Covert Security Features - (Request for Information)

Obtaining, testing, and evaluating technologies and/or materials with potential application in covert, visual authentication features on future generations of U.S. currency. Technologies offered should provide effective counterfeit deterrence against all types of threats including traditional printing as well as digital reproduction. Proposed counterfeit deterrent features may be incorporated into the banknote (inks, substrate) or applied to the note, and should not require the use of any external device for verification. An effective covert feature should be extremely difficult to simulate or duplicate but should be easy to authenticate. Technologies and/or materials submitted for consideration will be reviewed for inherent and relative effectiveness as a security feature, and may be further assessed for compatibility with design and production factors, durability, environmental acceptability, and other processing requirements. The Bureau will only consider technologies, materials, and detection systems for which at least laboratory feasibility has already been demonstrated (i.e. concept proven, lab prototypes or samples available).