Jacket: 412-757

Title: 2020 Census Island Areas Enumerator and Group Quarters Questionnaires - Reprint

Agency: Department of Commerce/Census

Bid Opening: March 30, 2020 at 11:00AM

Bid Terms Discounted Total

$115,555.00 5.0% 20 days $109,777.25

$120,742.00 0.0% 0 days $120,742.00

$125,707.07 1.0% 20 days $124,450.00

Las Vegas Color Graphics

Contractor Name

RR Donnelley

Advantage Mailing

Type text here 3/30/2020
Specifications by JKB Jacket 412-757

Page 1 of 16 Department of Commerce, Census 0-00102 

Reviewed by DEE 

BID OPENING: Bids shall be opened at 11 AM., prevailing Eastern Standard Time (EST), on (March 30, 2020)

at the U.S. Government Publishing Office, Columbus Regional Office, 1335 Dublin Road, Suite 112-B, 

Columbus, OH 43215-7034. Due to COVID-19, this will NOT be a public bid opening.

Bids received after 11 AM on the bid opening date specified above will not be considered for award. 

For information of a technical nature before award, email Jim Ballou) at (jballou)@gpo.gov. For contract administration 

after award, call (APS-DC) at (202) (512-0307). (No collect calls.)

FACSIMILE SPECIFICATIONS

U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO)

Washington, D.C.

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 Pub. 310.2, effective December 1, 1987 

(Rev. 1-18)) and GPO Contract Terms, Quality Assurance Through Attributes Program for Printing and Binding (GPO Pub. 

310.1, effective May 1979 (Rev. 09-19)).

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

SPECIFICATIONS WILL APPLY EQUALLY TO ALL ITEMS EXCEPT AS NOTED HEREIN.

PRODUCT: Questionnaires. These specifications cover the production of five-(5) different questionnaires. All 

questionnaires print in black and process cyan. The questionnaires will require serialized bar codes on one side of each page 

and will require a document ID on page 1.

TITLE: 2020 Census Island Areas Enumerator Continuation Questionnaires

QUANTITY: 44,850

TRIM SIZE: Questionnaires – 9” x 11”

.
Page 2 of 16 Jacket 412-757

PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS, QUANTITIES, AND SPECIFICATIONS

Note: The quantities in the table below do not include spoilage from the manufacturing process. Contractor is expected to 

adjust quantities as needed to meet delivery. Quality control samples are also not included.

NO SHORTAGES ALLOWED; therefore, the Contractor is cautioned that they will be required to make up any 

shortages at no additional cost to the Government.

Item 

No. Description Quantity Specifications

Questionnaires

1 D-CQ-AS

3,050 Format: Finished size: 9"x11" 36-page 

Booklet. Prints head to head. Saddle-wire 

stitch in 2-places. 

Stock: White Opacified Offset Book, basis 

weight: 50 lbs. Per 500 sheets, 25 x 38”; 

must meet the attributes of JCP Code A80. 

Ink: Ink: Black and Cyan

Variable Imaging: Document ID on page 1.

Serialized bar codes on one side of each page

2 D-CQ-MI

5,050

3 D-CQ-GU

30,050

4 D-CQ-VI (St. Croix)

3,025

D-CQ-VI (St. Thomas)

3,025

5 D-CQ-VI(S) (St. Croix)

325

D-CQ-VI(S) (St. Thomas)

325

GOVERNMENT TO FURNISH (GFM): 

Electronic Media (Print Files) will be furnished as follows: 

Platform: Windows 7.

Storage Media:CD-ROM or email.

Software: Adobe Acrobat Professional 11.0 (or higher). 

All platform system and software upgrades (for specific applications) which may occur during 

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

Fonts: All printer and screen fonts will be embedded. 

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 furnished in PDF format.

Laser composites of the furnished electronic files will be provided. 

GPO Form 952 (Desktop Publishing - Disk Information).

GPO Form 892 (R. 8/95) Proofs

GPO Form 915 (Business Reply Label)

GPO Form 2686 QARC Random copies sampling & shipping instructions.

GPO Form 917 (Certificate of Selection).
Page 3 of 16 Jacket 412-757

Contractor to download the "Labeling and Marking Specifications" form (GPO Form 905, R. 7-15) from www.gpo.gov, fill 

in appropriate blanks, and attach to shipping containers.

Prior to image processing, the contractor is responsible for performing a basic check (preflight) of the furnished publishing 

files to assure accurate output of the required reproduction image. Any errors, media damage, or data corruption that might 

interfere with proper file imaging must be reported to the contract administrator in sufficient time 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 assigned quality level.

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. The Contractor shall be responsible for 

submitting proofs and hosting press sheet and binding inspections; before full-scale operations commence.

