Page 1 of 1

PROGRAM: 734-S

TITLE: OPE Newsletters

AGENCY: U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board

TERM: November 1, 2019 thru October 31, 2020

BASIS OF

AWARD UNIT RATE COST UNIT RATE COST UNIT RATE COST

I. PRINTING AND BINDING:

Newsletter -

Printing in black ink

plus one Pantone ink color,

including binding . . . per page

(1) Makeready and/or Setup------------------------------------ 32 35.00 1,120.00 65.00 2,080.00 35.00 1,120.00

(2) Running Per 100 Copies------------------------------------ 312 4.75 1,482.00 2.75 858.00 4.75 1,482.00

II. PACKING AND DISTRIBUTION:

1. Bulk Shipments -

Packing and sealing shipping containers . . . 

per container--------------------------------------------------- 10 3.00 30.00 2.50 25.00 1.50 15.00

2. Mailed Shipments -

Addressing single copies (self-mailers) . . . 

per 100 copies------------------------------------------------- 30 20.00 600.00 10.00 300.00 6.00 180.00

CONTRACTOR TOTALS $3,232.00 $3,263.00 $2,797.00

DISCOUNT 2.00% $64.64 1.00% $32.63 2.00% $55.94

DISCOUNTED TOTALS $3,167.36 $3,230.37 $2,741.06

Gaithersburg, MD

( A W A R D E D )

(CURRENT CONTRACTOR)

GRAPHIC VISIONS

Gaithersburg, MD

MCDONALD & EUDY PRINTERS

Temple Hills, MD

GRAPHIC VISIONS
Program 734-S Page 1 of 15

Specifications by LDG

U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE

Washington, DC

GENERAL TERMS, CONDITIONS, AND SPECIFICATIONS

For the Procurement of

U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board’s

OPE Newsletters

as requisitioned from the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) by the

U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board

Single Award

TERM OF CONTRACT: The term of this contract is for the period beginning November 1, 2019 and ending 

October 31, 2020, plus up to four (4) optional 12-month extension periods that may be added in accordance with 

the “OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT” clause in SECTION 1 of this contract.

BID OPENING: Bids shall be publicly opened at 11:00 a.m., prevailing Washington, DC time, on October 25, 

2019.

BID SUBMISSION: Submit bid in pre-addressed envelope furnished with solicitation or send to: U.S. 

Government Publishing Office, Bid Section, Room C-848, Stop: CSPS, 732 North Capitol Street, NW, 

Washington, DC 20401. Facsimile bids in response to this solicitation are permitted. Facsimile bids may be 

submitted directly to the GPO Bid Section, Fax No. (202) 512-1782. The program number and bid opening date 

must be specified with the bid. Refer to Facsimile Bids in Solicitation Provisions of GPO Contract Terms, GPO 

Publication 310.2, as revised January 2018. Hand delivered bids are to be taken to: GPO Bookstore, 710 North 

Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., prevailing Washington, DC 

time, Monday through Friday. Contractor is to follow the instructions in the bid submission/opening area. If 

further instruction or assistance is required, call (202) 512-0526.

PRODUCTION AREA: It is assumed that all production facilities used in the manufacture of the product(s) 

ordered under this contract will be located within a 60-mile radius of zero milestone Washington, DC.

Any bidder intending to use production facilities outside this area should furnish information with the bid which 

will, on its face, demonstrate ability to meet the schedule requirements. The determination by the Government of 

the acceptability of this information in no way relieves the successful bidder of the responsibility for compliance 

with these schedule requirements.

BIDDERS, PLEASE NOTE: These specifications have been extensively revised; therefore, all bidders are 

cautioned to familiarize themselves with all provisions of these specifications before bidding.

The GPO 910 “BID” Form is no longer required. Bidders are to fill out, sign/initial, as applicable, all pages of 

“SECTION 4. – SCHEDULE OF PRICES.”

Abstracts of contract prices are available at: https://www.gpo.gov/how-to-work-with-us/vendors/contract-pricing.

For information of a technical nature, contact Linda Giacomo at: lgiacomo@gpo.gov or (202) 512-0307. 
U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board’s OPE Newsletters Page 2 of 15

734-S (10/20)

SECTION 1. – GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

GPO CONTRACT TERMS: Any contract which results from this Invitation for Bid will be subject to the 

applicable provisions, clauses, and supplemental specifications of GPO Contract Terms (GPO Publication 310.2, 

effective December 1, 1987 (Rev. 01-18)) and GPO Contract Terms, Quality Assurance through Attributes 

Program for Printing and Binding (GPO Publication 310.1, effective May 1979 (Rev. 09-19)).

