The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is a government agency within the United States Department of the Treasury that is responsible for the printing of paper currency and security documents. Founded in 1862, the BEP designs and produces US currency and other important government documents, such as passports and visas. The facility, located in Washington, D.C., prints billions of dollars each year. The BEP’s primary function is to prevent counterfeiting and maintain the integrity of the US currency. By incorporating advanced security features into each bill, such as watermarks and color-shifting ink, the BEP ensures that US currency is authentic and difficult to replicate. The BEP is also responsible for the destruction of unfit currency, protecting against the possibility of counterfeit bills entering circulation. The facility features a public tour, which allows visitors to see the printing and engraving process of US currency. Additionally, the BEP runs a gift shop where visitors can purchase uncut sheets of paper currency and other BEP memorabilia. Overall, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing plays a critical role in maintaining the economic stability of the United States by producing and protecting the currency used to facilitate monetary transactions.