Government Representatives must be furnished the following:

• Office space with a desk and 2 (two) work tables, telephone capable of receiving and making outside telephone 

calls including long distance capability. The Contractor will be reimbursed for any charges for calls made by 

Government Representatives upon presentation of voucher and verifiable documentation. The office must be in an 

enclosed secured area adjacent to the production operation(s). Unlimited access to a nearby copier, fax machine, 

printer, and secure high-speed internet access (Wi-Fi at a minimum 10mbs or higher, preferred) in the area where 

quality assurance will be conducted.

• For PSIs, the Contractor shall make available a space with standard lighting conditions for the Government 

Representatives to review product samples (i.e., PIA/GATF 5000K).

ON SITE GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES: Two (2) or more Government representatives may be present at

the contractor’s production facility, for the duration of each shift, to monitor the production, quality review of all items,

plus labeling, packaging and palletizing of shipping containers.

For all production process for all items, the Census Bureau Quality Assurance team and the contractor’s management

team will establish a leader or point of contact for each shift on which Census Bureau work will be performed. These

representatives do not have contractual authority. They are not authorized to make changes, or imply that changes be or

can be made, in these specifications or contract. 

Additionally, these Government representatives are not to provide support or disapproval of any concerns pertaining to

any of the terms of this contract to the contractor’s staff. However, these representatives are to bring any and all defects

to the attention of the contractor’s Quality Control (QC) Official. 

The representatives will have full and unrestricted access to all production areas where Census Bureau work is being

produced. The contractor must provide office space with a desk, a telephone and unlimited access to a fax machine. The

office must be in an enclosed, secured area adjacent to the production operations. The contractor will be reimbursed for

any charges incurred for toll calls made by the Government coordinators upon presentation of voucher and verifiable

documentation.

The Government representatives may affix stickers to the cartons and/or pallets for internal Census Bureau purposes. The

application of these stickers neither signifies nor implies, in any way, the acceptance of the job by the Government. The

affixed stickers do apply to the acceptance of the materials on the pallet. Pallets cannot be shipped until the stickers have

been applied to the pallets or written permission to ship has been provided by the Government. National Processing

Center (NPC)/Document Services Branch staff will be on-site during printing/bindery.
Page 4 of 16 Jacket 412-757

PROOFS: Two (2) sets of digital color content proofs for all items. 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, and trimmed to the finished size of the product. Proofs will be held three (3) workdays from receipt until 

they are returned with O.K. to print or with other instructions.

Deliver proofs and all furnished material to: U.S. Census Bureau, ACSD/PSB/Printing Services, 4600 Silver Hill Road, 

Suitland, MD 20746, Attn: Deborah Mockabee, 301-763-9356. 

Manufacture of the final product prior to approval of the sample submitted is at the contractor’s risk. Samples will not be 

returned to the contractor. All costs, including the costs of all samples shall be included in the contract price for the 

production quantity. All samples shall be manufactured at the facilities in which the contract production quantities are to 

manufacture.

Contractor must call GPO Contract Compliance Section at (202) 512-0520 or email compliance@gpo.gov immediately 

upon sending/delivering proofs and immediately upon notification that the proofs are available for pickup at the 

department. CONTRACTOR MUST NOT PRINT PRIOR TO RECEIVING AN “O.K. TO PRINT.”

NOTE: PLEASE MARK ALL PROOFS “URGENT”

PAPER SAMPLES AND INK DRAWDOWNS: The contractor is required to submit no less than three (3) ink 

drawdown samples for each ink color used and no less than 50 blank 9” x 11” sheets of White Opacified Offset Book, JCP 

Code A80.

Submit paper samples and ink drawdowns to U.S. Government Publishing Office, Customer Services, 732 North Capitol 

Street, NW, Room C-838, Stop CSAPS, Washington, DC 20401, Attn: AST 1, Contract Administrator Jacket 409-557. 

The container and accompanying documentation shall be marked PAPER AND INK DRAWDOWN SAMPLES, and 

shall include the GPO Purchase Order and Jacket Numbers.

The Government will approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove these samples within seven (7) workdays of the 

receipt thereof. Approval or conditional approval shall not relieve the Contractor from complying with the specifications 

and all other terms and conditions of the contract. A conditional approval shall state any further action required by the 

Contractor. A notice of disapproval shall state the reasons therefore.

If the samples are disapproved by the Government, the Government, at its option, may require the Contractor to submit 

additional samples for inspection and test, in the time and under the terms and conditions specified in the notice of 

rejection. Such additional samples shall be furnished, and necessary changes made, at no additional cost to the 

Government and with no extension in the shipping schedule. The Government will require the time specified above to 

inspect and test any additional samples required.

