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Print Order Form 2511 Instructions

U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE, 732 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC 20401-0001 | 202.512.1800

Department or Government Establishment 

Name of the department, government agency, or 

establishment originating the 2511.

Requisition No.

This number is assigned by the ordering agency 

on the SF-1 each fiscal year for the program. It 

is formatted with a single digit for the fiscal year 

and then a hyphen and five digits to follow (e.g., 

9-00001). Enter the Requisition number for the

current fiscal year used for this Program. (TL) This

is a required field.

Jacket No. 

The Jacket No. is assigned by GPO when the 

SF-1 is received for each fiscal year. A new Jacket 

number will be assigned at the beginning of the 

fiscal year upon receipt of the new SF-1. The 

Jacket number and the Requisition number must 

be from the same fiscal year. (TL) This is a required 

field.

Program No. 

Enter the Program number of the contract under 

which the product is being ordered. (TL) This is a 

required field.

Print Order No. 

Enter the 5-digit Print Order number from the 

series assigned by GPO. Print Orders should be 

numbered consecutively. Do not repeat numbers, 

even if an order is cancelled. (TL) This is a required 

field. 

Publication Title 

Enter the full title of the product. It is recommended 

to not use generalized descriptions.

Date Prepared

Enter the date on which the 2511 is prepared for 

GPO and the contractor.

Estimate (For GPO Use Only) 

Leave this space blank. This is for GPO use only.

Object Class 

Enter the Object Class Code assigned by GPO. 

(TL)

Contractor 

Enter the name of the contractor who was 

awarded this contract. (TL)

Purchase Order No. 

Enter the Purchase Order number assigned 

by GPO at time of award. The Purchase Order 

number will stay the same throughout the term of 

the contract, including any option years. (TL) This 

is a required field.

State Code 

Enter the contractor’s 3-digit State Code assigned 

by GPO. (TL) This is a required field.

Contractor’s Code 

Enter the 5-digit Contractor’s Code assigned by 

GPO. (TL) This is a required field.

Ship/Delivery Date 

The ship/delivery date must be in accordance with 

the contract specifications. 

Billing Address Code (BAC) 

A unique identifier assigned by the GPO. The BAC 

identifies the particular agency and is assigned 

to a single ALC. The BAC number also provides 

information regarding the method of payment

(IPAC, Check, Credit Card or Deposit Account).

Enter the 6-digit BAC that was indicated on the

Requisition. This is a required field. (TL)

Agency Location Code (ALC)

Enter the 8-digit ALC for sending payments

through the U.S. Treasury’s Intergovernmental

Payment and Collections (IPAC) system. The

number is an identifier assigned by Treasury for

reporting purposes. The first 2 digits of the 8-digit

ALC identify the department or agency, the third

and fourth digits identify the particular bureau

within the department, and the remaining 4 digits

identify the particular agency account section

within that bureau.

Appropriation Chargeable

Funding reference information. If required by the

ordering agency, enter the appropriation symbol

number, expenditure account, allotment, object

classification, bureau control number, etc. and/or

state whether publication is required by specific

provision of law, authorized by OMB, etc.

Pay by Purchase Card

Indicate if the job will be funded by a purchase

card instead of IPAC billing or Deposit Account.

Purchase Card Number

Enter 16-digit purchase card number if paying by

purchase card. This number is not to appear on

the copy submitted to the contractor, only GPO’s

copy. The 2511 may be submitted without the

purchase card number; however, indicate “Call for

Purchase Card No.” in the block. If the purchase

card number is not furnished, complete the

remaining purchase card fields so that GPO may

call to get the purchase card number. The order

will not be processed until the obligating funds are

identified.

Expiration Date

Enter 4-digit (mm/yy) expiration date if paying by

purchase card. Ensure the card will be valid on the

requested delivery date.

Name as it Appears on Purchase Card

Enter cardholder’s name if paying by purchase

card.

Phone No. of Cardholder

Enter cardholder’s phone number if paying by

purchase card.

Email of Purchase Cardholder

Enter cardholder’s email address if paying by

purchase card.

Treasury Account Symbol (TAS) 

The TAS is an identification code assigned by 

Treasury, in collaboration with OMB and the owner 

agency, to an individual appropriation, receipt, 

or other fund account. More information can be 

found here – https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/cars/

faqs.html#betc

Line of Accounting (LOA)/Document 

Reference Number 

Some agencies require a valid LOA on the invoice 

in order to reconcile their bills from GPO. If 

provided, the LOA will appear as an IPAC field on 

the billing statement (Form 400). The LOA is an 

identification code assigned by the agency doing 

business with the GPO. For a list of agencies that 

require an LOA, see https://www.gpo.gov/docs/

default-source/finance-options-pdf-files/sf1-

loa.pdf.

