstrating capability to supply specified ink types, including test ink samples
- Information on product delivery volume and a customer reference list
- A statement on whether the capability meets the definition of a commercial product per FAR 2.101
- GSA Schedule number, if applicable
- Acceptable contract lengths (60-120 months)
Responses will be used for acquisition strategy determination and are not offers. Costs associated with responding are solely at the respondent's expense. Proprietary information should be clearly marked.
Additional Notes
This notice is for planning purposes only and does not guarantee a future solicitation. Information received will be safeguarded.