In the event the additional samples are disapproved by the Government, the Contractor shall be deemed to have failed to 

make delivery within the meaning of the default clause in which event this contract shall be subject to termination for 

default, provided however, that the failure of the Government to terminate the contract for default in such event shall not 

relieve the Contractor of the responsibility to deliver the contract quantities in accordance with the shipping schedule.

In the event the Government fails to approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove the samples within the time

specified, the Contracting Officer (CO) shall automatically extend the shipping schedule in accordance with the 

procedures as indicated in Contract Clause 12, “Notice of Compliance with Schedules,” of GPO Contract Terms (GPO 

Publication 310.2, effective December 1, 1987 (Rev.1-18)).

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

corresponding JCP Code numbers in the "Government Paper Specification Standards No. 13" dated September 2019.

QUESTIONNAIRES: **JCP Code* A80, Opacified Offset Book, Basis Size 25 X 38" 50 lbs.
Page 5 of 16 Jacket 412-757

PRINTING:

QUESTIONNAIRES:

Item 1 – Item 5: 36 Page Saddle Stitched Questionnaires - Print face and back, head to head in Cyan and Black ink

without bleeds. Document ID on page 1. Serialized barcodes on one side of each page on the outer signature. Serialized

barcodes are only placed on the outer signature (8 or 16 pages).

VARIABLE COMPUTERIZED IMAGING: (Questionnaires): Variable computerized imaging required for this 

contract consists of: the application of serialized barcodes and corresponding Human Readable Interpretation (HRI); an 

application of an identification number on the front of questionnaires. 

Variable computerized imaging including barcodes, must be ink jet, ion deposition, laser, or equivalent quality.

Variable computerized images (barcodes, ID numbers, etc.) shall be of black, permanent (water resistant) medium, and 

shall not “run,” “smear,” or “bleed” when exposed to moisture (mist, rain, snow, or other adverse condition). The 

contractor shall avoid any unreasonable strike-through (bleed through) and barcode rub-off. The serialized barcode and 

HRI conform to specifications for variable image type quality, filled in characters, address voids, and other quality 

requirements.

Interleaved 2 of 5 barcodes shall conform to the following:

Imaging Addressability: No fewer than 240 dots per inch Nominal Element 

Width: (X): 0.015” < X < 0.019”

Wide to Narrow Ratio: (N): 2.2 < N < 3.0

Quiet Zone: 10X minimum

Barcodes shall comply with ISO/IEC 16390:2007- “Information technology - Automatic identification and data capture 

techniques - Interleaved 2 of 5 barcode symbology specification” ISO/IEC 15416:2000 - “Barcode Print Quality Test 

Specification - Linear Symbols.” Symbol grades shall be at least C/10/660.

QUESTIONNAIRE SERIALIZATION BARCODING: A set of Interleaved 2 of 5 serialized barcodes shall be 

produced and shall be unique to each printed copy of a questionnaire. Additionally, to the serialized barcode, there will be 

the equivalent HRI (Human Readable Interpretation). The placement of serialized barcodes on designated pages is 

described below. All designated pages of each questionnaire printed shall display the same serialized barcode and HRI 

number.

The contractor shall not duplicate serialized barcoded numbers on various questionnaire types. The contractor shall use 

the same serial number (i.e., the serial number for that individual questionnaire) in the barcoded rendition of the serial 

number and the human readable rendition of the serial number on every designated page of the questionnaire. The 

serialized barcode number shall be 10 digits in length, consisting of a 9-digit sequential number and one check digit, 

calculated using the MOD10 Algorithm described herein.

The 10-digit serialized barcode shall have the following numerical format:

 Digits 1 through 9 shall represent the whole number of the serialized number.

 Digit 10 shall be the MOD10 check-digit.

The first serialized barcode’s first digit shall be shall not be less than 4. The whole number represented by digits 1 through 

9 shall increase by increments of 1 for each new questionnaire (gaps in the sequence are acceptable). The 10-digit 

serialized number shall not be duplicated for or on any final questionnaire within the production of this contract.

The barcoded serial number shall have a height of at least 1/4” or at least 15% of the barcode width (excluding quiet zones 

- whichever is greater. The barcodes shall have a maximum width of 1-11/16” (excluding quiet zones). The bars shall be 

perpendicular to the 18” dimension of the page. A Human Readable Interpretation of the serial number shall be printed in 

a 10 point San Serif font.
Page 6 of 16 Jacket 412-757

Formula for Mod10 Check-Digit: The MOD10 algorithm will calculate a check digit for the serial number. The check 

digit is calculated using the LUHN’s algorithm (MOD10 algorithm). The MOD10 check-digit is calculated as follows:

1) From the rightmost digit, which is the check digit, moving left, double the value of every second digit; if the

product of this doubling operation is greater than 9 (e.g., 7 * 2 = 14), then sum the digits of the products (e.g., 10: 

1 + 0=1, 14: 1 + 4 = 5).