Proofs 

For each type of proofs, indicate how many sets 

are required. GPO recommends at least two, 

one set for the agency to keep and one for the 

contractor. Only the type of proofs indicated in the 

contract may be ordered.

■ Content proofs - Content proofs show color

breaks, position, and construction of the

publication. They cannot be used for color

match on press, are not on actual production

stock, and are low resolution. In some cases,

Dylux or “blueline” proofs are acceptable

content proofs.

■ Inkjet proofs – Inkjet proofs can be used for

close (not exact) color match. They are not

on actual production stock and do not show

construction. Inkjet proofs are lower resolution

than final printing, so printed matter may not

appear as sharp as the final product.

■ High resolution proofs - High resolution proofs 

should only be ordered when exact color match 

on press is necessary. They may not be on 

actual production stock and do not show 

construction of the publication. High resolution 

proofs can NOT show an exact color match of 

Pantone colors. GPO will allow contractors to 

substitute or simulate Pantone colors on the 

proofs, but the quality standard to which the 

contractors will be held is the Pantone Matching 

System. 

■ Prior-to-production samples – Samples must

be constructed as specified in the contract

using paper, ink, equipment, and the methods

of production which will be used in producing

the finished product.

■ Electronic soft proofs – A soft proof is a

preview of the printed output on screen rather

than on paper. This type should primarily be

used for content and positioning, not for color.

If critical color and high quality are a concern,

a high resolution or inkjet proof should be

ordered.

Days Department Will Hold Proofs 

This space must be filled in whenever proofs 

are required. Indicate the number of days the 

agency needs to keep the proofs for review 

before returning them to the printer. This must 

be in accordance with the contract. If proofs are 

held for a longer period than originally agreed by 

the originating bureau or office, delivery will be 

delayed, usually for considerably more time than 

the additional time that proofs are held.

Quality Level 

Enter the quality level indicated in the contract 

under the terms of the “Quality Assurance 

Through Attributes Program” (QATAP). For more 

information, see – https://www.gpo.gov/docs/

default-source/forms-and-standards-files-forvendors/qatap.pdf

Overview – Information needed to complete this form can be found in the contract specifications or the transmittal letter (TL) issued by GPO.
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Print Order Form 2511 Instructions

U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE, 732 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC 20401-0001 | 202.512.1800

Quantity 

Number of units of finished product as identified 

by the finished product in the contract (e.g., 5 

pads, 50 books, etc.). A unit is the completely 

assembled product, such as a pad, kit, book 

or pamphlet. For instance, do not give the total 

number of items comprising a set, but only the 

number of sets. Quantities for the individual items 

should be listed under “Additional Information” or 

on a separate instruction sheet.

Furnished Electronic Media

Indicate what items will be furnished in order to 

produce the job. If electronic media is furnished, 

Form 952 is required. https://www.gpo.gov/

docs/default-source/forms-standards-pdffiles/952.pdf. 

Other Gov’t Furnished Materials (GFM) 

Indicate what GFM is being furnished other than 

Electronic Media (e.g., camera ready copy, films, 

photos, distribution lists, dies, etc.).

Press Sheet Inspection 

If a Press Sheet Inspection (PSI) is to be 

performed at the contractor’s plant per the 

contract, indicate how much advance notice is 

needed to attend the PSI. If the agency would like 

a GPO representative to be present at the PSI, 

indicate that in “Additional Information”.

Trim Size 

In accordance with the contract specifications, 

enter finished trim size of the product. For printed 

books and pamphlets give printing dimension in 

inches first when the book/pamphlet is closed. 

Give horizontal printing dimension first.

Cover Paper 

Enter the type or grade, JCP code, color, and 

weight of paper to be used for cover per contract 

specifications. 

Cover Inks 

Enter color of ink to be used on cover (e.g., black, 

4/c process [full color], or Pantone number). Do 

not simply state “blue” or “red”; when possible, 

give commercial manufacturer’s numbers to be 

matched (i.e., PMS 185). For further assistance 

in making ink selections contact Quality Control 

for Published Products at 202.512.0542 or 

qcpp@gpo.gov.

Cover Coating Type 

If applicable, enter type of coating to be used on 

cover after printing per contract specifications 

(gloss, dull, or satin; varnish, aqueous, or UV 

(ultraviolet) coating; etc.). 

Paper Covers (Self) 

Indicate “Self” if the cover of the document is 

printed on the same paper as the text pages. 

Paper Covers (Separate) 

Indicate “Separate” if the cover of the document is 

printed on a different paper than the text pages. 

Indicate Which Covers Print 

■ Cover 1 – Indicates the outside front cover

page is printed.

■ Cover 2 – Indicates the inside front cover page

is printed.

■ Cover 3 – Indicates the inside back cover page

is printed.

■ Cover 4 – Indicates the outside back cover

page is printed.

