Manufacturing Execution System Modernization Operations and Enterprise IT Support

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains questions submitted by industry and the government's responses regarding the Request for Information (RFI) for the Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Modernization.

• Incumbent Vendor & Contract: Information regarding the incumbent vendor and contract number is available, but specific award value details are not provided.
• Data Handling: The contractor is responsible for data sanitization, IT asset inventory, and disposition of documentation related to the contract scope.
• Response Format: Cover pages and tables of contents will not count towards the 20-page RFI response limit.
• Current MES: The current MES uses Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) 12.2.12, hosted in Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) and on-premise, with a tech stack including web-based and local console components.
• Custom Modules: Details on custom modules supporting currency production and direct support processes are provided in Table 1.
• Modernization: The government is considering replacing the current MES environment with a modern MES platform and may consider replacing the ERP system as an optional task order.
• Future Roadmap: A broad idealization of future improvements and the future roadmap for the current MES can be provided.
• Data Collection: Barcode scanners/RFID and computer vision systems are used for data collection.
• Historical Data: Historical information such as staffing levels, GFE, service tickets, and change requests will not be provided in the RFP.
• MES Integration: The MES system is integrated with control systems and production equipment, with details available in the MES system architectural diagram.
• Data Visualization: Power BI and Tableau are used for data visualization.
• IT/OT Networks: Separate IT and OT networks are logically separated.
• System Environments: Three system environments (dev, test, and prod) are in use, with a standard release management process.
• Knowledge Management: An existing KM capability based on SharePoint/flat files needs modernization.
• AI/ML: The government has identified AI/ML use cases, and the contractor will support refinement and management.
• BI Platform: The government will provide BI platform licensing and hosting (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
• Availability Targets: The MES application uptime target is 99%+ (24x5), excluding federal holidays and planned downtime.
• SAFe: The agency is operating under the SAFe framework.

This document provides critical details about the current MES environment, future modernization plans, and specific technical and operational aspects that potential offerors need to consider when developing their responses to the RFI. It clarifies data handling, system architecture, and integration points, which will influence solution design and proposal content.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) for market research purposes, specifically to gather information and planning purposes related to the modernization, operations, and enterprise IT support of their Manufacturing Execution System (MES). This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, abstracts, or quotations. The BEP is seeking to sustain and modernize its Oracle Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) based MES solution, which supports currency production and direct support processes. The goal is to mature enterprise-wide IT governance, program management, data management, analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and business system capabilities.

The BEP requires contractor capabilities in:

• MES operations, maintenance, and optimization
• Enterprise IT Program Management Office (PMO) support
• Enterprise Architecture development
• Knowledge management modernization
• Technical and functional Operations and Maintenance (O&M)
• Enterprise data governance and performance management
• Data analytics and visualization
• AI and emerging technology integration
• Maximo, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and business systems enablement
• Transition-in and transition-out support

The BEP is considering outcome-based performance requirements and is seeking industry feedback on:

• Confirming feasibility of proposed outcomes.
• Recommending target levels, Acceptable Quality Levels (AQLs), and definitions.
• Identifying tooling/data sources for evidence production.
• Stating key assumptions and risks.

Draft outcome areas include Service Reliability & Support, Cybersecurity & Compliance, Program Governance & Reporting, Delivery Predictability & Release Quality, Data Governance & Data Quality, AI Governance & Responsible AI, Manufacturing IT/OT Integration & Modernization, Process Digitization & Modernization, and Optional ERP Replacement.

Respondents are requested to submit concise, actionable technical capabilities information to help BEP validate feasibility, define measurable outcomes, and select an acquisition approach. Minimum required information includes:

• Company overview (size, location, socioeconomic status, contract vehicles).

• Relevant experience in manufacturing ERP/MES sustainment and modernization.

• Experience with outcome-based delivery models (e.g., SAFe).

• Examples of producing measurable service outcomes (availability, incident response, patch compliance, etc.) and metrics used.

• Experience with IT/OT integration and onboarding new manufacturing equipment.

• Experience with enterprise data governance, data quality, and self-service analytics.

• Experience executing AI governance and delivery.

• Staffing and transition-in strategy.

• Key risks/assumptions and recommendations for improving outcome clarity and measurability.

• Questions Due: February 13, 2026, 5:00 PM EST

• Responses Due: February 27, 2026, 5:00 PM EST

• RFI responses shall not exceed 20 pages.

• Government will not respond to phone calls.

• Responses should be emailed to gladys.m.wilks@irs.gov.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for comprehensive operational support, maintenance, and continuous optimization of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing's (BEP) existing manufacturing and enterprise systems. The goal is to advance enterprise data governance, establish an AI governance and implementation program, and enhance connectivity across the organization, while embracing modern technologies for on-demand, cloud-hosted applications.

The contractor will provide support for the Manufacturing Execution System (MES) initiative, which is a comprehensive, technology-centric program focused on systems modernization and business transformation. Key areas of work include:

• Operational support, maintenance, and optimization of MES and Oracle OCI EBS environments.

• Advancing enterprise data governance and self-service analytics.

• Establishing an AI governance and implementation program.

• Enhancing horizontal and vertical connectivity.

• Utilizing SAFe Agile techniques for development cadence, including Epics, Features, and Stories.

• Developing, testing, and deploying integrations and enhancements.

• Providing support across multiple subtasks including:

  • Kick-off Orientation
  • Transition In
  • Enterprise IT Program Management Office
  • Enterprise Architecture
  • BEP Knowledge Management
  • Technical and Functional Operations and Maintenance
  • Enterprise Data Management/Enterprise Performance Management
  • Data Analytics
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Maximo Support
  • Manufacturing IT Enablement
  • Financial Management/Procurement
  • Business Systems Optimization
  • Engraving Agile Project Team
  • Quality Management
  • Supply Chain
  • Manufacturing and Manufacturing Support Business Process Digitization and Modernization
  • Optional: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System Replacement
  • Transition Out

• Performance-based requirements with acceptance criteria defined in the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

• Deliverables to be submitted in the format and repository designated by the Government.

• Review of deliverables within 5 business days for acceptance, conditional acceptance, or rejection.

• Operational metrics (e.g., availability, incident response, change success) to be provided with tool-based evidence.

• Monthly performance reporting including calculated metrics and explanations.

• Traceability from requirements to delivered functionality.

• One (1) 12-month base period and four (4) 12-month option periods, with an additional option to extend services for up to 6 months.

• Performance at Government facilities (Eastern Currency Facility and Western Currency Facility), with potential for telework.

• Contractor personnel must complete mandatory security and IT-specific training.

• Background investigations will be conducted.

• Adherence to BEP Security Manual 71-00.

• Government-furnished property (GFP) and information (GFI) will be provided.