2) Take the sum of all the digits

3) If the total modulo 10 is equal to 0 (if the total ends in zero) then the number is valid according to the Luhn 

formula; else it is not valid.

Assume an example of a serial number “123456789” that will have a check digit added, making it of the form 

123456789x:

 Double every other (starting with the first digit) 2 2 6 4 10 6 14 8 18

 Sum of resulting digits 2 + 2 + 6 + 4 + 1 + 6 + 5 + 8 + 9 = 43

The check digit (x) is obtained by computing the sum of digits then computing 9 times that value modulo 10 (in equation 

form, (43 * 9 mod 10)). In algorithm form:

1) Compute the sum of the digits (43).

2) Multiply by 9 (387).

3) The last digit, 7, is the check digit.

Alternative Method: The check digit (x) is obtained by computing the sum of digits then subtracting the units digit from 

10 (43 = Units digit 3; 10 - 3 = check digit 7). In algorithm form:

1) Compute the sum of the digits (43).

2) Take the units digit (3).

3) Subtract the unit’s digit from 10 (7).

4) The result, 7, is the check digit. In case the sum of digits ends in 0, 0 is the check digit.

For this example, the serial number with check digit is 1234567897.

PLACEMENT OF SERIALIZED BARCODES AND HRIs ON DESIGNATED PAGES: 

For the 8-page questionnaires, the serialized Interleaved 2 of 5 barcodes and equivalent HRI, shall be unique to each 

questionnaire and shall be printed on one side of each numbered page of the finished product (i.e.: pg.1 or pg. 2, and pg. 3 

or pg. 4, up to pg. 7 or pg. 8). The barcoded serial number, including quiet zone, and the HRI serial number shall not 

overlap any printed text or images.

For the 36-page questionnaires, the serialization is limited to the outer 8-page or 16-page signature. The interleaved 2 of 5 

barcodes and equivalent HRI, shall be unique to each questionnaire and shall be printed on one side of each numbered 

page of the finished product (i.e.: pg.1 or pg. 2, and pg. 3 or pg. 4, up to pg. 35 or pg. 36). The barcoded serial number, 

including quiet zone, and the HRI serial number shall not overlap any printed text or images.

The serialized Interleaved 2 of 5 barcode shall be located in the BOTTOM margin of each odd or even page. The leading 

edge of this barcode shall measure 1-1/2” from the LEFT or the trailing edge of this barcode shall measure 1-1/2” from 

the RIGHT edge of the page. (The edge of the page is either the spine or finished edge). The vertical position shall be 

below the tint area but may overlap the printed border line. The barcode must meet minimum height requirements (15% of 

width) after trimming.

The HRI shall be positioned in the TOP margin of the same page containing the serialized barcode. The location of the 

HRI shall measure 1-1/2” from the LEFT or RIGHT edge of the page, centered vertically within the top margin (or 

centered in the space above any printed text in the top margin) of the page. Serialized barcodes and HRI’s shall align 

horizontally within each page.

The location of variable image for the serial barcode and HRI shall be within 1/8” horizontally and 1/16” vertically from 
Page 7 of 16 Jacket 412-757

the specified position.

OTHER BARCODE IMAGING: On items 1-5 the contractor will be required to create an ID that meets format 

requirements as specified in the Document ID Bar Code (Items 1 thru 5) Table (8-Digit Document ID Table). The 

contractor shall produce an 8-digit Document ID bar code with HRI in 8 pt. sans serif font at 12 characters per inch.

These ID’s utilize the MAD97 Check Digit formula described herein. These ID’s will be placed in a cutout in the lower 

left corner of page 1.

Document ID Bar Code (Items 1 thru 5) Table

Item No. Form No. Digits 1-2

Form Identifier

Digits 3-7

Sequential number 

Digit 8

MAD97 Check Digits 

1 D-CQ-AS 01

50000-89999

(Increases by increments of 

1 starting with the 5th digit 

from the left)

Check Digit

Computed over 

preceding 7 characters, 

using the Luhn Mod 10 

algorithm. (The 

formula provided)

2 D-CQ-MI 11

3 D-CQ-GU 21

4 D-CQ-VI 31 St. Croix,

51 St. Thomas

5 D-CQ-VI(S) 42 St. Croix,

62 St. Thomas

The Document ID bar code shall be located on the first page of Items 6 thru 15 in the lower left corner cutout within the 

border box. The top edge of the bar code may abut, but not overlap, the blue image background. The position of the bar 

code, including a 1/4” clear space to the left and right of the bar code, and the HRI shall not overlap any printed page 

number/preprinted bar code, printed text or folds in the margin. Gaps in the sequence are acceptable. Bar code recovery is 

not required. Duplicates are not allowed.

