Research and Development, IDV
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), Office of Research and Development (R&D), intends to award a sole-source, Single-Award Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) Firm-Fixed Price contract to Leonhard Kurz Stiftung & Co. KG. This contract is for the continued research and development of overt security features in banknotes. This notice is not a request for competitive offers; information received will solely determine if a competitive procurement is feasible. Responses are due by July 24, 2026, at 4:00 PM EST.
Scope of Work
The primary focus is to continue the R&D effort for Distinctive Counterfeit Deterrents, building upon previous contracts (TEPD-15-1780 and 2031ZA20D00012). The work will progress through the Concept (Phase 1), Feasibility (Phase 2), Test and Optimize (Phase 3), and Technology Integration (Phase 4) phases of BEP's Technology Development Process (TDP). The ultimate goal is the technological development of an overt feature display that is activated mechanically.
Key requirements include continued R&D of proprietary security features, development of features for next-generation U.S. currency, prototyping and integration into a banknote environment, regular progress updates, and achieving proof of technology manufacturability on an industrial scale.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Single-Award IDIQ Firm-Fixed Price
- Intended Contractor: Leonhard Kurz Stiftung & Co. KG
- Ordering Period: Five (5) years
- Estimated Cost: $24,634,497
- Product/Service Code: AJ13 (General Science & Technology R&D Svcs; Experimental Development)
- Response Due: July 24, 2026, 4:00 PM EST
- Published Date: June 8, 2026
- Set-Aside: Not Applicable (Sole Source)
Evaluation
This is a Notice of Intent to Award Sole Source, not a solicitation. The justification cites FAR subpart 6.302-1(a)(2)(ii)(A) and (B), indicating Leonhard Kurz Stiftung & Co. KG is the only responsible source due to their unique technology and intellectual property. Information submitted by other sources will be considered only to determine if a competitive procurement is possible.
Additional Notes
BEP has conducted market research and found no other source with the required unique technology. This effort is a follow-on to previous contracts, aiming to maintain investment in the technology and ensure its exclusivity for U.S. currency. Interested sources must be registered and active in SAM.gov. Capability statements, comments, questions, or concerns must be submitted via email to falcon.albino@bep.gov and michael.riordan@bep.gov. The solicitation will not be posted.