GPO Contract Terms (GPO Publication 310.2) – https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/forms-and-standardsfiles-for-vendors/contractterms2018.pdf.

GPO QATAP (GPO Publication 310.1) – https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/forms-and-standards-files-forvendors/qatap-rev-09-19.pdf.

QUALITY ASSURANCE LEVELS AND STANDARDS: The following levels and standards shall apply to 

these specifications –

Product Quality Levels:

 

(a) Printing Attributes (page related) – Level III.

(b) Finishing Attributes (item related) – Level III.

Inspection Levels (from ANSI/ACQC Z1.4):

(a) Non-destructive Tests – General Inspection Level I.

(b) Destructive Tests – Special Inspection Level S-2.

Specified Standards: The specified standards for the attributes requiring them shall be –

Attribute Specified Standard

P-7. Type Quality and Uniformity O.K. Press Sheets

P-8. Halftone Match (Single and Double Impression) O.K. Press Sheets

P-9. Solid and Screen Tint Color Match O.K. Press Sheets

Special Instructions: In the event that inspection of press sheets is waived by the Government, the following 

listed alternate standards (in order of precedence) shall become the Specified Standards –

P-7. O.K. Proofs; Average Type Dimension; Electronic Media.

P-8. O.K. Proofs; Electronic Media.

P-9. Pantone Matching System

OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT: The Government has the option to extend the 

term of this contract for a period of 12 months by written notice to the contractor not later than 30 days before the 

contract expires. If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this 

clause, except, the total duration of the contract may not exceed five (5) years as a result of, and including, any 

extension(s) added under this clause. Further extension may be negotiated under the “EXTENSION OF 

CONTRACT TERM” clause. See also “ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT” for authorized pricing 

adjustment(s).

EXTENSION OF CONTRACT TERM: At the request of the Government, the term of any contract resulting 

from this solicitation may be extended for such period of time as may be mutually agreeable to the GPO and the 

contractor.
U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board’s OPE Newsletters Page 3 of 15

734-S (10/20)

ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT: The pricing under this contract shall be adjusted in accordance with this 

clause, provided that in no event will any pricing adjustment be made that would exceed the maximum 

permissible under any law in effect at the time of the adjustment. There will be no adjustment for orders placed 

during the first period specified below. Pricing will thereafter be eligible for adjustment during the second and 

any succeeding performance period(s). For each performance period after the first, a percentage figure will be 

calculated as described below and that figure will be the economic price adjustment for that entire next period. 

Pricing adjustments under this clause are not applicable to reimbursable postage or transportation costs, or to 

paper, if paper prices are subject to adjustment by separate clause elsewhere in this contract.

For the purpose of this clause, performance under this contract will be divided into successive periods. The first 

period will extend from November 1, 2019 to October 31, 2020, and the second and any succeeding period(s) will 

extend for 12 months from the end of the last preceding period, except that the length of the final period may 

vary. The first day of the second and any succeeding period(s) will be the effective date of the economic price 

adjustment for that period.

Pricing adjustments in accordance with this clause will be based on changes in the seasonally adjusted “Consumer 

Price Index For All Urban Consumers – Commodities Less Food” (Index) published monthly in the CPI Detailed 

Report by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The economic price adjustment will be the percentage difference between index averages as specified in this 

paragraph. An index called the variable index will be calculated by averaging the monthly indexes from the 12-

month interval ending three (3) months prior to the beginning of the period being considered for adjustment. This 

average is then compared to the average of the monthly indexes for the 12-month interval ending July 31, 2019, 

called the base index. The percentage change (plus or minus) of the variable index from the base index will be the 

economic price adjustment for the period being considered for adjustment.

The Government will notify the contractor by contract modification specifying the percentage increase or 

decrease to be applied to invoices for orders placed during the period indicated. The contractor shall apply the 

percentage increase or decrease against the total price of the invoice less reimbursable postage or transportation 

costs and separately adjusted paper prices. Payment discounts shall be applied after the invoice price is adjusted.

PREAWARD SURVEY: In order to determine the responsibility of the prime contractor or any subcontractor, 

the Government reserves the right to conduct an on-site preaward survey at the contractor's/subcontractor's facility 

or to require other evidence of technical, production, managerial, financial, and similar abilities to perform, prior 

to the award of a contract. 