PRESS SHEET INSPECTION: Final make-ready 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 make-ready 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 one color bar for each color 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 (GATF, 

BRUNNER or GRETAG) and gray balance patches for process color; repeated across the entire press sheet. The density 

must be constant across the full width of the sheet with deviations not to exceed plus or minus 5%. For viewing of the press

sheets, the contractor must provide a densitometer and controlled lighting using overhead viewing lights with 5000-degree

Kelvin lumination.

Viewing Light: Press sheets will be viewed under controlled conditions with 5000 degrees Kelvin overhead luminaries. The 

viewing conditions must conform to ISO 3664-2009; a viewing booth under controlled conditions with 5000 degrees Kelvin 

overhead luminaries with neutral gray surroundings must be provided.

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.

Note: Contractor will be responsible for all additional costs related to delays when supplies are not ready at the time 

specified by the Contractor for inspections or tests, or an unreasonable amount of time is required to produce satisfactory 

press sheets (i.e., more than 2 hours).

All production items will be inspected at Contractor’s plant for quality conformance. All expenses incidental to submitting 

proofs, furnishing samples and returning materials, must be borne by the contractor

NOTE: A 48-hour notice of PSI is required
Page 8 of 16 Jacket 412-757

INK: Questionnaires: Black and Cyan

Target Ink Densities: The target nominal will be set at the press sheet inspection. For Pantone Matching System T

density, run color to density to match PMS color, filter nominal value for Questionnaires shall be set by measurements of

the specified standard (O.K. press sheet). Screen area dot plus gain should measure 37 to 42.

Target Ink Dot Area (for all colors except yellow): The target nominal will be set at the press sheet inspection. For

Pantone Matching System T density, run color to density to match PMS color, filter nominal value for Questionnaires

shall be set by measurements of the specified standard (O.K. press sheet). Screen dot area should measure 30 (plus or

minus 3).

Target Ink Dot Area (for yellow): The target nominal will be set at the press sheet inspection. For Pantone Matching 

System T density, run color to density to match PMS color, filter nominal value for Questionnaires shall be set by 

measurements of the specified standard (O.K. press sheet). Screen dot area should measure 40 (plus or minus 3). 

BINDING/CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION: All binding (trimming, folding, and stitching) and construction 

operations may be inspected and approved at the contractor’s plant for quality conformance and for the purposes of 

establishing specific standards that are to be maintained throughout the run. Upon approval, the contractor is charged with 

maintaining those standards throughout the binding/construction processes (within QATAP tolerances, when applicable). 

The contractor is also charged with discarding all products that preceded approval.

NOTE: A binding/construction inspection does not constitute a prior approval of the entire run. For questionnaires, the

contractor must not perform stitching prior to receipt of an “O.K. to Fold.

The contractor must notify the GPO of the date and time the Bindery inspection can be performed. In order for proper 

arrangements to be made, notification must be given at least 2 workdays prior to the inspection. Notify the U.S. 

Government Publishing Office, Contract Management Division, Quality Control for Procured Printing Section (CSPS), 

Washington, DC 20401, on telephone area code (202) 512-1162. Telephone calls will only be accepted between the hours 

of 8:00 am and 2:00 pm, prevailing Eastern Time. Note: See contract clauses, paragraph 14(e)(1), Inspections and Tests of 

GPO Contract Terms (GPO Publication 310.2, effective December 1, 1987 (Rev. 6 01)). 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. 

MARGINS: Follow electronic Media/Inadequate Gripper
Page 9 of 16 Jacket 412-757

BINDING: EXHIBIT A

STITCHING LOCATION DIAGRAM

*Please take care to assure trims are clean and accurate

STITCH ALIGNMENT: Spine/Saddle-stitch on the fold (11” dimension). Alignment of the stitches in the direction of 

the spine shall be such that both bends of the stich fall within the fold of the spine as viewed from the outside of the form

(See Exhibit A, Skewness, Top Views). This requirement does not imply that the point of emergence through the 

innermost sheet of the signature must lie within the fold of the spine as viewed from the outside of the form (See Exhibit 

A, Location, End Views). All stitches shall be crimped tightly enough so that the stitch may not be pulled away from the 

spine, but not so tightly as to break the surface of the spine.

NOTE: Paste on fold is NOT allowed.

