Health Care Benefits Overview 202 4 1st Printing Jacket 577 - 521

April 12, 2024 Page 1 of 9

Specifications by WOAIII

Reviewed by RW

Jacket:577-521 

GENERAL TERMS, CONDITIONS, AND SPECIFICATIONS

For the Procurement of

Health Care Benefits Overview 2024 1st Printing

As requisitioned from the U.S. Government Publishing Office Northwest by the

Department of Veterans Affairs

BID OPENING: Bids shall be publicly opened virtually at 1:00 P.M., prevailing Washington, D.C., on April

22, 2024, at the Government Publishing Office. All parties interested in attending the bid opening shall email 

bids@gpo.gov prior to bid opening date to request a Microsoft Teams live stream link. The link will be emailed 

on the day of the bid opening.

BID SUBMISSION: Bidders must submit email bids to bids@gpo.gov for this solicitation. No other method 

of bid submission will be accepted at this time. The Jacket number and bid opening date must be specified in 

the subject line of the emailed bid submission. Bids received after 1:00 P.M., prevailing Washington, D.C. 

time, on the bid opening date specified above will not be considered for award.

The Jacket 577-521 and bid opening date must be specified in the subject line of the emailed bid submission.

ADDITIONAL EMAILED BID SUBMISSION PROVISIONS: The Government will not be 

responsible for any failure attributable to the transmission or receipt of the emailed bid including, 

but not limited to, the following –

1. Illegibility of bid.

2. Emails over 75 MB may not be received by GPO due to size limitations for receiving emails.

3. The bidder’s email provider may have different size limitations for sending email; however, 

bidders are advised not to exceed GPO’s stated limit.

4. When the email bid is received by GPO, it will remain unopened until the specified bid 

opening time. Government personnel will not validate receipt of the emailed bid prior to bid 

opening. GPO will use the prevailing time (specified as the local time zone) and the exact 

time that the email is received by GPO’s email server as the official time stamp for bid 

receipt at the specified location.

BIDDERS PLEASE NOTE: The GPO 910 “BID” Form is no longer required. Bidders are to fill out, 

sign/initial, as applicable page 9 of this solicitation. Prices must include the cost of all required materials and 

operations for each item listed in accordance with these specifications.

WARRANTY: Contract Clause 15, "Warranty", of GPO Contract Terms (Publication 310.2, effective 

December 1, 1987 (Rev. 01-18)) is amended for the solicitation to the effect that the warranty period is 

EXTENDED from 120 days to one calendar year from the date the check is tendered as final payment. All other 

provisions remain the same.

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 
Health Care Benefits Overview 202 4 1st Printing Jacket 577 - 521

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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 

The 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.

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 invoicing. 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/vendors/how-to-get-paid. 

Direct questions concerning these specifications to Willie O. Anderson III, wanderson@gpo.gov, or (206) 764-

6890 . No collect calls.

PRODUCT: 48 Pages, plus separate wrap around cover, saddle-wire stitched. Prints in 4-Color Process. Flood 

Gloss Varnishing or Aqueous Coating Required

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 (revised 09-02)).

Bidders please note updated:

GPO Contract Terms (GPO Publication 310.2) – https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/forms-andstandards-files-for-vendors/terms.pdf. 

GPO QATAP (GPO Publication 310.1) – https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/forms-and-standards-filesfor-vendors/qatap.pdf.

TITLE: Health Care Benefits Overview 2024 1st Printing.
Health Care Benefits Overview 202 4 1st Printing Jacket 577 - 521

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QUALITY LEVEL: 2

QUANTITY: 243,647 Total Copies. (243,392 + 200 Blue Label Random Copies + 50 GPO QARC Copies + 5 

Sample Copies).

TRIM SIZE: 8-3/8” x 10-7/8”

PAGES: 48 Text Pages + Wrap-Around Cover

SCHEDULE: 

Print Ready PDF file will be made available to Vender’s FTP site after award.

Deliver 243,647 total Agency copies to arrive at destinations by May 22, 2024

FOB Contractor City.

SCOPE: These specifications cover the production of Health Care Benefits Booklets; requiring such 

operations as presswork, and bindery.

SUBCONTRACTING: Subcontracting will not be permitted.