As part of the financial determination, the contractor in line for award may be required to provide one or more of 

the following financial documents: 

1) Most recent profit and loss statement 

2) Most recent balance sheet 

3) Statement of cash flows 

4) Current official bank statement 

5) Current lines of credit (with amounts available) 

6) Letter of commitment from paper supplier(s) 

7) Letter of commitment from any subcontractor 

These documents will be reviewed to validate that adequate financial resources are available to perform the 

contract requirements. Documents submitted will be kept confidential and used only for the determination of 

responsibility by the Government. Failure to provide the requested information, in the time specified by the 

Government, may result in the Contracting Officer not having adequate information to reach an affirmative 

determination of responsibility.
U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board’s OPE Newsletters Page 4 of 15

734-S (10/20)

ASSIGNMENT OF JACKET, PURCHASE ORDER, AND PRINT ORDER NUMBERS: A GPO jacket 

number will be assigned and a purchase order issued to the contractor to cover work performed. The purchase 

order will be supplemented by an individual print order for each job placed with the contractor. The print order,

when issued, will indicate the quantity to be produced and any other information pertinent to the particular order.

ORDERING: Items to be furnished under the contract shall be ordered by the issuance of print orders by the 

Government. Orders may be issued under the contract from November 1, 2019 through October 31, 2020, plus 

for such additional period(s) as the contract is extended. All print orders issued hereunder are subject to the terms 

and conditions of the contract. The contract shall control in the event of conflict with any print order. A print 

order shall be “issued” upon notification by the Government for purposes of the contract when it is electronically 

transmitted or otherwise physically furnished to the contractor in conformance with the schedule.

REQUIREMENTS: This is a requirements contract for the items and for the period specified herein. 

Shipment/delivery of items or performance of work shall be made only as authorized by orders issued in 

accordance with the clause entitled “ORDERING.” The quantities of items specified herein are estimates only, 

and are not purchased hereby. Except as may be otherwise provided in this contract, if the Government’s 

requirements for the items set forth herein do not result in orders in the amounts or quantities described as 

“estimated,” it shall not constitute the basis for an equitable price adjustment under this contract.

Except as otherwise provided in this contract, the Government shall order from the contractor all the items set 

forth which are required to be purchased by the Government activity identified on page 1.

The Government shall not be required to purchase from the contractor, requirements in excess of the limit on total 

orders under this contract, if any.

Orders issued during the effective period of this contract and not completed within that time shall be completed 

by the contractor within the time specified in the order, and the rights and obligations of the contractor and the 

Government respecting those orders shall be governed by the terms of this contract to the same extent as if 

completed during the effective period of this contract.

If shipment/delivery of any quantity of an item covered by the contract is required by reason of urgency prior to 

the earliest date that shipment/ delivery may be specified under this contract, and if the contractor will not accept 

an order providing for the accelerated shipment/delivery, the Government may procure this requirement from 

another source.

The Government may issue orders which provide for shipment/delivery to or performance at multiple 

destinations.

Subject to any limitations elsewhere in this contract, the contractor shall furnish to the Government all items set 

forth herein which are called for by print orders issued in accordance with the “ORDERING” clause of this 

contract.

PAYMENT: Submitting invoices for payment via the GPO fax gateway (if no samples are required) utilizing the 

GPO barcode coversheet program application is the most efficient method of receiving payment. Instruction for 

using this method can be found at the following web address: 

http://winapps.access.gpo.gov/fms/vouchers/barcode/instructions.html.

Invoices may also be mailed to: U.S. Government Publishing Office, Office of Financial Management, Attn: 

Comptroller, Stop: FMCE, Washington, DC 20401. 

For more information about the billing process, refer to the General Information of the Office of Finance web page located 

at: https://www.gpo.gov/how-to-work-with-us/agency/billing-and-payment.
U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board’s OPE Newsletters Page 5 of 15

734-S (10/20)

SECTION 2. – SPECIFICATIONS

SCOPE: These specifications cover the production of newsletters requiring such operations as electronic 

prepress, printing, binding, packing, and distribution.

TITLE: U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board’s OPE Newsletters.

FREQUENCY OF ORDERS: Approximately 2 to 6 orders per year.

QUANTITY: Approximately 700 to 1,500 copies per order.

NUMBER OF PAGES: Approximately 8 pages per order.

TRIM SIZE: 8-1/2 x 11”.