Inside the Questionnaire: The gap between the ends of the stitch legs shall not exceed 1/16” and the overlap shall not 

exceed 1/32”. All stitches shall be crimped tightly enough so that no movement of the pages relative to each other is 

allowed. The ends of the stitches shall be tight against the paper. All stitches shall not be crimped so tightly as to break the 

surface of the paper. However, the ends of the stitches may penetrate the innermost sheet of the signature. Inside sheets 

must be stitched no more than 1/16” from the fold.

The vendor must account for binder’s creep and maintain the outside margin. Method must not shrink the content of the 

page.

PACKING, LABELING, MARKING, AND PALLETIZING

Finished Products - The Contractor shall pack and identify materials separately and suitably in shipping containers, and 

uniquely identify the containers with package or form type. The Contractor shall follow GPO Contract Terms for the 

packing and labeling of materials.

Pallets are required to be single un-notched solid stringer allowing entry only from the ends. Pallets shall measure 48”x 

42” (stringer measurement shall be the 48” dimension). Full two-sided entry on the 42” width dimension required. Pallets 

shall not have deck boards that overhang from outside edge of stringer. The entire pallet shall be shrink-wrapped

(including top and bottom). Maximum pallet height (including pallet) shall not exceed 48”.

Pallets shall not have deck boards that overhang from outside edge of stringer. 
Page 10 of 16 Jacket 412-757

Cartons must be fastened securely to the pallet in a manner that will prevent lateral movement but will permit removal 

without damage to the cartons. Cartons shall be of the appropriate dimensions so as to be stacked on the pallets so that the 

length of each carton runs in the opposite direction to the row of cartons beneath/above (i.e. interlocking 90-degree 

palletizing scheme) with labels facing out. Carton dimensions shall allow for this interlocking 90-degree palletizing 

scheme. DO NOT MIX ITEMS ON PALLETS.

Shipping containers shall be plainly and substantially marked to show the Contractor’s name, the Jacket number, and a 

brief description of the contents. Shipping costs shall be borne by the Contractor.

LABELING AND MARKING (package and/or container label): Container labels shall uniquely identify the container 

contents and quantity. Reproduce shipping container label from furnished PDF file, fill in appropriate blanks and attach to 

shipping containers. Include Package Type or Item Description, Form Number, and Quantity Per Container on all shipping 

labels. Each container must be labeled to indicate what box of how many... (Example: 1 of 3, 2 of 3, 3 of 3.) Do not mix 

packages within shipping containers. It is imperative that all shipping containers are marked as indicated.

CAUTION: Noncompliance with the labeling and marking specification may be cause for the Government to reject the 

shipment at destination and return it to the Contractor at the Contractor’s expense. After giving notice of the deficiency 

the Government may, at its option, re-label and/or re-mark in accordance with these specifications and charge all costs to 

the Contractor. (See GPO Publications 310.2, as Rev. 01-18, Supplemental Specification, Labeling and Marking 

Specifications, Section 11)

CENSUS “FIRST-OFF” COPIES: Copies that ship to the Suitland, MD destination must be delivered on the same date 

as all other materials. 

Return GFM via traceable means to U.S. Census Bureau, Attn: Deborah Mockabee, 301-763-9356, Gate 9, Remote Delivery 

Facilities (RDF), 4600 Silver Hill Rd., Room HQ-3K420C, Suitland, MD 20746.

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

specifications:

Product Quality Levels (PQL): For each attribute, QATAP indicates either a specified standard or a nominal value along 

with tolerances that specify the range of acceptability. The following PQL was chosen based on the reliability of 

reproduction required, the desired aesthetic appearance, and the intended durability of the final usage of the product:

Product Quality Levels:

(a) Printing Attributes -- Level II

(b) Finishing Attributes -- Level II

(c) Exception -- Exceptions as listed within.

Additional Quality Tolerances for Survey Forms, Envelopes, and Packages specified herein. Inspection Levels (from

ANSI/ASQC Z1.4):

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

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

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

 Attribute Specified Standard

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

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

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

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

P-7. O.K.'d Proofs.

P-9. O.K.'d Proofs.
Page 11 of 16 Jacket 412-757

Questionnaires

Critical Defects – 0.10 defects per 100 items Total Defects --- 4.0 defects per 100 items

Other Items

Critical Defects – 1.0 defects per 100 items Total Defects --- 6.5 defects per 100 items

The most restrictive attribute or tolerance shall govern in all cases.

Information loss (e.g., a cut off page number) shall be assessed a critical defect.

In addition to the stated GPO quality levels and other quality requirements in this contract, the Contractor shall follow 

current industry practices for process control and quality control techniques of press and finishing lines, including all 

process steps. The most restrictive attribute or tolerance shall govern in all cases.

• Any unspecified black, process cyan, ink image bleed shall be classified as a Critical defect.