Text Paper 

Enter type or grade, JCP code, color, and weight 

of paper to be used for text pages, which are the 

internal pages of a book or pamphlet per contract 

specifications. 

Text Inks 

Enter color of ink to be used on text pages, which 

are the internal pages of a book or pamphlet (e.g., 

black, 4/c process [full color], or Pantone number). 

Do not simply state “blue” or “red”; when possible, 

give commercial manufacturer’s numbers to be 

matched (i.e., PMS 185). For further assistance 

in making ink selections contact Quality Control 

for Published Products at 202.512.0542 or 

qcpp@gpo.gov. 

Text Coating Type

 If applicable, enter type of coating to be used on 

text pages, which are the internal pages of a book 

or pamphlet, after printing, (gloss, dull, or satin; 

varnish, aqueous, or UV (ultraviolet) coating; etc.) 

per specifications.

Number of Text Pages 

Enter the number of text pages (including blank 

pages, but not including separate cover pages). 

One leaf of paper is two pages. This number 

should always be an even number. Page counts 

for saddle-stitched products must be divisible by 

four.

Print 

■ One side only – Images should be positioned

on one side of the page.

■ Head-to-head – The top of the image on the

front of the sheet is aligned with the top of the

image on the back of the sheet.

■ Head-to-foot – The top of the image on the

front of the sheet is aligned with the bottom of

the image on the back of the sheet.

Fold-In Paper 

Enter type or grade, JCP code, color, and weight 

of paper to be used for fold-ins.

Color of Fold-In Inks 

Enter color of ink to be used fold-ins (e.g. black, 

4/c process [full color], or Pantone number). Do 

not simply state “blue” or “red”; when possible, 

give commercial manufacturer’s numbers to be 

matched (i.e., PMS 185). For further assistance 

in making ink selections contact Quality Control 

for Published Products at 202.512.0542 or 

qcpp@gpo.gov. 

No. of Fold-Ins 

Indicate the number of fold-ins or inserts (such as 

charts, maps, illustrations, etc.) which are not a 

part of the text, that are to be tipped or bound into 

the book.

Size of Fold-Ins 

Enter the size of the fold-in in inches when flat. 

Enter the horizontal dimension first.

Stitch 

Indicate which type of stitching is required per 

contract specifications.

■ ULC – Staple in the upper left hand corner

(ULC).

■ Side Stitch – Books and pamphlets of over

96 pages and up to approximately 7/8" in

thickness are side stitched.

■ Saddle Stitch – Generally, publications through

96 pages are saddle stitched. Saddle stitched

publications must have a page count that is

divisible by 4.

Binding 

Indicate which type of binding is required per 

contract specifications.

■ Comb – Plastic comb bindings use a 9/16"

pitch rectangular hole pattern punched near

the bound edge. A curled plastic “comb”

is fed through the slits to hold the sheets

together. Comb binding allows a book to

be disassembled and reassembled by hand

without damage.

■ Coil – Also known as spiral binding. It can use

plastic or metal coil. Documents bound by

spiral coil lay flat and can rotate 360 degrees.

It is made by punching holes along the entire

length of the spine of the page and winding a

wire through the holes to provide a fully flexible

hinge at the spine.

■ Perfect Bound – Perfect binding is also known

as adhesive binding and is typically used for

books over 7/8" thickness (or 96 pages).

■ Sew –This is a higher cost alternative to wire

stitching or perfect binding. Sewn books are

of the highest quality because the pages are

sewn AND glued to the binding surface, the

spine of the book. Case bound books can also

be sewn.

■ Tape – Thermal tape is a cloth tape that is

applied to the spine of the book. It offers a neat

appearance and provides excellent durability.

■ Trim 4 sides – Trimmed four sides and not

bound. Often intended for insertion into a 3-ring

binder.

■ Other – If binding specified by the contractor

is not one of the options provided on the form, 

indicate what it is in this space.

Perforate 

Small holes punched into paper to allow for easy 

separation. Indicate the location in the “Position” 

box.

Score

To impress or indent a mark in the paper to make 

folding easier.

Pad/Sets 

■ Position – Indicate position of padding (e.g.,

top, side, etc.).

■ Sheets in Pad – Indicate number of sheets per

pad.

■ Sets in Pad – Indicate number of sets per pad.

■ Sheets in Set – Indicate number of sheets per

set.

■ Chipboard Required – Indicate if chipboard is

required on the back of each pad.

Drill

■ No. of Holes – Enter number of holes to be

drilled/punched.

■ Diam. – Enter diameter of holes.

■ Side – Which side of the document are the

holes to be punched?
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Print Order Form 2511 Instructions

U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE, 732 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC 20401-0001 | 202.512.1800

■ Inches Center-to-Center – Specify distance

between holes (measurement from the center

of one hole to the center of the next hole, in

inches).

■ Center of holes – Measure the distance of the

center of the hole from the edge of the sheet.

