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PROG: 518-S

Title: "Humanities"

Agency: National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)

Term: Beginning and ending 04.30.2020

BASIS OF

ITEM NO DESCRIPTION AWARD UNIT RATECOST UNIT RATECOST UNIT RATECOST UNIT RATECOST UNIT RATECOST

I. ELECTRONIC PREPRESS:

(a) PDF soft proofs...............per complete file......... 4 37.50 150.00 20.00 80.00 75.00 300.00 37.50 150.00 35.00 140.00 N/C 0.00

(b) Digital color content proofs...............................

.....................per trim/page-size unit................. 204 3.25 663.00 4.00 816.00 2.00 408.00 2.93 597.72 2.00 408.00 2.00 408.00

(c) Digital one-piece composite laminated halftone

proofs; or, at contractor's option, high-resolution

inkjet proofs (G7)........per trim/page-size unit...... 62 37.50 2,325.00 30.00 1,860.00 5.00 310.00 10.01 620.62 15.00 930.00 5.00 310.00

(d) inkjet proofs (G7)........per trim/page-size unit...... 142 17.50 2,485.00 6.00 852.00 5.00 710.00 10.01 1,421.42 5.00 710.00 29.00 4,118.00

(e) System Timework.....................per hour........... 10 125.00 1,250.00 85.00 850.00 75.00 750.00 37.50 375.00 80.00 800.00 50.00 500.00

II. PRINTING, BINDING, PACKING, AND 

DISTRIBUTION:

(a) Pamphlet: Printing in four-color process and one

Pantone color, including binding......per page......

(1) Makeready and/or Setup 204 175.08 35,716.32 55.00 11,220.00 55.00 11,220.00 796.25 162,435.00 52.50 10,710.00 52.45 10,699.80

(2) Running Per 1,000 Copies 1826 19.89 36,319.14 18.50 33,781.00 19.00 34,694.00 1,305.15 2,383,203.90 16.50 30,129.00 15.85 28,942.10

(b) Reply Card: Printing face and back in black and

one Pantone color, including binding into

publication..............per card............................

(1) Makeready and/or Setup 4 663.00 2,652.00 250.00 1,000.00 300.00 1,200.00 111.48 445.92 320.00 1,280.00 295.00 1,180.00

(2) Running Per 1,000 Copies 36 16.60 597.60 45.00 1,620.00 50.00 1,800.00 68.68 2,472.48 64.67 2,328.12 63.00 2,268.00

CONTRACTOR TOTALS $82,158.06 $52,079.00 $51,392.00 $2,551,722.06 $47,435.12 $48,425.90

DISCOUNT 0.50% $410.79 2.00% $1,041.58 1.00% $513.92 2.00% $51,034.44 2.00% $948.70 2.00% $968.52

DISCOUNTED TOTALS $81,747.27 $51,037.42 $50,878.08 $2,500,687.62 $46,486.42 $47,457.38

AWARDED

CONSOLIDATED/WESTLAND

Laurel, MD

GRAY GRAPHICS

Capitol Heights, MD

MCDONALD & EUDY 

Temple Hills, MD

MOSAIC

Cheverly, MD

DISTRICT CREATIVE PRTG.

Upper Marlboro, MD

CURRENT CONTRACTOR

District Creative Prtg.
Program 518-S Page 1 of 17

Specifications by MRN

Reviewed by RRS

U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE

Washington, DC

GENERAL TERMS, CONDITIONS, AND SPECIFICATIONS

For the Procurement of

“Humanities”

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

National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)

Single Award

TERM OF CONTRACT: The term of this contract is for the period beginning Date of Award and ending April 30, 

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 May 7, 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. to 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.

RESTRICTION ON LOCATION OF PRODUCTION FACILITIES: All production facilities used in the 

manufacture of the products ordered under this contract must be located within a 60-mile radius of zero milestone 

Washington, DC.

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 with particular attention to the 

following: 

 GPO has issued a new GPO Publication 310.2, GPO Contract Terms - Solicitation Provisions, Supplemental 

Specifications, and Contract Clauses (Rev 1-18). Prospective bidders should carefully read this publication as 

the applicable terms 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.

