The Department of the Treasury's Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) manufactures US Currency notes. There are two locations (1) Washington, DC and (2) Fort Worth, Texas. The BEP is currently working on the development of a raised tactile feature for currency denomination as part of a "meaningful access" program. As part of obtaining feedback on the usability of raised tactile features being developed by the BEP to assist blind and visually impaired persons in denominating U.S. Paper currency, the BEP has a need for a standardized acuity study protocol, developed and tested by Subject Matter Expert(s) (SMEs), that the BEP can utilize during interactions with blind and visually impaired persons at conferences, conventions and meetings. A raised tactile feature is an integral part of a multi-faceted approach to providing blind and visually impaired persons meaningful access to U. S. paper currency, as approved by the Secretary of the Treasury.

The BEP has a current requirement for an acuity study protocol development. The purpose of the acquisition of a protocol for conducting abbreviated acuity feedback sessions is to enhance the scientific credibility of qualitative and semi-quantitative usability information collected by the BEP from blind and visually impaired persons at various conventions, conferences and meetings. The individuals from whom the information is collected volunteer to give feedback on raised tactile features being developed by the BEP as part of an effort to provide a means of denominating U. S. paper currency.

The BEP intends to award a sole source FAR part 12 fixed price contract to the University of Oregon for this activity. The BEP posted a Request for Information (RFI) No. BEP-RFI-12-0002 seeking SMEs capable of providing and developing protocols for acuity studies. The University of Oregon was a respondent to this RFI. The BEP determined that it was in the best interest of the Government to proceed with a sole source FAR part 12 fixed priced contract with University of Oregon. The University of Oregon is uniquely qualified as an SME in the development and administration of acuity/perception studies involving blind and visually impaired persons. University of Oregon has faculty with an extensively-demonstrated area of expertise is in the development and evaluation of symbology and textures for tactile navigation maps for the blind. The BEP concludes that it is in the best interest of the government to engage the University of Oregon in the development of an acuity study protocol that will be used to obtain meaningful feedback regarding potential raised tactile features currently under development.

If your company is able to provide this service to the BEP please contact Kathleen Reidy, Contract Specialist, at [email protected]. This notice closes on Wednesday May 16, 2012 at 2 PM EST.

 

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