PRESSWORK:

Covers 1, 2, 3 and 4 prints a full bleed background illustration in 4-Color Process, consisting of type/line 

matter, solids with type matter reversing out to white, full color images, screens, builds of the process colors, 

and fine line departmental logos. Covers 1 through 4 bleeds all sides. Heavy Ink Coverage. After printing, 

coat the entire surface of Covers 1 through 4 with a clear, non-yellowing flood gloss varnish or aqueous 

coating.

There are 48 text pages (24 leaves). Text pages prints head to head, in 4-Color Process throughout, consisting of 

type/line and rule matter, solids with type matter reversing out to white, small to full size color images, screens 

and fine line departmental logos. Approximately 5 text pages bleed all sides, 8 text pages have partial bleeds.

Medium to Heavy Ink Coverage.

 

MATERIAL FURNISHED By GOVERNMENT: One Press Ready PDF, using OS X, utilizing Adobe 

Creative Suite Version CC (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop). Fonts are furnished in the PDF file, and all 

required bleeds are included. Contractor may need to convert any RGB images to CMYK. File may be uploaded 

to contractor’s FTP Site after award. After award contractor is to contact Jeff Pace at (202) 731-6513 or 

jeffrey.pace@va.gov to arrange for receiving all production files.

One Microsoft Excel file containing VA distributions and quantities.

One GPO Form 952 - Desktop Publishing - Disk Information.

One GPO Forms 892, 915, 917, 2686 and 2678.

One reproduction proof, Form 905 with labeling and marking specifications.

Identification markings such as register marks, ring folios, rubber stamped jacket numbers, commercial 

identification marks of any kind, etc., except GPO imprint, form number, and revision date, must not print on 

finished product.
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Prior to image processing, the contractor shall perform a basic preflight check of the furnished media and 

publishing files to assure correct output of the required reproduction image. If any errors, media damage, or 

data corruption that might interfere with proper file image processing are discovered during inspection by the 

contractor, work must be discontinued and further instructions should immediately be requested from the 

contract administrator, see below.

This preflight must identify any problem areas with digital file submission and must include but not be limited 

to missing or damaged fonts, damaged disks, missing bleeds, improper trim size, and improper color definition. 

The Contractor is also responsible for creating or altering any necessary trapping, setting proper screen angles 

and frequency (unless indicated otherwise by the Government), and defining proper file output selection for the 

imaging device being used. All furnished files must be imaged as necessary to meet the assigned Quality 

Assurance Through Attributes Program (QATAP) level.

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.

PROOFS: One (1) set of assembled page proofs, and one (1) set of Full Color Digital proofs will be withheld 

not more than 2 workdays from receipt by the Government to receipt in contractor's plant. Contractor must not 

print prior to receipt of an "OK to print".

ASSEMBLED PAGE PROOFS: Proofs must represent image quality of the final product. Proofs must be 

created using the same Raster Image Processor (RIP) that will be used to produce the product. Proofs shall be 

collated with all elements in proper position (not pasted up), imaged face and back, trimmed and folded to the

finished size of the product. 

FULL COLOR DIGITAL PROOFS: One-piece composite laminated halftone proofs on the actual production 

stock (Kodak Approval, Polaroid PolaProof, CreoSpectrum, or Fuji Final Proof) with a minimum resolution of 

2400 x 2400 dpi.

At contractor’s option, one (1) set(s) of inkjet proofs that are G7 profiled and use pigment-based inks may be 

submitted in lieu of digital one-piece composite laminated halftone proofs. 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 2016 and future 

amendments) must be utilized. Proofs must be ripped and sent at plate resolution (minimum of 2400 x 2400 

dpi). If using a 1 bit tiff, the tiff must be made at a minimum of 2400 dpi. Output must be a minimum of 2400 x 

1200 dpi on a GRACoL or SWOP certified proofing media. Proofs must contain both of the following to be 

evaluated for accuracy: 3-tier color control strip: IDEAlliance ISO 12647-7 2013(i1), and the GPO Resolution 

target found at: www.gpo.gov/gporestarget.pdf. NOTE: If a contractor chooses this proof option, prior 

evaluation and approval of this proofing method must be provided by GPO, Quality Control for Published 

Products, to ensure that the final product will be produced in accordance with contract specifications. See 

instructions at: https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/forms-and-standards-files-forvendors/qlsamples6f200c30b44a64308413ff00001d133d.pdf. Failure to obtain this evaluation and approval 

may be cause for the job to be rejected should the final product not match the proofs for color.