 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 Rebecca Swan at rswan@gpo.gov or (202) 512-1239.
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518-S (4/20)

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. 1-18)) and GPO Contract Terms, Quality Assurance through Attributes Program for Printing 

and Binding (GPO Publication 310.1, effective May 1979 (Rev. August 2002)).

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

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

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

specifications:

Product Quality Levels:

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

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

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

(a) Nondestructive 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

P-10. Process 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.

P-10. O.K. Proofs/Electronic Media.
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518-S (4/20)

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.

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).

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 Date of Award to April 30, 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 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 January 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.

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: 
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518-S (4/20)

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.

PREAWARD TEST PROOF AND PRESS PRODUCTION RUN: The contractor being considered for award will 

be required to demonstrate their ability to print the item(s) required in these specifications at the requisite quality level 

by completing a preaward test. The Government may waive the preaward test if there is other evidence that, in the 

opinion of the Contracting Officer, indicates that the contractor being considered for award has the capability to 

successfully produce the item(s) required. 

For the preaward test, an electronic file containing the sample pages (up to 8 pages) representative of the item(s) to be 

produced under these specifications will be provided on the same media stipulated in these specifications. The 

prospective contractor shall first provide one (1) set of digital one-piece composite laminated halftone proofs (as 

specified under “PROOFS”) of the sample pages and then perform a press production run of the furnished sample 

pages.

The preaward test color proofs must be of the type required by these specifications and are to be delivered to the 

Government Publishing Office within three (3) workdays of receipt of electronic files. 

Within three (3) workdays of receipt of proof approval, the prospective contractor shall demonstrate their printing 

capability by producing printed press sheets of the sample pages. 

This test must be performed in the presence of Government representatives, under normal production conditions, on the 

equipment and in the facility proposed to be used for the final production and on the paper required under these 

specifications. 

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 must show areas consisting of 1/8 x 1/8” minimum solid color patches; tint patches 

of 25, 50, and 75%; dot gain scale (such as, BRUNNER, GATF, GRETAG, or RIT); and gray balance patches for 

process color (if applicable). These areas must be repeated consecutively across the entire press sheet (can be on the 

gripper edge, tail edge, or gutter of the press sheet). The minimum run time shall be one (1) hour, exclusive of 

makeready time.

Products from this test run will be used by the Government to evaluate the contractor’s capability to comply with 

applicable requirements of these specifications and the contractor’s ability to maintain that quality level throughout the 

test production run. Failure to produce sample press sheets meeting the specified quality level or to demonstrate the 

ability to maintain the required quality throughout the production test press run may be reason for a determination of 

non-responsibility. In addition, the contractor’s failure to successfully complete this test within two (2) hours may also 

result in a determination of non-responsibility. The Contracting Officer may grant a period in excess of the two (2)

hours if a determination is made that there is significant progress in meeting the contract standards.

No charges will be allowed for costs incurred in the performance of this preaward test.
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POSTAWARD CONFERENCE: Unless waived by the Contracting Officer, the total requirements of the job as 

indicated in these specifications will be reviewed by Government representatives with the contractor’s representatives at 

the U.S. Government Publishing Office, Washington, DC, immediately after award. At the option of the Government, 

the postaward conference may be held via teleconference.

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 Date of Award through April 30, 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-withus/agency/billing-and-payment.

Contractor’s billing invoice must be itemized in accordance with the items in the “SCHEDULE OF PRICES.”
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SECTION 2. – SPECIFICATIONS

SCOPE: These specifications cover the production of a self-covered, saddle-stitched pamphlet requiring such 

operations as electronic prepress, printing in multiple inks (including four-color process plus one additional color), 

binding, packing, and distribution.

TITLE: “Humanities.”

FREQUENCY OF ORDERS: Approximately four orders per year (quarterly).

QUANTITY: Approximately 7,500 to 10,000 copies per order.

NUMBER OF PAGES: Approximately 48 to 56 pages per order.

TRIM SIZES:

Pamphlet: 9-1/8 x 11-7/8”.

Reply Card: 5-3/4 x 4”. (Dimensions do not include binding flap.)

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

Platform: Macintosh G5 OS 10, or most current version.

Storage Media: FTP; thumb drive.

Software: Adobe InDesign CC 2019, Adobe Illustrator CC 2019, and/or Adobe Photoshop CC 2019.

NOTE: All software upgrades (for specified applications) which may occur during the term 

of the contract, must be supported by the contractor.