GOVERNMENT TO FURNISH: Electronic media will be furnished as follows –

Platform: MS Windows 2007 (or higher)

Storage Media: FTP; Email

Software: Adobe Acrobat Professional; Adobe InDesign;

Microsoft Office; Microsoft Word; Microsoft Publisher

All platform system and software upgrades (for specified applications) that may occur 

during the term of the contract must be supported by the contractor. 

Fonts: All printer and screen fonts will be furnished/embedded.

The contractor is cautioned that furnished fonts are the property of the Government 

and/or its originator(s). All furnished fonts are to be eliminated from the contractor’s 

archive immediately after completion of the contract.

 Additional

Information: Files will be furnished in native application and/or PDF format(s).

Visual(s) of furnished electronic files will be provided. 

Artwork (graphs/charts, photos, and images) will be scanned into electronic files.

Color identification system used is Pantone Matching System.

GPO Form 952 (Desktop Publishing – Disk Information) will be furnished.

Addresses for distribution will be furnished electronically, via FTP or email, in a Microsoft Word or Excel Mail 

Merge Data Base file format. (Applicable USPS mail forms will be included.) 

Identification markings such as register marks, commercial identification marks of any kind, etc., except GPO 

imprint, form number, and revision date, carried in the electronic files, must not print on finished product.

CONTRACTOR TO FURNISH: All materials and operations, other than those listed under “GOVERNMENT 

TO FURNISH,” necessary to produce the product(s) in accordance with these specifications.

Contractor will be required to accept files electronically via a contractor-hosted FTP server. Appropriate log-on 

instructions and protocol must be provided at time of award. Contractor must provide necessary security for the 

FTP, which at a minimum, must have a unique user ID and password. 
U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board’s OPE Newsletters Page 6 of 15

734-S (10/20)

ELECTRONIC PREPRESS: Prior to image processing, the contractor shall perform a basic check (preflight) 

of the furnished media and publishing files to assure correct output of the required reproduction image. Any 

errors, media damage, or data corruption that might interfere with proper file image processing must be reported 

to the agency point of contact specified on the print order.

The contractor shall create or alter any necessary trapping, set proper screen angles and screen frequency, and 

define file output selection for the imaging device being utilized. Furnished files must be imaged as necessary to 

meet the assigned quality level.

All halftones are to be 150-line screen or finer. 

When required by the Government, the contractor shall make minor revisions to the electronic files. It is 

anticipated that the Government will make all major revisions.

Prior to making revisions, the contractor shall copy the furnished files and make all changes to the copy.

Upon completion of each order, the contractor must furnish final production native application files (digital 

deliverables) with the furnished material. The digital deliverables must be an exact representation of the final 

printed product and shall be returned on the same type of storage media as was originally furnished, unless 

otherwise specified. The Government will not accept, as digital deliverables, PostScript files, Adobe Acrobat 

Portable Document Format (PDF) files, or any proprietary file formats other than those supplied, unless specified 

by the Government. (The Government will accept PDF files as digital deliverables when furnished by the 

Government.)

 

PROOFS: One (1) set of inkjet proofs that are G7 profiled and use pigment-based inks of entire publication. A 

proofing RIP that provides an option for high quality color matching (such as Device Links Technology and/or 

ICC Profiles Technology), and meets or exceeds industry tolerance to ISO 12647-7 Standard for Graphic 

Technology (as of 3/19/09, and future amendments) must be utilized plus GRACoL 2006 Coated #1 

specifications (CGATS TR006) must be achieved. Output must be a minimum resolution of 720 x 720 dpi on a 

GRACoL or SWOP certified proofing media. Proofs must contain the following color control strip to be evaluated 

for accuracy: IDEAlliance ISO 12647-7 Control Strip 2009 or 2013(i1).

Proofs must contain color control bars (such as Brunner, GATF, GRETAG, or RIT) for each color of ink on the 

sheet. Control bars must be placed parallel to the press’s ink rollers and must show areas consisting of minimum 

1/8 x 1/8” solid color patches; tint patches of 25, 50 and 75%; dot gain scale; and gray balance patches for process 

color (if applicable). These areas must be repeated consecutively across the sheet.

The make and model number of the proofing system utilized shall be furnished with the proofs. These proofs must 

contain all elements, be in press configuration, and indicate margins. Proofs will be used for color match on press. 

Direct to plate must be used to produce the final product with a minimum resolution of 2400 x 2400 dpi. 

