Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) Request for Information (RFI) - R&D Hidden Machine-Readable Security Features - FY26

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is seeking information on novel emerging technologies and/or materials with potential application as hidden machine-readable counterfeit deterrent / authenticating features on future generations of U.S. currency. The proposed features should be difficult to discover, difficult to elucidate, readable by a highly discriminating standalone detection system, and resistant to simulation or duplication. Interested parties are requested to submit preliminary samples and a brief technical description. The BEP will review the submissions for inherent and relative effectiveness as a security feature and may further assess them for compatibility with design and production factors, durability, environmental acceptability, and other processing requirements. Some key points to consider include: • The proposed features should be novel and not otherwise in commercial use or the public domain. • The features should be difficult to discover on a banknote even by subject matter experts. • The features should be readable by a highly discriminating standalone detection system. • The features should be resistant to simulation or duplication, both in terms of material and response.