Fonts: All printer and screen fonts will be furnished.

The contractor is cautioned that furnished fonts are the property of the Government and/or its 

originator. All furnished fonts are to be eliminated from the contractor’s archive immediately 

after completion of the contract.

Additional 

Information: Files will be provided in native application format. 

A visual of the furnished electronic files will be provided. Hardcopy laser output (output on 

printer using PostScript language) showing artwork in place, color breaks, and FPO’s (For 

Position Only) for photographs (or a scan of laser output to be uploaded to FTP).

Pages and or corrections may also be sent via available digital communication network, for 

output at contractor. Contractor must review generated material from transmitted data and 

correct mechanical (i.e., machine-generated) errors.

GPO Form 952 (Desktop Publishing – Disk Information).

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.
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518-S (4/20)

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

FURNISH,” necessary to produce the products in accordance with these specifications.

The contractor must be able to accept files electronically via a contractor-hosted FTP server. Appropriate log-on 

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

FTP, which at a minimum, must have a unique user ID and password. 

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 Steve Moyer at 

(202) 606-8435 or smoyer@neh.gov, and Maria Biernik at (202) 606-8465 or mbiernik@neh.gov

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

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

quality level.

Government furnished media must output with a minimum resolution of 2400 dots per inch. 

All halftones produced must be 200-line screen or finer.

When required by the Government, the contractor shall make minor revisions to the electronic file, which may include 

color corrections to digital furnished images. It is anticipated that the Government will make all major revisions. 

Author’s alterations of a minor nature are anticipated and must be completed within the normal production schedule. 

Prior to making revisions, the contractor shall copy the furnished file and make all changes to the copy. The final 

approved files must be returned via email.

Upon completion of each order, the contractor must furnish final production native 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. 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.)

In addition, the contractor must supply all text matter from the publication. Text must include all corrections requested 

by the ordering agency and must be supplied in Microsoft Word format. A separate HTML file should be made for each 

article from the publication. The file names should reflect the names of the corresponding article names (titles). In 

addition, a separate “press quality” PDF file of the entire publication must be provided. 

IMAGE ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM: It is anticipated at this time that the contractor will be required to make 

image enhancements and color corrections on up to 10 live images on each print order. The timework and charges for 

these manipulations must be included as part of the electronic prepress prices offered. The contractor will not be 

allowed to charge for system timework for these corrections, unless identified by the Government. NOTE: During 

prepress operations, the contractor must notify the ordering agency with any anticipated problems with the color 

printing of the individual images.

In addition, the contractor may be required to do complex silhouetting of approximately 2 to 5 images per issue. They 

may also be required to create vignettes, graduated tones, image to image assembly, and/or other manipulations through 

using digital image enhancement system. The individual print order or proofs will indicate if any enhancements are 

required. GPO reserves the right to determine the acceptable amount of timework allowed for system work.
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PROOFS:

 When ordered, one (1) “Press Quality” PDF soft proof (for content only) for the entire publication using the same 

Raster Image Processor (RIP) that will be used to produce the final printed product. PDF proof will be evaluated 

for text flow, image position, and color breaks. Proof will not be used for color match.

 When ordered, one (1) set of digital color content proofs for the entire publication. Direct to plate must be used to 

produce the final product with a minimum of 2400 x 2400 dpi. 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, as 

applicable.

 When ordered, one (1) set of digital 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 for single pages as specified on the print order. 

At contractor’s option, one (1) set of high-resolution 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: At any point during the term of this contract, 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-for-vendors/qlsamples6f200c30b44a64308 

413ff00001d133d.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.

Pantone colors may be substituted with a similar color (with the exception of process yellow) but may not be built 

out of the four process colors. If producing inkjet proofs, Pantone colors must be simulated on proofs and must be 

proofed separately on a digital color content, overlay, or inkjet proof. Contractor to submit ink draw downs on 

actual production stock of Pantone color(s) used to produce the product.

 When ordered, one (1) set of inkjet proofs that are G7 profiled and use pigment-based inks. 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 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).

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

inkjet proof. Contractor to submit ink draw downs on actual production stock of Pantone color(s) used to produce 

the product.
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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 of 2400 x 2400 dpi.