Pantone colors must be simulated on proofs and must be proofed separately on a digital color content, overlay, or 

inkjet proof.

When required, contractor to submit ink draw downs on actual production stock of Pantone color(s) used to 

produce the product.

If any contractor’s errors are serious enough in the opinion of the GPO to require revised proofs, the revised 

proofs are to be provided at no expense to the Government. No extra time can be allowed for this reproofing; 

such operations must be accomplished within the original production schedule allotted in the specifications.

The contractor must not print prior to receipt of an “O.K. to Print.”
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734-S (10/20)

STOCK/PAPER: The specifications of all paper furnished must be in accordance with those listed herein or 

listed for the corresponding JCP Code numbers in the “Government Paper Specification Standards No. 12” dated 

March 2011.

Government Paper Specification Standards No. 12 – http://www.gpo.gov/pdfs/customers/sfas/vol12/vol_12.pdf.

All paper used in each copy must be of a uniform shade. 

White Litho (Gloss) Coated Book, basis weight: 70 lbs. per 500 sheets, 25 x 38”, equal to JCP Code A180.

NOTE: The requirement for postconsumer fiber (as specified in the Government Paper Specification Standards 

No. 12) for the stock specified above is waived. However, the addition of postconsumer fiber is encouraged 

provided that the requirements of this standard are met. All other attributes remain the same.

PRINTING: Digital printing is NOT permitted. 

Print head-to-head in black ink plus one Pantone ink color.

Contractor to match Pantone number specified on the print order. 

Facing pages print to and must align across the bind.

PRESS SHEET INSPECTION: Final makeready press sheets may be inspected and approved at the 

contractor’s plant for the purpose of establishing specified standards for use during the actual press run. Upon 

approval of the sheets, contractor is charged with maintaining those standards throughout the press run (within 

QATAP tolerances when applicable) and with discarding all makeready sheets that preceded approval. When a 

press sheet inspection is required, it will be specified on the individual print order. See GPO Publication 315.3 

(Guidelines for Contractors Holding Press Sheet Inspections) issued January 2015. NOTE: A press sheet 

inspection is for the purpose of setting specific standards that are to be maintained throughout the entire run. It 

does not constitute a prior approval of the entire run.

Press sheets must contain control bars for each color of ink on the sheet. Control bars must be placed parallel to 

the press’s ink rollers. The control bars (such as BRUNNER, GATF, GRETAG, or RIT) must show areas 

consisting of 1/8 x 1/8” minimum solid color patches; tint patches of 25, 50, and 75%; dot gain scale; and gray 

balance patches for process color (if applicable). These areas must be repeated across the entire press sheet.

Viewing Light – Press sheets will be viewed under controlled conditions with 5000 degrees Kelvin overhead 

luminaries. The viewing conditions must conform to ISO 3664-2009. A viewing booth under controlled 

conditions with 5000 degrees Kelvin overhead luminaries with neutral gray surroundings must be provided.

MARGINS: Margins will be as indicated on print order or furnished media. 

BINDING: Saddle-wire stitch in two places and trim three sides. Each product must contain complete four-page 

signatures after trimming. Single leaves connected with a lip (i.e., binding stub) to left or right side of stitches 

will not be allowed.

NOTE: Unless otherwise specified, all except approximately 100 copies will require a final fold from 8-1/2 x 11” 

to 8-1/2 x 5-1/2”, address side out, and sealed with tab-type seals (Seal-O-Matic or similar). Number and 

positioning of seals shall be in accordance with current U.S. Postal Service regulations.
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734-S (10/20)

PACKING: 

Bulk Shipments – Shrink-film wrap in units of 50 copies. 

Pack in shipping containers not to exceed 45 pounds when fully packed. 

Mailed Shipments – Single copies must be mailed as self-mailers.

LABELING AND MARKING: 

Bulk Shipments – Contractor to download GPO Form 905 (Rev. 7-15) – Labeling and Marking Specifications 

which can be located at GPO.gov, fill in appropriate blanks, and attach to shipping containers.

Mailed Shipments – Directly image a recipient address to the back of each copy mailed singly as a self-mailer.

DEPARTMENTAL RANDOM COPIES (BLUE LABEL): All orders must be divided into equal sublots in 

accordance with the chart below. A random copy must be selected from each sublot. Do not choose copies from 

the same general area in each sublot. The contractor will be required to certify that the copies were selected as 

directed using GPO Form 917 – Certificate of Selection of Random Copies which can be located at GPO.gov. 