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.
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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 of 2400 x 2400 dpi. 

All proofs will be withheld not more than 2 workdays from receipt by the Government to receipt in contractor's 

plant. Contractor must not print prior to receipt of an 'OK to print".

Send proofs, together with the furnished media (color lasers and electronic file) using the furnished proof label 

(GPO Form 892), which must be filled in by the contractor and used on all proof packages. Send proofs 

directly to: Dept. VA, Attn: Jeff Pace (202) 731-6513, 416 Landing Dr., Fredericksburg, VA 22405, (202) 731-

6513.

Contractor must furnish a Pre-paid FedEx or UPS Shipping Label or Number, for return of One (1) set of

Proofs to Jeff Pace. Please provide contact information (name & phone number) for verbal "ok to print" if no 

corrections.

Contractor must call Contract Administrator (Willie O. Anderson III) at (206) 764-6890, or e-mail information 

to infonorthwest@gpo.gov, immediately upon sending/delivering proofs and immediately upon notification that 

the proofs are available for pickup at the department.

 

Proofs will be withheld not more than 3 workdays from receipt in the department until they are made available 

for pickup by the contractor. 

CONTRACTOR MUST NOT PRINT PRIOR TO RECEIVING AN "OK TO PRINT".

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. 13":

“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. 13” dated September 

2019.”

Covers: JCP Code* L12, White, No. 2 Coated Cover, Gloss-Finish, Basis Size 20 X 26", Basis Weight 80 lbs. 

Text: JCP Code* A182, White, No. 2 Coated Text, Gloss-Finish, Basis Size 25 X 38" Basis Weight 70 lbs.

“NOTE: At the time of award; the contractor must provide their paper supplier’s commitment as to the 

availability of adequate paper stock to complete this order.”

BIDDERS, PLEASE NOTE: GPO has issued a new Government Paper Specification Standards, No. 13, dated 

September 2019. Prospective bidders should carefully read this publication as the applicable standards within 

become an integral part of this contract. The document is posted at https://www.gpo.gov/how-to-work-withus/vendors/forms-and-standards along with a list of major revisions.

MARGINS: Inadequate gripper margins; uncommon bleeds. Follow furnished electronic media.

BINDING: Saddle-Wire Stitch in two places on the left 10-7/8” dimension. Trim 3 sides. 

PACKING: Pack in suitable quantities. Pack in suitable shipping containers. 

LABELING AND MARKING (package and/or container label): Reproduce shipping container label from 

furnished repro, fill in appropriate blanks and attach to shipping containers/packages.
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NOTE: MARK ALL CARTONS WITH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

JOB TITLE: Health Care Benefits Overview - 2024 1st Printing.

REQUISITION: 4-00033/004101

JACKET NO.: 577-521

QUANTITY:

NUMBER OF BOXES: EX. Box 1 of 4, Box 2 of 4....

 

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

these specifications:

Product Quality Levels: 

(a) Printing Attributes -- Level II.

(b) Finishing Attributes -- Level II.

Inspection Levels (from ANSI/ASQC 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 Approved Proofs/Electronic Media

P-10. Process Color Match Approved Proofs/Electronic Media

DISTRIBUTION:

Doing Business with GPO Customer Services During Coronavirus Pandemic Contractors should continue 

performance on contracts. Contractors must continue to fully comply with the terms and conditions of these 

contracts. Deliveries, proof approvals, and press sheet inspections for agencies may be impacted. It is requested 

that contractors contact a Government employee at the delivery location to confirm their availability to receive 

prior to shipping. 

Schedules and other adjustments will be made in accordance with GPO Contract Terms. Caution should be 

used to safeguard all products should any delivery delays be imposed by the Government.

As a reminder, contractors must furnish contract compliance information required in accordance with GPO 

Contract Terms, Contract Clause 12: Notice of Compliance With Schedules.

Contractors should immediately contact your GPO contract administrator(s) and/or contracting officer(s) to 

identify impacted orders if any delay is anticipated, including temporarily closure of a production facility or the 

planned suspension of any services.