■ Pos. – Enter position of holes (e.g., top, left, etc.).

Band in Units Of 

The product is to be packaged in sets with paper 

bands and packed in cartons. Enter the quantity 

per set in the blank. 

Shrink Wrap Units Of 

The product is to be wrapped in shrink film and 

packed in cartons. Enter the quantity per wrap in 

the blank.

Pack Suitable 

If suitable is checked, internal packaging will be 

accomplished in accordance with commercial 

practices.

QTY Per Container

Indicate a specific quantity that is required in the 

container.

Pallets Required 

Publications going to a warehouse generally 

require containers to be packed on pallets. GPO 

Contract Terms specifies the type of pallet the 

contractor is to use. Special pallet requirements 

will be stated in the contract specifications.

Additional Information 

Indicate any special information or instructions 

needed to supplement data for the order. Do not 

use this space for information for which ample 

room is provided elsewhere on the Print Order. If 

additional instructions are carried on a separate 

sheet, check the “Supplemental Information 

Attached” box.

Supplemental Information Attached 

Indicate if additional pages have been attached 

to the 2511 (e.g., distribution list, instructions, 

etc.). The form has been formatted to include a 

supplemental page for additional information if this 

box is checked. The required numeric identifiers 

will automatically populate the second page.

Deliver Product To 

Enter complete shipping address (including 

agency, address, and ZIP code), contact name 

and phone number, and any special delivery 

instructions (such as “inside delivery required”). 

The destination must contain a street address as 

many couriers and shipping agents will not deliver 

to a P.O. Box. If there is not enough room for all of 

the destinations and a supplemental distribution 

list, or disk, is provided, mark the checkbox for 

“Distribution List Attached”.

Return Furnished Material To 

Enter the complete address to which furnished 

materials should be returned. 

Digital Deliverables Requested 

Format Native 

If the contractor makes electronic changes to 

the GFM, it is recommended that the agency 

request a set of corrected electronic files. If the 

end user is planning on making any edits after 

it has been saved, the native application is the 

preferred method. If a document is created in 

a certain program, it is saved in the proprietary 

format and only that program can recognize. The 

native format will ensure that all the data created 

is stored with the program.

Digital Deliverables Requested 

Format PDF 

If the contractor makes electronic changes to 

the GFM, it is recommended that the agency 

request a set of corrected electronic files. Portable 

Document Format (PDF) compresses all graphics, 

fonts, and text into a single file. It is not easily 

editable.

Additional Shipping Instructions 

for GPO Copies 

For Form 3868, Notification of Intent to Publish, 

go to this website https://www.gpo.gov/docs/

default-source/forms-standards-pdf-files/3868.

pdf.

■ Depository Receiving Section – If GPO has

indicated their intent to order Depository rider

copies, enter quantity and item number (e.g.,

0100-A-01). Failure to order riders as instructed

by GPO could result in additional makeready

costs for the ordering agency.

■ Depository File Copies – If GPO has indicated

their intent to order copies for Library of

Congress (i.e., File rider copies), enter quantity.

Failure to order riders as instructed could result

in additional makeready costs for the ordering

agency.

■ IES Copies – If GPO has indicated their intent

to order International Exchange System (IES)

rider copies, enter quantity. Failure to order

riders as instructed could result in additional

makeready costs for the ordering agency.

■ Sales – If GPO has indicated their intent to

order Sales or Subscription Stock rider copies,

enter quantity and Requisition number(s).

Failure to order riders as instructed could result

in additional makeready costs for the ordering

agency.

■ Stock No. – If GPO has indicated their intent to

order Sales or Subscription rider copies, enter

furnished sales stock number.

■ Sub. ID No. – If GPO has indicated their intent

to order Sales or Subscription List ID rider

copies, enter sales subscription ID number.

■ ISBN No. – If GPO has indicated their intent

to order Sales or Subscription rider copies,

enter furnished publication’s ISBN (International

Standard Book Number).

For Additional Information Contact 

Insert the name of the person who is to be 

contacted for additional information regarding this 

job.

Email 

Insert the email address of the person who is to 

be contacted for additional information. 

Phone No. 

Insert the telephone number of the person who is 

to be contacted for additional information.

Authorizing Signature 

The Print Order must be signed by a person who 

is authorized to obligate funds for the agency. 

Agency authorization must be on file at GPO. Go 

to https://www.gpo.gov, click on “How To Work 

With Us”, click on “Circular Letters”, open 

Circular Letter 1023 for instructions and 

signature Form. Note: GPO cannot award a 

contract without an approved signature 

authorization. 

Title 

Enter title of person whose signature is 

authorizing the Print Order.

Date Sent to Contractor 

Enter the date the order was sent to the 

contractor (or made available for pickup). This 

determines the contract schedule per contract 

specifications.