The random copies constitute a part of the total quantity ordered, and no additional charge will be allowed.

Quantity Number of 

 Ordered Sublots 

500 - 3,200 50

3,201 - 10,000 80

10,001 - 35,000 125

35,001 and over 200

These randomly selected copies must be packed separately and identified by a special label, GPO Form 2678 –

Departmental Random Copies (Blue Label), which must be printed on blue paper, and affixed to each affected 

container. This form can be downloaded from GPO.gov. The container and its contents shall be recorded 

separately on all shipping documents and sent to: U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board, 5th Floor, 1615 M Street, 

NW, Washington, DC 20036-3209. 

A copy of the print order/specification and a signed Certificate of Selection of Random Copies must be included.

A copy of the signed Certificate of Selection of Random Copies must accompany the invoice sent to U.S. 

Government Publishing Office, Financial Management Service, for payment. Failure to furnish the certificate 

may result in delay in processing the invoice.

QUALITY ASSURANCE RANDOM COPIES: In addition to the Departmental Random Copies (Blue Label), 

the contractor may be required to submit quality assurance random copies to test for compliance against the 

specifications. The print order will indicate the number required, if any. When ordered, the contractor must 

divide the entire order into equal sublots and select a copy from a different general area of each sublot. The 

contractor will be required to certify that the copies were selected as directed using GPO Form 917 – Certificate 

of Selection of Random Copies which can be located at GPO.gov. Copies will be paid for at the running rate 

offered in the contractor’s bid, and their cost will not be a consideration for award. A copy of the print order must 

be included with the samples.

Business Reply Mail labels will be furnished for mailing the quality assurance random copies. The copies are to 

be mailed at the same time as the first scheduled shipment. A U.S. Postal Service approved Certificate of 

Mailing, identified by GPO program, jacket, and print order numbers must be furnished with billing as evidence 

of mailing.
U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board’s OPE Newsletters Page 9 of 15

734-S (10/20)

DISTRIBUTION: 

 Mail f.o.b. contractor’s city the majority of each order.

 Deliver f.o.b. destination a total of approximately 15 to 20 copies (GPO file and depository) to two 

addresses within the commercial zone of Washington, DC.

 Deliver f.o.b. destination the balance of each order to: U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board, 5th Floor, 

1615 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036-3209. (Inside delivery to room number specified may be 

required.)

Complete addresses and quantities will be furnished with each print order.

All mailing shall be made at the First Class rate.

Contractor will mail using departmental mailing permit imprint; however, orders which result in mailings of less 

than 200 pieces or less than 50 pounds will require the contractor to apply appropriate postage to each mailing. 

Contractor will be reimbursed for postage by submitting a properly completed postal service form (or equivalent) 

with billing invoice for payment.

The contractor is cautioned that mailing permit imprint may be used only for the purpose of mailing material 

produced under this contract.

All copies mailed must conform to the appropriate regulations in the U.S. Postal Service manuals for “Domestic 

Mail” or “International Mail” as applicable.

When using permit imprint mail, contractor must complete GPO Form 712 – Certificate of Conformance (Rev. 

10-15) and the appropriate mailing statement(s) supplied by USPS. A fillable GPO Form 712 – Certificate of 

Conformance can be found at: https://www.gpo.gov/how-to-work-with-us/vendors/forms-and-standards.

Contractor is required to fill in all applicable items on USPS form(s) and submit in duplicate to the entry post 

office. The post office will return a verified copy of USPS form(s) to the contractor upon acceptance of mail. 

Contractor must immediately forward a copy of USPS form(s) to the ordering agency including cost – identified 

by GPO program, jacket, and print order numbers.

Upon completion of each order, contractor must notify the ordering agency (on the same day the order 

mails/delivers) via email to the address indicated on the print order. The subject line of the email shall be 

“Distribution Notice for Program 734-S, Print Order XXXXX, Jacket Number XXX-XXX.” The notice must 

provide all applicable tracking numbers, mailing/delivery method, and title of publication. Contractor must be 

able to provide copies of all mailing/delivery receipts upon agency request.

Upon completion of each order, all furnished material (as applicable) must be returned to: U.S. Merit Systems 

Protection Board, 5th Floor, 1615 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036-3209. 

All expenses incidental to picking up and returning material (as applicable), submitting and returning proofs, and 

furnishing sample copies must be borne by the contractor.