NOTE: When proofs are made available for pickup by the agency, up to and including 25 pages may contain author’s 

alterations. NO additional time will be allowed for these authors’s alteration. Corrected files will be supplied for these 

author’s alterations. One (1) additional workday will be allowed if more than 25 pages require author’s alterations. (See 

“SCHEDULE.”)

Contractor is required to ensure that all proofs made are a direct representation of the electronic media. Color fidelity 

must be maintained; no reflow will be allowed.

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.

NOTE: The U.S. Government Publishing Office reserves the right to require samples and to judge the suitability of any 

digital proof offered. If the samples are disapproved by the Government, the contractor will be required to submit 

analog proofs in accordance with the contract.

The contractor must not print prior to receipt of an “O.K. 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. 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.

Pamphlet: White No. 1 Coated Text, Dull-Finish, basis weight: 80 lbs. per 500 sheets, 25 x 38”, equal to JCP Code 

A261. NOTE: Exception to Paper Specification Standards No. 12 (dated March 2011), under “Testing” - The 

acceptance criteria in Part 4 shall apply for Opacity ONLY.

The requirement for postconsumer fiber (as specified in the Government Paper Specification Standards No. 12) for JCP 

Code A261 stock 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.

Reply Card: White Index, basis weight: 110 lbs. per 500 sheets, 25-1/2 x 30-1/2”, equal to JCP Code K10.

PRINTING: 

Pamphlet: Text prints head-to-head in four-color process and one additional Pantone ink color. Match Pantone number

as indicated on the print order. NOTE: The additional Pantone color (fifth ink) must be a solid color. It cannot be 

built out of the process colors.

Text pages contain four-color process illustrations, duotones, halftones, flattones, process color builds, and solid colors. 
“Humanities” Page 10 of 17

518-S (4/20)

Each issue will contain multiple facing pages with process color and/or halftone images printing full/partial bleed(s) 

and must align across the bind.

Pamphlet must be printed on a press capable of printing five (5) colors in a single pass through the press (minimum five 

(5) printing units).

Reply Card: Print face and back in black ink plus one additional Pantone ink color. Match Pantone number as 

indicated on the print order. 

PRESS SHEET INSPECTION: Final makeready press sheets will 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. 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: Presssheets 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: Head 5/8”, bind 3/8”, unless otherwise indicated. Text pages may bleed all sides.

BINDING: 

Pamphlet: Saddle-wire stitch in two places 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.

Reply Card: Insert reply card into center of text and stitch with publication. A 3” binding flap will be the maximum 

allowable unless stated otherwise by the ordering agency. Perforate (slit or slot without ink) binding stub on fold to 

permit accurate and clean-cut separation from publication. 

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

All shipments which fill less than a shipping container must be packaged with materials of sufficient strength and 

durability and in such a manner which will guarantee that the product will not be damaged and the package will not 

open nor split during shipment.

Pallets are required for shipments to GPO Public Documents Warehouse only.

LABELING AND MARKING: Contractor to download GPO Form 905 (R. 7-15) – Labeling and Marking 

Specifications which can be located on GPO.gov, fill in appropriate blanks, and attach to shipping containers. 
“Humanities” Page 11 of 17

518-S (4/20)

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 execute a statement furnished by GPO certifying 

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.

Quantity Number of

Ordered Sublots 

500 - 3,200 50

3,201 - 10,000 80

10,001 - 35,000 125

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 in accordance with the distribution list to: NEH Office of Publications, Attn: Steve 

Moyer, 400 7th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20506.

A copy of the print order/specification and a signed Government-furnished certificate of selection must be included.

A copy of the Government furnished certificate 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 copies were selecteas directed using GPO Form 917-Certificate of Selection of Random Copies (located on 

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 Program, Jacket and Print Order numbers, must be furnished with billing as evidence of mailing.

DISTRIBUTION: 

Ordering Agency Distribution –

 Deliver f.o.b. destination to approximately three (3) addresses within the commercial zone of Washington, DC. 

Inside delivery to room number specified will be required. 

GPO Distribution –

 Deliver f.o.b. destination approximately 15 to 20 copies (file and depository) to approximately two (2) 

addresses within the commercial zone of Washington, DC. 

 Deliver f.o.b. destination approximately 500 copies to the following address: U.S. Government Publishing 

Office, Public Documents Warehouse, Attn: Subscription Stock, 8660 Cherry Lane, Laurel, MD 20707.
“Humanities” Page 12 of 17

518-S (4/20)

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

All deliveries of finished products to NEH must be made at destination by 2:30 p.m., on the day required. 