• Image size: The printed image on any page shall not vary more than 1/16” from the specified dimensions.

 Nonconformance with this requirement shall be classified as a critical defect.

• Damaged Questionnaires (Items 1 thru 5): There shall be no tears longer than 1/32”, no dog-ears, and no

creased or folded over wrinkles. There shall be no wrinkles displacing the lead edge of the Questionnaires

(Items 1 thru 5) more than 1/16” from a flat surface on which an unfolded sheet is laid. Nonconformance

with this requirement shall be classified as a Major defect. Other wrinkles shall conform to GPO Publication 

310.1, Attribute F-8. Product Quality Level II.

• Spots and Extraneous marks on (Items 1 thru 5) shall not exceed 0.20 square mm in size within the inside of 

variable content areas (check boxes and answer zones) and shall not exceed 0.40 square mm in size anywhere else 

on the item. This requirement does not supersede the barcode specification. 

 Nonconformance with this requirement shall be classified as a Major defect. Strike-through (bleed- 

 through) shall be evaluated as spots or extraneous marks.

NOTE: The Contractor is responsible for excess processing costs incurred for furnishing products that do not meet 

specifications.

NOTE: Spots and extraneous marks shall conform to GPO Publication 310.0, Attributes P- 1 and P-2 with the 

exception that Category 2 extraneous marks shall be no larger than 5.00 square mm in total area. Nonconformance with 

this requirement shall be classified as a Major defect.

Note: For the "Blue Label" Copies -- A copy of the Government furnished certificate (GPO Form 917) must

accompany the voucher sent to GPO, Financial Management Service, for payment. Failure to furnish the

certificate may result in delay in processing the voucher. NOTE: Form is also available at

https://www.gpo.gov/pdfs/vendors/sfas/Form917.pdf1

CENSUS QUALITY ASSURANCE RANDOM COPIES: After approval is received on the press sheet inspection and 

starting with the first day of printing, the contractor shall, during each day, randomly select one (1) sample, every 10,000 

copies, of each type of press sheet produced that day. Each sample shall have: 1) the date and time, stamped by machine, 

when the sample is pulled, 2) the shift noted on the sample, and, 3) the press number noted on the sample.

The contractor shall develop a method for selecting the press sheet samples that is acceptable to the Government. For 

example, if the items are printed roll-to-roll, the samples may be selected from the tail of each output roll.

If binding is performed as a separate operation, one (1) random sample, 6,000 copies, per day from each operation shall be 

selected. If the operations are combined into one continuous operation, one (1) random sample every 6,000 copies per 

day shall be selected. Each sample shall have: 1) the date and time, stamped by machine, when the sample is pulled; 2) 

the shift noted on the sample; and, 3) the press number noted on the sample. The on-site Government coordinators will 

inspect the Census Quality Assurance Random Copies indicated above. After inspection, the contractor shall place these 

samples on a pallet and ship back to NPC with the shipment of items upon completion of the job.
Page 12 of 16 Jacket 412-757

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 specifications. 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 execute a statement furnished by GPO certifying that copies were selected as directed. 

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 purchase order/specifications must be included.

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 Jacket

and Purchase Order numbers, must be furnished with billing as evidence of mailing.

DISTRIBUTION: Contractor must notify the ordering agency on the same day that the product ships/delivers via e-mail 

sent to deborah.d.mockabee@census.gov and acsd.printing.services@census.gov. The subject line of this message shall be 

"Distribution Notice for Jacket 412-757, Requisition 0-00102 notice must provide all applicable tracking numbers, 

shipping method, and Title. Contractor must be able to provide copies of all delivery, mailing, and shipping receipts upon 

agency request.

Please distribute to the Island Area Offices in American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, 

Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Croix & St. Thomas) and Suitland, MD as outlined below:

U.S. Census Bureau, Island Area Offices

American Samoa - 2020 Census Office - 684-644-2020

Lumana'i Building, 2nd Floor

Pago Pago, American Samoa, 96799

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands - 2020 Census Office - 670-685-2020