If you have any questions on a particular contract, please contact the Customer Services contract administrator 

and/or contracting officer for your contract (best method of communicating with them is via email). Office team 

e-mail addresses can be found at https://www.gpo.gov/how-to-work-with-us/agency/services-foragencies/procurement-services-team

 
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F.O.B. DESTINATION: (TO DELIVER ON OR BEFORE SCHEDULED DELIVERY DATE)

Deliver 5 sample copies, and all furnished materials to: Dept. VA, Attn: Jeff Pace (202) 731-6513, 416 Landing 

Dr., Fredericksburg, VA 22405

GPO Copies:

Deliver 50 “Quality Assurance Random Copies (QARC) to: US Government Publishing Office, Publishing 

Support Operations-Stop CSPS, Quality Control For Published Products, 732 N. Capitol Street NW, 

Washington, DC 20077-5496.

F.O.B. CONTRACTOR'S CITY MUST SHIP/MAIL ON OR BEFORE DELIVERY DATE:

Mail/Ship the agency 243,392 copies to each of approximately 161 addresses with domestic destinations, per 

the supplied distribution list, via traceable small package third party carrier. Quantities range from 1 copy to 

35,000 copies.

CONTRACTOR WILL BE REIMBURSED FOR POSTAGE BY SUBMITTING A PROPERLY COMPLETED 

POSTAL SERVICE FORM (OR EQUIVALENT) WITH THE VOUCHER FOR BILLING.

DEPARTMENTAL RANDOM COPIES (BLUE LABEL): All orders must be divided into 200 sublots. 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 copies were selected as directed using GPO Form 917-

Certificate of Selection of Random Copies (located on GPO.gov). The random copies constitute a part of the 

total quantity ordered, and no additional charge will be allowed.

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

Departmental Random Copies (Blue Label) that 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 Virtual Office, 2720 Colcord Avenue, Waco, TX 76707, Attn: 

Bryan Burgan (254) 548-3701

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

included.

 

NOTE:

Contractor must return Distribution list with tracking information to Jeff Pace via traceable means. ***Tracking 

information MUST be entered into the supplied address spread sheet. This must include carrier, the tracking 

number and POD (Proof Of Delivery) name. 

All expenses incidental to returning materials, submitting proofs, and furnishing sample copies must be borne 

by the contractor.

Notify Jeffrey Pace of the day that the product will deliver: jeffrey.pace@va.gov,

cc: Infonorthwest@gpo.gov

The subject line message is to be "Delivery Notice for Jacket 577-521". The notice must provide all applicable 

tracking numbers and shipping method. Contractor must be able to provide copies of all delivery, mailing, and 

shipping receipts upon agency request.
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All expenses incidental to returning materials must be borne by the contractor.

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

furnished with the 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.

OFFERS: Offers must include the cost of all materials and operations for the total quantity ordered in 

accordance with these specifications. In addition, a price must be submitted for each additional 1,000 copies. 

The price for additional quantities must be based on a continuing run, exclusive of all basic or preliminary 

charges and will not be a factor for determination of award.

Send your bid to: bids@gpo.gov

Mark your bid sheet with the Jacket number, 577-521, and your complete return address.

Bids must be received by April 22, 2024, no later than 10:00AM PST.

Late bids will not be considered.
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DISCOUNTS: Discounts are offered for payment as follows: __________ Percent, _________calendar days. 

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

AMENDMENT(S): Bidders hereby acknowledges amendment(s) ___.

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 points(s), in exact accordance with specifications.

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 email, fill out and return 

one completed copy of all applicable pages that include the Jacket Number, Bid Price, Additional Rate, 

Discounts, Amendments, Bid Acceptance Period, and Bidder’s Name and Signature. Valid electronic signatures 

will be accepted in accordance with the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, §2. Electronic signatures must be 

verifiable of the person authorized by the company to sign bids.

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

Jacket 577-521

Bid Price: $ _______________ 

Add'l Rate: $ ______________ per 1,000

Bidder 

___________________________________________________________________________________

(Contractor 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)

FOR GPO USE ONLY

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

Contracting Officer Review________ Date_________ Certifier__________ Date__________