I. EDITORIAL:

(a) Editorial content creation, management and design

per 12 page order................................................................ 3 6,335.00 19,005.00 108,000.00 324,000.00 5,304.75 15,914.25

(b) Editorial content creation, management and design

per additional 24 page signature.......................................... 2 11,045.00 22,090.00 192,000.00 384,000.00 10,609.95 21,219.90

II. COMPLETE PRINTED PRODUCT:

(a) 12 page signature

(1) Makeready and/or setup.......................per order........................... 3 1,001.05 3,003.15 24,000.00 72,000.00 734.75 2,204.25

(2) White Litho Coated Stock (60 lbs),

Running per 100 copies.................................................. 350 43.97 15,389.50 150.00 52,500.00 43.97 15,389.50

(b) 24-page pamphlet (saddle-stitch):

(1) Makeready and/or setup.......................per order................. 1 1,434.35 1,434.35 36,000.00 36,000.00 1,469.50 1,469.50

(2) Running per 100 copies.................................................... 150 73.09 10,963.50 225.00 33,750.00 87.94 13,191.00

(c) Gate folded center foldout................per 100 copies................. 300 21.36 6,408.00 95.00 28,500.00 111.00 33,300.00 *estimate prev.

III. PACKING FOR MAILING AND SHIPPING:

Mailed copies:

(a) Self-mailers, affix an address label or print address

label or print address directly on each copy, prepare

mail for automation rates.......................per 100 copies.... 15 135.88 2,038.20 150.00 2,250.00 9.05 135.75

(b) Multiple copies in kraft envelope

(up to 200 leaves)...............................per envelope....... 20 1.88 37.60 3.00 60.00 1.50 30.00

(c) Single or multiple copies over 200 leaves, up to (12 lbs)

in cushioned shipping bags, or wrapped in shipping

bundles.............................................per bag and bundle... 75 2.50 187.50 5.00 375.00 2.00 150.00

(d) Quantities over (12 lbs) up to (24 lbs) wrapped

in shipping bundles, or packed in shipping

container............................................per bundle or container.. 75 9.38 703.50 10.00 750.00 7.50 562.50

(e) Quantities over (24 lbs) up to (40 lbs) packed in shipping

container............................................per bundle or container.. 40 12.50 500.00 20.00 800.00 10.00 400.00

IV.

ADDITIONAL OPERATION: Price offered shall include the cost of 

all required materials and operations necessary for the following 

service. A charge can be claimed for Photography service only 

when specifically specified on the individual print order.

(a)

Photography Service ... per order when specifically required and 

specified on the print order................................................... 1 0.00 0.00 0.00

*Estimate previous travel/ time work 150 x 

8hr 

$81,760.30 $934,985.00 $103,966.65 

Discount: 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $0.00 

Total: ($81,760.30) ($934,985.00) ($103,966.65)

GMR 12/ 23/ 2020

MS 12/23/20 Awarded

COST

GPO Estimate 

UNIT PRICE

COST

UNIT PRICE

COST

Beaumont Blackman Inc. Dunmore, PA

ITEM DESCRIPTION

BASIS 

OF 

AWARD

American Institute for 

Preventive Medicine, 

Farmington Hills, MI

UNIT PRICE

Program No 2520-S Contract Term: January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2022 plus 4 option years

TITLE: New England Veteran (VISN 1)
Program 2520-S Page 1 of 18

Specifications by GR

Reviewed by LH

U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE

Chicago, IL 

GENERAL TERMS, CONDITIONS, AND SPECIFICATIONS

For the Procurement of

New England Veteran 

(VISN 1)

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

VA Medical Center

Single Award

BID OPENING: Bids shall not be publicly opened at 2:00 P.M., prevailing Chicago, IL time, on 

December 22, 2020.

BID SUBMISSION: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the physical office will NOT be open. Based 

on this, bidders MUST submit email bids to bidschicago@gpo.gov for this solicitation. See also 

“ADDITIONAL EMAILED BID SUBMISSION PREVISIONS” on bottom of page. 

No other method of bid submission will be accepted at this time.