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

email to the address indicated on the print order. The subject line of the email shall be “Distribution Notice for Program 

518-S, Print Order XXXXX, Jacket Number XXX-XXX.” The notice must provide all applicable tracking numbers, 

delivery methods, and title of product. Contractor must be able to provide copies of all delivery receipts upon agency 

request. 

Within 14 workdays of completion of each order, all furnished materials, one sample copy, and digital deliverables

must be delivered to the NEH Office of Publications at the address specified under “SCHEDULE.”

All expenses incidental to picking up and returning furnished materials, submitting proofs, and furnishing sample 

copies must be borne by the contractor.

SCHEDULE: Adherence to each part of 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 and hard copy proofs must be picked up from and delivered to: National Endowment for the 

Humanities, 400 7th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20506.

All deliveries of hard copy proofs to NEH must be made at destination by 2:30 p.m., on the day required. 

The PDF soft proofs are to be emailed to: Steve Moyer at smoyer@neh.gov, and Maria Biernik at mbiernik@neh.gov. 

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.

 Complete production and distribution must be made within 14 workdays of receipt of notification of the 

availability print order and furnished materials. 

 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 one (1) workday from their receipt at the ordering agency until they are 

made available for pickup by the contractor for hard copy proofs, or until changes/corrections/“O.K. to Print” 

are given on PDF soft proofs via email.

 All proof and transit time is included in the 14-workday schedule.

NOTE: No additional time will be given for author’s alterations up to and including 25 pages; one (1) 

additional workday will be allowed if author’s alterations exceed 25 pages.

The contractor must notify the 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 one (1) workday 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. 1-18)). 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.
“Humanities” Page 13 of 17

518-S (4/20)

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.

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. 
“Humanities” Page 14 of 17

518-S (4/20)

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 (1) 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 under this contract for a like period of time.

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

I. (a) 4

(b) 204

(c) 62

(d) 142

(e) 10

 (1) (2)

II. (a) 204 1,826

(b) 4 36
“Humanities” Page 15 of 17

518-S (4/20)

SECTION 4. – SCHEDULE OF PRICES

Bids offered are f.o.b. destination. 

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 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), 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 1,000 will be prorated at the per-1,000 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.

Contractor’s billing invoices must be charged in accordance with the line items in the “SCHEDULE OF PRICES.”

________________

Initials
“Humanities” Page 16 of 17

518-S (4/20)

I. ELECTRONIC PREPRESS: 

The price offered for Item I. (a) is for a PDF file of a complete publication, not just for one page of a publication.

(a) PDF soft proofs.................................................................................... per complete file......$___________

(b) Digital color content proofs ........................................................ per trim/page-size unit .....$___________

(c) Digital one-piece composite laminated halftone proofs; or,

at contractor’s option, high-resolution inkjet proofs (G7)........... per trim/page-size unit .....$___________

(d) Inkjet proofs (G7) ...................................................................... per trim/page-size unit .....$___________

(e) System Timework ............................................................................................per hour......$___________

Electronic prepress operations which cannot be properly classified under any other item shall be charged as 

“System Timework.” Any charge made under “System Timework” must be supported by a statement outlining in 

detail the operation for which payment is claimed. In case of dispute the Contracting Officer reserves the right to be 

the final judge as to the operations and/or number of hours chargeable under Item I. (e).

II. PRINTING, BINDING, PACKING, AND DISTRIBUTION: Prices offered must be all inclusive and include 

the cost of materials and operations necessary (including paper) for the printing, binding, packing, and distribution 

of the product listed in accordance with these specifications

Makeready Running Per

and/or Setup 1,000 Copies

(1) (2)

(a) Pamphlet: Printing in four-color process and one

Pantone color, including binding .............................................per page ......$___________ $___________

(b) Reply Card: Printing face and back in black and one

Pantone color, including binding into publication ................... per card ......$___________ $___________

________________

Initials
“Humanities” Page 17 of 17

518-S (4/20)

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) (Fax Number)

___________________________________________________________________________________________

THIS SECTION FOR GPO USE ONLY

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

(Initials) (Initials)

___________________________________________________________________________________________