SCHEDULE: Adherence to this schedule must be maintained. Contractor must not start production of any job 

prior to receipt of the individual print order (GPO Form 2511).

Furnished material (as applicable) and proofs must be picked up from and delivered to: U.S. Merit Systems 

Protection Board, 5th Floor, 1615 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036-3209.

No definite schedule for placement of orders can be predetermined.
U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board’s OPE Newsletters Page 10 of 15

734-S (10/20)

The following schedule begins the workday after notification of the availability of print order and furnished 

material; the workday after notification will be the first workday of the schedule.

 Contractor must complete production and distribution within nine (9) workdays of notification of 

availability of print order and furnished material.

 No specific date is set for submission of proofs. Proofs must be submitted as soon as possible to allow for 

revised proofs if contractor’s errors are judged serious enough to require them. 

 Proofs will be withheld no more than two (2) workdays from their receipt at the ordering agency until 

they are made available for pickup. (The first workday after receipt of proofs at the ordering agency is 

day one of the hold time.) 

 All proof, press sheet inspection, and transit time is included in the 9-workday schedule.

The contractor must notify the U.S. GPO of the date and time the press sheet inspection can be performed. In 

order for proper arrangements to be made, notification must be given at least two (2) workdays prior to the 

inspection. Notify the U.S. Government Publishing Office, Quality Control for Published Products, Washington, 

DC 20401 at (202) 512-0542. Telephone calls will only be accepted between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 

p.m., prevailing Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. NOTE: See contract clauses, paragraph 14(e)(1), 

Inspections and Tests of GPO Contract Terms (GPO Publication 310.2, effective December 1, 1987 (Rev. 01-

18)). When supplies are not ready at the time specified by the contractor for inspection, the Contracting Officer 

may charge to the contractor the additional cost of the inspection.

The ship/deliver date indicated on the print order is the date products ordered for delivery f.o.b. destination must 

be delivered to the destination(s) specified and all shipments mailed f.o.b. contractor’s city must be delivered to 

the U.S. Postal Service.

Unscheduled material such as shipping documents, receipts or instructions, delivery lists, labels, etc., will be 

furnished with each order or shortly thereafter. In the event such information is not received in due time, the 

contractor will not be relieved of any responsibility in meeting the shipping schedule because of failure to request 

such information.

For compliance reporting purposes, the contractor must notify the U.S. Government Publishing Office of the date 

of shipment or delivery, as applicable. Upon completion of each order, contractor must contact the Shared 

Support Services Compliance Section via email at compliance@gpo.gov; via telephone at (202) 512-0520; or via 

facsimile at (202) 512-1364. Personnel receiving email, call, or facsimile will be unable to respond to questions 

of a technical nature or to transfer any inquiries. 
U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board’s OPE Newsletters Page 11 of 15

734-S (10/20)

SECTION 3. – DETERMINATION OF AWARD

The Government will determine the lowest bid by applying the prices offered in the “SCHEDULE OF PRICES” 

to the following units of production which are the estimated requirements to produce one year’s production under 

this contract. These units do not constitute, nor are they to be construed as, a guarantee of the volume of work 

which may be ordered for a like period of time.

The following item designations correspond to those listed in the “SCHEDULE OF PRICES.”

(1) (2)

I. 32 312

II. 1 10

2. 30
U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board’s OPE Newsletters Page 12 of 15

734-S (10/20)

THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY BLANK.
U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board’s OPE Newsletters Page 13 of 15

734-S (10/20)

SECTION 4. – SCHEDULE OF PRICES

Bids offered are f.o.b. contractor’s city for all mailed shipments and f.o.b. destination for all other consignments.

Prices must include the cost of all required materials and operations for each item listed in accordance with these 

specifications.

Bidder must make an entry in each of the spaces provided. Bids submitted with any obliteration, revision, or 

alteration of the order and manner of submitting bids may be declared non-responsive.

An entry of NC (No Charge) shall be entered if bidder intends to furnish individual items at no charge to the 

Government.

Bids submitted with NB (No Bid), NA (Not Applicable), or blank spaces for an item may be declared nonresponsive.

The Contracting Officer reserves the right to reject any offer that contains prices for individual items of 

production (whether or not such items are included in the DETERMINATION OF AWARD) that are inconsistent 

or unrealistic in regard to other prices in the same offer or to GPO prices for the same operation if such action 

would be in the best interest of the Government.

All invoices submitted to the GPO shall be based on the most economical method of production.