The Program 2520-S and bid opening date “December 22, 2020” must be specified in the subject line 

of the emailed bid submission. Bids received after “2:00 pm Central” on the bid opening date specified 

above will not be considered for award. 

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 10 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.
New England Veteran (VISN 1) Page 2 of 18

Program 2520-S

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 copy of all pages in “SECTION 4. – SCHEDULE OF 

PRICES,” including initialing/signing where indicated. 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.

NOTE: Bidder must use the exact bid pages in “SECTION 4. – SCHEDULE OF PRICES,”

(pages 17 - 19) and MUST NOT substitute their own bid formatting in their submitted bid. Substitution

may result in a determination of the bid as non-responsive.

CONTRACT TERM: The term of this contract is for the period beginning January 1, 2021, and 

ending December 31, 2021, plus up to four (4) optional 12-month extension period(s) that may be 

added in accordance with the "Option to Extend the Contract Term" clause in this contract.

NOTE: Major changes from the previous contract are scattered throughout, including Section 4 –

Schedule Of Prices. Previous abstract or award information available on-line at: 

http://www.gpo.gov/gpo/abstracts/abstract.action?region=Chicago .

INFORMATION: For questions about these specifications call Gina Reece 312-353-3916, ext. 5. or 

greece@gpo.gov Questions about these specifications should be forwarded at least 1 workday before the 

Bid Deadline, in order to be addressed prior to bid submission.

Email requests for new award information (available approximately 2 weeks after bid opening) to GPO 

Chicago Front Desk at kdodson@gpo.gov 

Doing Business with GPO Customer Services During the 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-withus/agency/services-for-agencies/procurement-services-team. 
New England Veteran (VISN 1) Page 3 of 18

Program 2520-S

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 1987 (Rev. January 2018) and GPO Contract Terms, Quality 

Assurance Through Attributes Program for Printing and Binding (GPO Publication 310.1, effective May 

1979 (revised September 2019). 

GPO Contract Terms, (GPO Publication 310.2) http://www.gpo.gov/how-to-work-withus/vendors/programs-for-vendors

The GPO QATAP (GPO Publication310.1 - http://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/forms-andstandards-files-for-vendors/qatap.pdf 

DOING BUSINESS WITH THE GPO: Contractors wishing to do business with the GPO are referred 

to the GPO web site http://www.gpo.gov/how-to-work-with-us/vendors/programs-for-vendors, where 

contractors can register as a GPO contractor using the ‘GPO Contractor Connection’ link in accordance 

with the furnished instructions on this page.

NOTE: Prospective as well as existing GPO contractors are to note that, as of 1/1/08, all contractors 

seeking to do business with the GPO must first complete and thereafter maintain the accuracy of its GPO 

Contractor Connection registration with the following mandatory taxpayer information boxes: “EIN/TIN 

#” Employer Identification Number of Taxpayer Identification Number): “Subject to Backup 

Withholding” (See Form W-9). The GPO will withhold payment of any invoices for work completed by 

any contractor who fails to provide this tax data in GPO Contractor Connection. Such invoices will be 

declared ineligible for payment until all requirements for payment, including providing this tax data in 

GPO Contractor Connection, have been satisfied.

SUBCONTRACTING: The contractor may make contracts with any other party for the furnishing 

of any part of the supplies or work called for, with the exception of the predominant production 

function. If the predominant production function is other than presswork, it shall be so identified in 

the specifications. 

The predominant function for this procurement is editorial creation, including photography, planning, 

management in the Healthcare/Wellness field, this function cannot be subcontracted. If subcontracting 

printing. – The subcontractor must be a GPO approved Quality Level 2 contractor, to PRINT on this 

contract.

NOTE: The contractor shall be responsible for enforcing all contract requirements outsourced to a 

subcontractor.

Subcontractor(s) must be approved by the Government prior to production starting in that facility. The 

subcontractor’s information must be provided in conjunction with the “production plans” specified herein.

If the contractor needs to add a subcontractor at any time after award, the subcontractor must be approved 

by the Government prior to production starting in that facility. If the subcontractor is not approved by the 

Government, then the contractor must submit new subcontractor’s information to the Government for 

approval five (5) calendar days prior to the start of production at that facility.