Ladera Building, 3rd Floor

Beach Road

Chalan Lau Lau, Saipan, MP, 96950

Guam - 2020 Census Office - 671-645-2032

Century Plaza, 2nd Floor

219 S. Marine Corps Drive

Tamuning, Guam, 96913

U.S. Virgin Islands - St. Thomas - 2020 Census Office - 340-690-3018

8666 Lindberg Bay, 2nd Floor 

Charlotte Amalie

St. Thomas, VI, 00802

U.S. Virgin Islands - St. Croix - 2020 Census Office - 340-474-4614

FedEx, UPS, and Other Carriers 

Building No. 1, Second Floor East

Plot No. 35 & 35A Castley Coakley

Christiansted, VI 00820

USPS ONLY 

6035 Castley Coakley

Christiansted, VI 00820
Page 13 of 16 Jacket 412-757

Item 

No. Description Quantity 

Questionnaires

1 D-CQ-AS 3,000 

2 D-CQ-MI 5,000

3 D-CQ-GU 30,000

4 D-CQ-VI (St. Croix) 3,000

D-CQ-VI (St. Thomas) 3,000

5 D-CQ-VI(S) (St. Croix) 300

D-CQ-VI(S) (St. Thomas) 300

TOTAL Questionnaires to Island Area Offices 44,600

US Census Bureau 4600 Silver Hill Rd., Remote Delivery Facility (RDF) Suitland, MD 20746.

Item 

No. Description Quantity 

Questionnaires

1 D-CQ-AS 50 

2 D-CQ-MI 50

3 D-CQ-GU 50

4 D-CQ-VI (St. Croix) 25

D-CQ-VI (St. Thomas) 25

5 D-CQ-VI(S) (St. Croix) 25

D-CQ-VI(S) (St. Thomas) 25

TOTAL Questionnaires to Suitland 250

Note: For the "Blue Label" Copies -- A copy of the Government furnished certificate (GPO Form 917) must accompany 

the voucher sent to GPO, Financial Management Service, for payment. Failure to furnish the certificate may result in 

delay in processing the voucher. NOTE: Form is also available at

https://www.gpo.gov/pdfs/vendors/sfas/Form917.pdf

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

contractor.
Page 14 of 16 Jacket 412-757

SCHEDULE: The Purchase Order will be available for pick up, or will be e-mailed, at the U.S. Government Publishing 

Office, Washington, D.C. 20401, No later than April 10, 2020 Furnished Material will be supplied directly to the contractor 

by the agency via contractor FTP site upon award and issuance of Purchase Order.

Submit proofs as soon as the contractor deems necessary in order to comply with the delivery schedule.

F.O.B DESTINATION Deliver complete by April 30, 2020

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

the order or shortly thereafter. In the event such information is not received in due time, the contractor will not be relieved 

of any responsibility in meeting the shipping schedule because of failure to request such information.

Contractors are to report information regarding each order for compliance reporting purposes and include date of delivery 

(or shipment if applicable) for proofs and delivery schedules in accordance with the contract requirements by contacting 

Shared Support Services Compliance Section via e-mail to compliance@gpo.gov or by calling (202) 512-0520 or faxing 

(202) 512-1364. Personnel receiving the e-mail or call will be unable to respond to questions of a technical nature or transfer 

any inquiries.

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

barcode coversheet program application is the most efficient method of invoicing. 

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

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

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

Stop: FMCE, Washington, DC 20401. 

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

at https://www.gpo.gov/how-to-work-with-us/vendors/how-to-get-paid

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 low contractor may be required to provide one or more of the 

following financial documents within (2) days of notification to submit: 

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 a timely manner may result in the Contracting Officer not 

having adequate information to reach an affirmative determination of responsibility.

BID SUBMISSION: 

NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Columbus Regional Office will NOT be open to the public. Based on this, 

vendors MUST submit facsimile bids for this solicitation. GPO’s Columbus Office has been designated as the location for 

receipt and processing of formal bids for this solicitation. Facsimile bids MUST be submitted directly to the U.S. GPO 

Columbus Regional Office using fax number 614-488-4577.

The program and/or jacket number and bid opening date must be specified with the fax bid submission. Refer to Facsimile 

Bids in Solicitation Provisions of GPO Contract Terms, GPO Publication 310.2, as revised January, 2018. 
Page 15 of 16 Jacket 412-757

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

with these specifications.

JACKET NUMBER 412-757: BID PRICE $___________________ 

Item 

No. DESCRIPTION QUANTITY ADDITIONAL/M

Questionnaires

1

D-CQ-AS

2

D-CQ-MI

3

D-CQ-GU

4

D-CQ-VI (St. Croix)

D-CQ-VI (St. Thomas)

5

D-CQ-VI(S) (St. Croix)

D-CQ-VI(S) (St. Thomas)

 
Page 16 of 16 Jacket 412-757

SHIPMENT(S): 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 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 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, fill out and return one copy of all pages in “SECTION 4. –

SCHEDULE OF PRICES,” including initialing/signing where indicated. 

Bidder

 (Contractor Name) (GPO Contractor’s Code)

 (Street Address)

 (City – State – Zip Code)

By

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

 (Signature) (Date)

 (Telephone Number) (Email Address)

Contracting Officer Review: __________ Date: __________ Certifier: __________ Date: ____________

 (Initials) (Initials)