Fractional parts of 100 will be prorated at the per-100 rate. 

A charge will be allowed for each page, whether printed or blank. 

Unless otherwise specified, no more than three blank pages shall be permitted at the end of the text.

I. PRINTING AND BINDING: Prices offered shall include the cost of all required materials and operations 

necessary (including proofs and stock/paper) for the complete printing and binding of the product listed in 

accordance with these specifications.

Makeready Running Per

and/or Setup 100 Copies

(1) (2)

Newsletter –

Printing in black ink

plus one Pantone ink color,

including binding..............................................................per page......$___________ $___________

______________

(Initials)

Contractor’s billing invoices must be itemized in accordance with the line items in the “SCHEDULE OF PRICES.”
U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board’s OPE Newsletters Page 14 of 15

734-S (10/20)

II. PACKING AND DISTRIBUTION: Prices offered must be all-inclusive, as applicable, and must include 

the cost of packing; shipping containers; shrink-film wrapping; all necessary wrapping and packing materials; 

labeling and marking; and distribution, in accordance with these specifications.

1. Bulk Shipments –

Packing and sealing shipping containers................................................... per container......$___________

2. Mailed Shipments –

Addressing single copies (self-mailers)...................................................per 100 copies......$___________

My production facilities are located within the assumed area of production .......................________yes _______no

NOTICE: Bidders OUTSIDE the assumed production area specified on page one of these specifications should 

complete the following information.

1. Proposed carrier(s) for pickup of Government furnished material ....__________________________________

a. Number of hours from acceptance of print order 

to pickup of Government furnished material...........................................................................____________

b. Number of hours from pickup of Government furnished material

to delivery at contractor’s plant...............................................................................................____________

2. Proposed carrier(s) for delivery of completed product ....___________________________________________

a. Number of hours from notification to carrier to pickup of completed product.......................____________

b. Number of hours from pickup of completed product to delivery at destination .....................____________

LOCATION OF POST OFFICE: All mailing will be made from the __________________________________

Post Office located at Street Address______________________________________________________________, 

City___________________________________, State____________________, Zip Code___________________.

______________

(Initials)
U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board’s OPE Newsletters Page 15 of 15

734-S (10/20)

SHIPMENTS: Shipments will be made from: City ________________________ State ____________________.

The city(ies) indicated above will be used for evaluation of transportation charges when shipment f.o.b. 

contractor’s city is specified. If no shipping point is indicated above, it will be deemed that the bidder has selected 

the city and state shown below in the address block, and the bid will be evaluated and the contract awarded on 

that basis. If shipment is not made from evaluation point, the contractor will be responsible for any additional 

shipping costs incurred.

DISCOUNTS: Discounts are offered for payment as follows: ____________ Percent ____________ Calendar 

Days. See Article 12 “Discounts” of Solicitations Provisions in GPO Contract Terms (Publication 310.2).

AMENDMENT(S): Bidder hereby acknowledges amendment(s) number(ed) ___________________________.

BID ACCEPTANCE PERIOD: In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this bid is accepted 

within ____________ calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted by the bidder) from the 

date for receipt of bids, to furnish the specified items at the price set opposite each item, delivered at the 

designated point(s), in exact accordance with specifications. 

NOTE: Failure to provide a 60-day bid acceptance period may result in expiration of the bid prior to award.

BIDDER’S NAME AND SIGNATURE: Unless specific written exception is taken, the bidder, by signing and 

submitting a bid, agrees with and accepts responsibility for all certifications and representations as required by the 

solicitation and GPO Contract Terms – Publication 310.2. When responding by fax or mail, fill out and return one 

copy of all pages in “SECTION 4. – SCHEDULE OF PRICES,” including initialing/signing where indicated. 

Failure to sign the signature block below may result in the bid being declared non-responsive. 

Bidder _____________________________________________________________________________________

 (Contractor’s Name) (GPO Contractor’s Code)

___________________________________________________________________________________________

 (Street Address)

___________________________________________________________________________________________ 

(City – State – Zip Code)

By ________________________________________________________________________________________

 (Printed Name, Signature, and Title of Person Authorized to Sign this Bid) (Date)

___________________________________________________________________________________________

 (Person to be Contacted) (Telephone Number) (Email Address)

*******************************************************************************************

THIS SECTION FOR GPO USE ONLY

Certified by: __________ Date: __________ Contracting Officer: __________ Date: __________

*******************************************************************************************