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

apply to these specifications:
New England Veteran (VISN 1) Page 4 of 18

Program 2520-S

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.

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

Attribute Specified Standard

P-7 Type Quality and Uniformity OK Proofs/Electronic Media

P-8 Halftone Match OK Proofs

P-9 Solid/Screen Tint Color Match OK Proofs

P-10 Process Color Match OK Proofs

Prior to award contractor may be required to provide information related to specific equipment that will 

be used for production.

OPTION TO EXTEND THE CONTRACT TERM: 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 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 periodic pricing 

revision.

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 Government Publishing Office and the contractor.

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 January 1, 2021, and ending December 31, 2021, 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. 
New England Veteran (VISN 1) Page 5 of 18

Program 2520-S

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 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 three months prior to the beginning of the contract, 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. 

If the Government exercises an option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this economic 

price adjustment clause.

PERFORMANCE RECORDS: Verification of Delivery forms will be furnished to the awarded 

contractor (contractor to make copies as required). GPO program and print-order numbers, and dates 

mailed and/or delivered must be filled in by the contractor. Email to verifychicago@gpo.gov or fax to the 

GPO, (312-886-2057), Attn: Chicago GPO front desk, on the day mailing and delivery was completed. 

ASSIGNMENT OF JACKETS, PURCHASE AND PRINT ORDERS: 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.

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 

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.
New England Veteran (VISN 1) Page 6 of 18

Program 2520-S

PREAWARD EVALUATION: Each contractor must include with their bid a detailed plan to include 

the following for technical and managerial evaluation which will be factored in the award determination.

1) Quality and demonstrated experience in producing similar health related educational

products: Four or more published samples with a narrative of previous experience, 

demonstrating the contractor’s ability to produce high-quality and well-designed publications. 

Previous experience working with Veterans Administration Health Care System is desired.

2) Writing, Photography and Editorial Experience: Describe, with two or more samples the 

contractor’s capability to perform original writing and photography on health-related subjects, 

and the editorial ability to concisely explain, instruct and direct the publication user as required. 

This should include how the writing, photography and editorial content will be developed and 

produced. Describe how the published will assure the accuracy of the magazines content.

3) Qualifications of Key Personnel: List and detail in writing the level of education and experience 

of each person deemed as key personnel and their position and responsibilities to this contract. 

This should include but not be limited to senior editor, editor, etc.

4) Production Schedule: Outline of schedule, editorial planning meeting, via telephone and emails, design approvals, copy writing, proofs and production to meet the specified schedule. 

COURTESY CREDIT LINES: Courtesy credit lines are permissible only for non-copyrighted materials 

contributed or loaned by non-governmental parties. They shall be subordinate in size of type to that of 

both text and legends for illustrations. When all materials have come from a single nongovernmental 

source, credit lines shall be given only in an undisplayed paragraph.

COPYRIGHT NOTICES: Copyright notices shall be subordinated in size of type to that of both text 

and legends for illustrations. When privately copyrighted material is reprinted in a Government 

publication, notice of copyright is essential in order that the public not be misled.

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 January 1, 2021 through December 31, 

2021 or 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” for purposes of the contract, when it is either deposited in the 

U.S. Postal Service mail or otherwise 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.
New England Veteran (VISN 1) Page 7 of 18

Program 2520-S

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.

PRIVACY ACT NOTIFICATION: This procurement action requires the contractor to do one or more 

of the following: design, develop, or operate a system of records on individuals to accomplish an agency 

function in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, Public Law 93-579, December 31, 1974 (5 U.S.C. 

552a) and applicable agency regulations. Violation of the Act may involve the imposition of criminal 

penalties.

PRIVACY ACT:

(a) The contractor agrees:

(1) to comply with the Privacy Act of l974 and the rules and regulations issued pursuant to 

the Act in the design, development, or operation of any system of records on individuals in 

order to accomplish an agency function when the contract specifically identifies (i) the 

system or systems of records and (ii) the work to be performed by the contractor in terms of 

any one or combination of the following: (A) design, (B) development, or (C) operation;

(2) to include the solicitation notification contained in this contract in every solicitation and 

resulting subcontract and in every subcontract awarded without a solicitation when the 

statement of work in the proposed subcontract requires the design, development, or 

operation of a system of records on individuals to accomplish an agency function; and

(3) to include this clause, including this paragraph (3), in all subcontracts awarded pursuant 

to this contract which require the design, development, or operation of such a system of 

records.

