Understanding the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP)
What is the BEP?
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is an agency within the U.S. Department of the Treasury responsible for designing, producing, and securing U.S. currency and financial documents. BEP is one of the world’s leading security printing agencies and plays a key role in preventing counterfeiting and ensuring the integrity of the U.S. dollar.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Currency Design and Production: Manufacturing Federal Reserve Notes with advanced security features.
- Security Printing: Producing government bonds, identification cards, and official certificates.
- Counterfeit Prevention: Researching and implementing anti-counterfeiting technologies.
- Quality Control and Authentication: Ensuring high standards for paper currency and government financial documents.
- Research & Development: Innovating with new materials, security features, and production techniques.
Mission and Goals
BEP’s mission is:
“To develop and produce U.S. currency notes that are trusted worldwide and incorporate the latest security features to prevent counterfeiting.”
BEP’s core objectives include:
- Enhancing currency security and durability.
- Maintaining strict quality control over production processes.
- Supporting the Federal Reserve and U.S. Treasury with secure printing services.
- Investing in state-of-the-art printing and anti-counterfeiting technologies.
BEP Organizational Structure
BEP operates two main production facilities:
- Washington, D.C. Facility – Primary site for research, engraving, and printing operations.
- Fort Worth, Texas Facility – A secondary production site increasing BEP’s operational capacity.
Key offices within BEP include:
- Office of Currency Manufacturing – Oversees the printing process and quality control.
- Office of Engraving and Security Design – Develops security features and banknote designs.
- Office of Research and Development – Innovates anti-counterfeiting technologies.
- Office of Security – Ensures physical and digital security of currency production.
- Office of Acquisition and Procurement – Manages contracting and supplier relationships.
BEP collaborates closely with the Federal Reserve, U.S. Secret Service, and Treasury Department to ensure the integrity of U.S. currency.
Advancing Your Career as a Contractor with BEP
Helpful Tips for IT Professionals and Consultants:
- Understand BEP’s High-Security Requirements: Contractors must comply with:
- Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)
- Treasury Security and Printing Standards
- Counterfeit Deterrence Laws
- Master BEP Procurement and Reporting Systems: Gain expertise in platforms such as:
- Treasury Acquisition Data System (TADS)
- FedConnect & SAM.gov (for contract opportunities)
- Prioritize Cybersecurity and Data Protection:
BEP requires strict compliance with FedRAMP, FISMA, and NIST security standards for handling sensitive financial data. - Effective Communication and Collaboration:
Contractors often work with currency designers, printing engineers, and financial security specialists. - Innovation in Printing and Anti-Counterfeiting Technologies:
Expertise in biometric security, blockchain for financial authentication, and advanced material sciences can be valuable. - Continuous Learning and Compliance Updates:
Stay informed on currency design trends, anti-counterfeiting research, and financial security regulations. - Networking and Collaboration:
Attend BEP Industry Days, Treasury procurement briefings, and security printing conferences. - Focus on High-Security, Precision-Based Solutions:
Ensure deliverables meet BEP’s strict quality and confidentiality standards. - Document and Share Knowledge:
Maintain detailed compliance records, audit reports, and technological innovation summaries for future contracting opportunities.