Nickel "S" Pellets
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 Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), under the Department of the Treasury, is soliciting proposals for Nickel "S" Pellets (99.95% purity) for its currency printing operations. This is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for a Firm Fixed-Price with Economic Price Adjustment (FFP EPA) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Quotes are due by February 9, 2026, at 3:30 PM ET.
Purpose & Scope
The BEP requires "S" Pellets (raw nickel material) for electrolytic plating processes at its Washington, D.C. (DCF) and Fort Worth, TX (WCF) facilities. These pellets are critical for electroplating currency printing plates to ensure high quality and prevent defects. The requirement includes adherence to stringent physical, chemical, and environmental, health, and safety (EHS) specifications.
Key Requirements
- Product: Nickel Anodes- Spherical Pellets (ENG1300), sulfur depolarized, 99.95% purity.
- Physical Specs: Spherical, 0.24-0.55 inch (6-14 mm) diameter, silvery white lustrous finish.
- Chemical Composition: Specific maximum percentages for Sulfur, Iron, Copper, and Carbon.
- Performance: Must perform satisfactorily for electroplating without causing defects.
- Packaging: Metal drum containers (approx. 308 lbs/140 kg), palletized, DOT compliant, with specific markings and barcode labels.
- Quality Assurance: Contractor must have a QA system and provide a Certificate of Conformance and Inspection/Test Reports.
- EHS Compliance: Mandatory adherence to BEP's EHS requirements for purchased materials, covering chemical management, air emissions, waste handling, and reporting.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: FFP EPA IDIQ.
- Period of Performance: Five (5) one-year ordering periods, starting approximately March 10, 2026, through March 9, 2031.
- Contract Minimum: $66,658.08 (guaranteed amount).
- Contract Maximum: Not to exceed $3,332,190.40 for all delivery orders.
- Delivery: Earliest delivery required within 15 calendar days after order issuance.
Submission & Evaluation
- Quote Due Date: February 9, 2026, 3:30 PM ET. No extensions.
- Questions Due: February 2, 2026, 3:30 PM ET. No extensions.
- Submission Method: Electronically to Susan.Delacruz@BEP.gov and Frederick.Porter@BEP.gov.
- Required Documents: Signed SF 1449, Certificate of Analysis (COA) for chemical composition, signed Amendments, and a full breakdown of costs in the Price Schedule.
- Evaluation: Award will be made on a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) basis, evaluating technical acceptability (Acceptable/Unacceptable) and price (fair and reasonable).
- Price Hold: Quotes must be held firm for 60 calendar days.
Eligibility
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
- NAICS Code: 331491 – Nonferrous Metal (except Copper and Aluminum) Rolling, Drawing and Extruding.
- Size Standard: 900 employees.
Contact Information
Inquiries must be submitted in writing to Susan Dela Cruz (susan.delacruz@bep.gov) and Frederick Porter (frederick.porter@bep.gov) by the questions due date.