(b) In the event of violations of the Act, a civil action may be brought against the agency involved 

where the violation concerns the design, development, or operation of a system of records on 

individuals to accomplish an agency function, and criminal penalties may be imposed upon the 

officers or employees of the agency where the violation concerns the operation of a system of 

records on individuals to accomplish an agency function. For purposes of the Act when the 

contract is for the operation of a system of records on individuals to accomplish an agency 

function, the contractor and any employee of the contractor is considered to be an employee of 

the agency.

(c) The terms used in this clause have the following meanings:
New England Veteran (VISN 1) Page 8 of 18

Program 2520-S

(1) "Operation of a system of records" means performance of any of the activities 

associated with maintaining the system of records including the collection, use, and 

dissemination of records.

(2) "Record" means any item, collection or grouping of information about an individual that 

is maintained by an agency, including, but not limited to, his education, financial 

transactions, medical history, and criminal or employment history and that contains his 

name, or the identifying number, symbol, or other identifying particular assigned to the 

individual, such as a finger or voice print or a photograph.

(3) "System of records" on individuals means a group of any records under the control of 

any agency from which information is retrieved by the name of the individual or by some 

identifying number, symbol, or other identifying particular assigned to the individual.

PAYMENT: Submit 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.

CONTRACTOR’S INVOICE FOR PAYMENT MUST BE ITEMIZED IN ACCORDANCE WITH 

THE SCHEDULE OF PRICES. FAILURE TO ITEMIZE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE 

SCHEDULE OF PRICES MAY RESULT IN DELAYED PAYMENT. SEE PAGES 17 through 18.

Contractor is required to furnish a copy of the invoice, including full shipping and postage details, within 

five (5) workdays of distribution to: U.S. Government Publishing Office, Chicago Regional Office, 

Chicago, IL, Attn: Gina Reece, email to greece@gpo.gov
New England Veteran (VISN 1) Page 9 of 18

Program 2520-S

SECTION 2 - SPECIFICATIONS

SCOPE: These specifications cover the production of a self-cover magazine requiring such operations as 

research, writing, photography, editorial management, design, planning, handling electronic files, 

printing, binding, packing, mailing and distribution.

TITLE: New England Veteran (VISN 1).

FREQUENCY OF ORDERS: Approximately 3 - 5 orders per year. It is anticipated that most of the 

orders will normally be for 12 pages, and 1 or 2 orders per year “Annual Reports” will be for 24 pages.

QUANTITY: Approximately 4,500 to 15,000 (see page 15 mock-up) copies per order. It is anticipated 

that 50% of the orders will be for less than 5,000 copies if placed during the pandemic.

NUMBER OF PAGES: 12 or 24 pages.

TRIM SIZE: 10 x 12" finished size.

Center spread signature printing face and back and requiring a double gate fold to create 4-panels. 

Approximately 31-1/4 x 10-7/8” flat with a width of the 4 panels (after folding), from left to right, as 

follows: 7-3/4”, 7-7/8”, 7-7/8” and 7-3/4”. 

GOVERNMENT TO FURNISH: 

Electronic files via email, facsimiles, Form 905 (R. 3/90) with labeling and marking specifications.

Mailing Addresses: Contractor must address labels. Mailing addresses will be furnished in mutually 

agreeable media (disk CD, tape or electronic media) and format. Contractor and any sub-contractors, may 

not use the mailing list for any other purpose and must maintain the information in accordance with the 

Privacy Act.

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, carried on 

copy or film, 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. 

Within 3 workdays after mailing has occurred, contractor is to provide a 508 Compliant PDF of entire 

magazine for the ordering agency to place on their website.

OWNERSHIP OF MATERIALS: The VA retains the ownership and rights to all original materials, 

including the design elements, photographs and illustrations may not be used without the written 

permission of the VA (Veterans Affairs). The VA retains the rights to reproduce all elements of the 

magazine at no additional cost.

At the end of the contract period all VA original materials, are to be returned to VISN 1 Communications.

EDITORIAL PLANNING:

1) Contractor to produce production schedule with the VA Editorial Board.

2) Contractor must attend a teleconference editorial planning meeting for 

each publication (order) to be facilitated by the VA.
New England Veteran (VISN 1) Page 10 of 18

Program 2520-S

The contractor will be required to provide Editorial Content Creation and Management:

1) Contractor to research, write and edit original articles and provide photographs, to include 

original photography as assigned by VA Editorial Board, in the healthcare and wellness field, as 

well as edit original text provided by the VA Editorial Board.

2) Assist VA Editorial Board in writing headlines, call-out quotes, captions and other display type 

with a view to maximizing readership.

3) Copy edit and proofread all text to industry standards.

4) Editing using Associated Press stylebook and VA Style Guide to include checking grammar,

spelling, sentence structure, story structure and suggesting revisions to improve “readability” of 

the story or article and edit article to meet reading level standards as set forth by the VA Editorial 

Board.

5) Photography to include supplying studio-quality and other photographs for a wide variety of 

situations as assigned by the VA Editorial Board. The contractor will supply high-resolution 

edited and raw final digital images of VA health activities suitable for the magazine. Photography 

work will include the ability to extract an image or remove a background of an image. All 

photographs become the sole property of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs without 

copyright, credit or use restrictions. The VA Editorial Board will provide written or documented 

release for all shoots assigned. Some travel will be required.

The contractor will be required to provide Design:

1) Provide original publication design. To include fonts and other elements necessary to create 

specified publication.

2) Provide complete page design. The overall design concept must be approved by the VA Editorial 

Board prior to beginning work on the first issue.

3) Incorporate into publication design any artwork and photography taken by the contractor or 

provided and approved by the VA Editorial Board, including photographs, slides and illustrations.

4) Supplement any supplied artwork or text with illustrations, icons, logos and stock photos, as 

mutually agreed upon.

5) Scale furnished artwork, photographs, slides, illustrations for color separations to areas indicated.

6) Pamphlet will have color pictures in each issue.

7) Perform color separations on all color photographic and slide images.

8) “Fit and Finish” page proofs, eliminating widows, bad breaks, etc.

9) Provide VA Editorial Board with up to three rounds of page proofs for review and revision at no 

additional charge.

 10) Comply with VA supplied Graphic Style Guide for the correct use of VA seals, brand colors and 

palettes.

ELECTRONIC PREPRESS: Prior to image processing, the contractor is responsible for performing a 

basic check (preflight) of the furnished published files to assure accurate output of the required 
New England Veteran (VISN 1) Page 11 of 18

Program 2520-S

reproduction image. Any errors, media damage or data corruption that might interfere with proper file 

imaging must be reported to GPO. Contractor must notify the Government as soon as necessary in order 

to comply with the shipping schedule.

In addition, the contractor is responsible for creating or altering any necessary trapping, setting proper 

screen angles and screen frequency, and defining file output selection for the imaging device being 

utilized. All furnished files must be imaged as necessary to meet the assigned quality level. Minimum 175 

line screen.

If contractor is required to make revisions, the contractor shall, prior to making revisions, copy the files 

and make all changes to the copy. No revisions are to be made to furnished files.

Digital Deliverables: 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 piece and shall be returned on zip disk(s). 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.

PROOFS (For Each Order):

PDF proof prior to sending hard copy proofs as follows:

2 sets of digital color content proofs, provided direct to plate is used to produce the final product. Proofs 

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

contractor's option, a film-based composite blueline may be submitted. 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.

2 set 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 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-filesfor-vendors/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.

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

or listed for the corresponding JCP Code numbers.

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-with-us/vendors/forms-and-standards along with a list of major 

revisions and any amendments thereto.
New England Veteran (VISN 1) Page 12 of 18

Program 2520-S

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

The following paper will be used on each order.

White No. 1 Gloss-Coated Text, basis weight: 80 lbs. per 500 sheets, 25 x 38", equal to JCP Code A181. 

NOTE: Exception to Paper Specification Standards No. 13 (dated March 2019), under “Testing” – The 

acceptance criteria in Part 4 shall apply for opacity only.

PRINTING: Print head-to-head in 4-color process. Printing consists of process color illustrations, 

tints/solids with type and fine detail rules reversing to white, and type & line matter throughout. Some 

orders may require illustrations that print and align across the bind.

When required, the center spread foldout prints face and back in 4-color process.

Must be printed on a press capable of printing four colors in a single pass through the press (minimum 

four printing units).

MARGINS: Margins will be as indicated on the print furnished material. Bleeds are anticipated 

throughout.

BINDING: Saddle-wire stitch in two places along the 12” dimension and trim three sides. Each product 

must contain complete 4-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.

Foldout center spread will be gate folded to create 4-panels, when required.

Magazines will have a foldout in the center that will be gate folded as requested. 

After stitching and trimming, apply wafer seal to all self-mailer copies (approximately 300 - 500 copies 

per order) with two non-perforated wafer seals on the 10” dimension in compliance with all applicable 

USPS regulations. 

PACKING:

Mailed Shipments:

Self-mailer copies.

Multiple copies (up to 200 leaves) into kraft envelopes.

Quantities over 200 leaves, up to 12 pounds, must be inserted into cushioned shipping bags or wrapped in 

shipping bundles (maximum gross weight 14 pounds).

Quantities over 12 pounds, up to 24 pounds, must be wrapped in shipping bundles or packed in small 

shipping containers (maximum gross weight 27 pounds).

Quantities over 24 pounds, up to 36 pounds, must be packed in shipping containers (maximum gross 

weight 40 pounds).

LABELING AND MARKING: Each package must be clearly labeled with the GPO jacket, purchase 

order, and print order number, and the number or title of the product. At the contractor’s option, when 

multi-page products are packaged, a sample copy of the first page of the product may be attached to 
New England Veteran (VISN 1) Page 13 of 18

Program 2520-S

identify the contents. When multiple containers are required to package the same product, they must be 

identified (i.e. 1 of 3, 2 of 3, etc.). Contractor to reproduce shipping container labels, fill in appropriate 

blanks and attach to shipping containers. Labels must include the title with the SOD and RPI numbers, 

quantity, unit quantity, and number of units (inner wraps), program number and requisition number.

QUALITY ASSURANCE (QARC) SAMPLES: Contractor must submit 32 QARC sample copies for 

each order to the U.S. Government Publishing Office, Washington, DC (See address in “Distribution” 

section). These copies will be inspected and tested for conformance to the product specifications. The 

following sampling plan will be employed for selecting the samples contractor must furnish for 

inspection.

1. Divide the entire lot into 32 sublots.

2. Select one copy from each sublot. Do not choose from the same general area in each sublot.

3. Sign and date the selection certificate and pack it with the inspection samples and a copy of the 

print order. Samples are to be mailed at the same time as the first scheduled shipment.

QARC sample quantities are not included in the total quantity ordered. No additional charge will be 

allowed for QARC samples.

GPO QARC and Inspection Samples: Mark package with Program number and Print Order number. 

GPO samples are to be shipped at the same time as the scheduled shipment/delivery and cannot be 

deducted from the total quantity ordered. Deliver sample copies by the most economical method. No 

additional charge will be allowed for GPO samples.

GPO “VERIFICATION OF DELIVERY”: Contractor MUST email delivery/shipping/mailing 

verification information to VerifyChicago@gpo.gov WITHIN 24 HOURS OF 

DELIVERY/SHIPPING/MAILING. Enter Program and Print Order numbers in the subject line, and in 

the body of the message indicate the method of shipment and the delivery date. If a contract specifies a 

shipping method of F.O.B. Contractor City (at government’s expense), enter the date of shipment. If a 

contract specifies F.O.B. Destination (at contractor’s expense), enter the date of delivery. If a contract 

specifies a combination of both methods, include all shipping and delivery dates. Failure to provide this 

information for each print order may result in delayed payment of invoices.

DISTRIBUTION: F.O.B. Contractor’s City (At Government’s Expense) and F.O.B. Destination:

F.O.B. Contractor’s City:

Mailing: The contractor must affix an address label to approximately 300-500 copies per order, or print 

address directly on required copies. In addition, contractor must package up to 8,500 multiple copies per 

order for mailing. Contractor will be required to pay postage for each mailing. Contractor will be 

Reimbursed for postage by submitting a properly completed Postal Service form (or equivalent) with the 

voucher for billing. Contractor must obtain all permits to enter pamphlet into the postal system. All 

mailing shall be made at the nonautomated Standard Mail A bulk rate. The contractor to verify 5-Digit 

ZIP Code Accuracy and the Postal Service requirements of move updates (ACS, NCOA, and

FASTforward). All mailed copies must be sorted and prepared in packages and sacks as prescribed in the 

U.S. Postal Service Domestic Mail Manual for nonautomation Standard Mail A rates. The contractor does 

have the option to mail at the automation rate and meet all the U.S. Postal requirements.

Bulk Ship: It is anticipated that up to approximately 6,000 copies per order (several shipments totaling 

less than 120 pounds) will require shipping via Reimbursable parcel post or small parcel carrier, via 

traceable means, whichever method is most economical to the Government, unless otherwise instructed. 
New England Veteran (VISN 1) Page 14 of 18

Program 2520-S

It is anticipated that copies per destination will range from 25 to 500 copies to be shipped within the 

following states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

It is anticipated that the heaviest shipments will be for addresses within the states of Connecticut and 

Maine. Shipping destinations and their quantities will be indicated on the furnished address disk and/or 

on the Print Order.

F.O.B. Destination (at contractor’s expense):

Upon completion of each order, all furnished materials and small balance after distribution must be 

returned to the following:

VISN 1 Communication, Department of Veterans Affairs, 200 Spring Rd., Bldg. 61, Bedford, MA 01730, 

Attn: John Paradis. 

GPO QARC (32 Copies): U.S. Government Publishing Office, Printing Procurement – Stop 

PPSQ, Quality Assurance Section, 732 North Capitol St., NW, Rm. A843, Washington, DC 

20401. These 32 copies will be inspected and tested for conformance to the product 

specifications. Mark package with Program number and Print Order number.

GPO Chicago Inspection Copies (2 Copies). Two samples per order must be sent for local inspection to 

the U.S. Government Publishing Office, Regional Printing Procurement Office, 200 N. LaSalle Street, 

Suite 810, Chicago, IL 60601, Attn: Program 2520-S Inspection Samples – Gina Reece. Mark package 

with Program number and Print Order number.

RECEIPTS FOR DELIVERY: Contractor must furnish their own receipts for delivery. These receipts 

must include the GPO jacket, program, and print order numbers; total quantity delivered, number of 

cartons, and quantity per carton; date delivery made; and signature of the Government agent accepting 

delivery. The original copy of these receipts or other acceptable proof must accompany the contractor's 

voucher (invoice) for payment.

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).

No definite schedule for receipt of material can be predetermined. The majority of material will be sent 

electronically to the contractor. The Government will notify the contractor when electronic files will be 

sent or furnished materials and print order are available for pickup in Bedford, MA.

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.

The numbers under the column headed “WD After” represent the number of workdays allowed to 

complete that certain part of the schedule after completion of the preceding part.

 WD After

Content development (PDF proofs process)..................... 36

VA approves final PDF of content..................................... 5

Contractor delivers hard copy proofs (two-step process)... 4

VA approves hard copy proofs (OK to print)..................... 9

Complete production and distribution .............................. 10
New England Veteran (VISN 1) Page 15 of 18

Program 2520-S

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 orders 

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 during a like period of time.

The following item designations correspond to those listed in the “Schedule of Prices.”

I.(a) 3

 (b) 2

 

II.(a) (1) 3

 (2) 350

 

 (b) (1) 1

 (2) 150

 (c) (1) 300

 

III.

(a) 15 

(b) 20 

(c) 75

(d) 75

(e) 40

IV.

 (a) 1
New England Veteran (VISN 1) Page 16 of 18

Program 2520-S

SECTION 4 - SCHEDULE OF PRICES

Bids offered are f.o.b. Contractor’s City and f.o.b. destination for small quantity.

SUBMISSION OF OFFERS AND EVALUATION: 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 nonresponsive.

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) or blank spaces for an item may be declared non-responsive.

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 vouchers 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.

I. EDITORIAL (except for item II. “COMPLETE PRINTED PRODUCT and III. “PACKING 

FOR MAILING AND SHIPPING”). Prices offered shall include the cost of all required materials and 

operations necessary for the complete production listed in accordance with these specifications.

a. Editorial content creation, management

and design ............................................per 12 page order ....................$ __________

b. Editorial content creation, management

and design ..........................................per 24 page order........................$ __________

__________________

(Initials)

 (COMPLETE AND SUBMIT THIS PAGE WITH YOUR BID)
New England Veteran (VISN 1) Page 17 of 18

Program 2520-S

II. COMPLETE PRINTED PRODUCT (except for item I. “EDITORIA” III. “PACKING FOR 

MAILING AND SHIPPING” and IV ADDITIONAL OPERATION: Prices offered shall include the 

cost of all required materials and operations necessary for the complete production, including 508 

Compliant, Proofs, Paper, etc. listed in accordance with these specifications.

(a) 12 page signature:

(1)Makeready and/or Setup................................ per order ......................................$ __________

(2) Running per 100 copies.........................................................................$__ ________

(b) 24-page pamphlet (saddle-stitch):

 (1) Makeready and/or Setup....................... per order ............................ $____________ 

 (2) Running per 100 copies ........................per order ............................ $____________

(c) Gate folded center foldout ............ per 100 copies.................................. $ ____________

III. PACKING FOR MAILING AND SHIPPING:

(a) Self-mailers, affix an address label or

print address directly, prepare

mail for automation rates.................................................per 100 copies............... $___________

(b) Multiple copies in kraft envelope

(up to 200 leaves)............................................................per envelope.................. $___________

(c) Multiple copies over 200 leaves,

up to 12 lbs., in cushioned shipping bags,

or wrapped in shipping bundles ......................................per bag or bundle. ......... $___________

(d) Quantities over 12 lbs., up to 

24 lbs., wrapped in shipping bundles, or packed in

shipping containers ...............................per bundle or container.................. $___________

(e) Quantities over 24 lbs., up to 

40 lbs., packed in shipping containers ............... .....per container................$ ___________

IV. ADDITIONAL OPERATION: Price offered shall include the cost of all required materials and

operations necessary for the following service.

A charge can be claimed for Photography service only when specifically specified on the individual print 

order.

(a) Photography Service ... per order... when specifically 

required and specified on the print order ......................................................... $___________

 _________________

(Initials)

(COMPLETE AND SUBMIT THIS PAGE WITH YOUR BID)
New England Veteran (VISN 1) Page 18 of 18

Program 2520-S

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

Post Office located at Street Address ______________________________________________________ ,

City ________________________________, State________________, Zip Code __________________ .

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): Bidder hereby acknowledges amendment(s) number(ed) ____________________

BID ACCEPTANCE PERIOD: In compliance with the above, the undersigned agree, 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.

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

CONTRACTOR’S NAME AND SIGNATURE: Fill out and return one copy of all pages in “Section 4. 

- Schedule of Prices,” initial or sign each in the space provided. Additionally, see Page 1.

Contractor ___________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

 (Street Address) (City – State – Zip)

By _________________________________________________________________________________

 (Signature and title of person authorized to sign this bid) (Date)

___________________________________________________________________________________

 (Person to be Contacted) (Telephone Number) (Fax Number)

___________________________________________________________________________________

 (Email Address) (Contractor’s Code No.)

THIS SECTION FOR GPO USE ONLY

Certified by: ____________ Date: _________ Contracting Officer: _________ Date: ____________

be Contacted) (Telephone Number)

___________________________________________________________________________________

(Email Address) (Contractor's Code No.)

(COMPLETE AND SUBMIT THIS PAGE WITH YOUR BID)