Program: 0381-S 

Term: 08/01/21 To 07/31/22

TITLE: Social Security Cards - Form SSA-3000

Basis of

Item No. Description Award UNIT RATE COST UNIT RATE COST

I. COMPLETE PRODUCT:

Social Security Card - Form SSA-3000...........per form....

(1) Makeready and/or Setup 3 $6,800.00 $20,400.00 $6,700.00 $20,100.00

(2) Running per 1,000 copies 17,640 $125.84 $2,219,817.60 $122.41 $2,159,312.40

II. PAPER:

Required stock/paper....................... per 1,000 forms..... 17,640 $21.59 $380,847.60 $20.72 $365,500.80

CONTRACTOR TOTALS $2,621,065.20 $2,544,913.20

DISCOUNT 0.00% $0.00 0.00% $0.00

DISCOUNTED TOTALS $2,621,065.20 $2,544,913.20

AWARDED

Banknote Corporation of America

Browns Summit, NC

Banknote Corporation of America

Browns Summit, NC

Current Contractor
Program 381-S (R-1) Page 1 of 32

Specifications by JKB

Reviewed by MRN

U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE

Washington, DC

GENERAL TERMS, CONDITIONS, AND SPECIFICATIONS

For the Procurement of

Social Security Cards - Form SSA-3000

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

Social Security Administration

Single Award

TERM OF CONTRACT: The term of this contract is for the period beginning August 1, 2021 and ending July 31, 

2022, plus up to four (4) optional 12-month extension period(s) 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 opened at 11:00 a.m., prevailing Washington, DC Time, on March 9, 2021 at the 

Government Publishing Office, Washington, DC. (Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this will NOT be a public bid 

opening.)

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

must submit email bids to bidsapsdc@gpo.gov for this solicitation. No other method of bid submission will be 

accepted at this time. The program number and bid opening date must be specified in the subject line of the emailed 

bid submission. Bids received after 11:00 a.m. on the bid opening date specified above will not be considered for 

award.

BID ACCEPTANCE PERIOD: The minimum time period for acceptance of bids on Program 381-S (R-1) by the 

Government is 180 calendar days. To be responsive, a bidder must insert in the bid acceptance portion of bid 

submission a bid acceptance period of 180 days or more. It is cautioned that if the bidder makes no entry, a bid 

acceptance period of 60 calendar days will automatically be applied, and the bid will be rendered non-responsive. 

(Refer to “BID ACCEPTANCE PERIOD” in SECTION 4.)

BID RESTRICTION: Due to travel restrictions as a result of COVID-19, bidders must have an SSA pre-approved 

security clearance at the bidder’s physical location(s) that will be used in the production of products for this contract. 

NOTE: If bidder does not have these requirements completed prior to bid submission, the bidder will be declared 

non-responsible.

RESTRICTION ON LOCATION OF PRODUCTION FACILITIES: Due to the security requirements set forth in 

these specifications, the product must be produced in the continental United States. The Federal Bureau of 

Investigation has limited jurisdiction outside of the United States and would not be able to oversee and enforce these 

requirements.

BIDDERS, PLEASE NOTE: This program was formerly Program 831-S. These specifications have been revised; 

therefore, all bidders are cautioned to familiarize themselves with all provisions of these specifications before bidding.

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) 512-0307.
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 2 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

SECTION 1. - GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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

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

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

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

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

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

SUBCONTRACTING: Subcontracting is NOT allowed. (NOTE: Contractor is allowed to dispose of materials at 

an off-site location. See “DISPOSAL” specified herein.)

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.

(c) Exceptions: 

(1) Type Quality and Uniformity (Attribute P-7) – Number of breaks and/or fill-ins in the micro print line 

(every 2-1/8”) shall not exceed 12. Any break and/or fill-in in excess of the 12 allowed (per 2-1/8”) will 

be considered a major defect.

(2) Trim size (Attribute F-1) – Margins and registration must be maintained within plus or minus 1/32” or 

less. A variance in excess of plus or minus 1/32” will be considered a major defect.

(3) All elements of manufacture of these continuous forms, such as printing, punching, perforation, 

registration, etc,. shall be of such precision as to ensure continuous operation on the following printers 

and inserters (performance standards are container-related requirements): Pitney Bowes MPS22K (Model 

Y503) Inserters and Kodak Versamark VL 2000 inkjet printing system. 

The following standards shall apply to containers of forms. Each container of forms shall be assigned a 

performance defect if it has more than one stoppage due to any manufacturing deficiency.

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

(a) Form-related attributes and other form-related requirements: General Inspection Level I.

(b) Container-related requirements (e.g., breaks, splices, warning signals, performance tests) and destructive tests: 

Special Inspection Level S-3.
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 3 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

Acceptable Quality Levels (AQL):

(a) Form-related attributes and other form-related requirements: 1.0 critical defect per 100 forms and 6.5 total 

defects per 100 forms (total defects equal critical defects plus major defects). One form equals one unit of 

product.

(b) Container-related requirements: 2.5 performance defects per 100 containers. One container of forms equals 

one unit of product.

NOTE: Form-related defects shall be accumulated separately from container-related defects. A lot may be 

unacceptable for form-related defects, for container-related defects, or for both.

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. Average Type Dimension; Electronic Media.

P-9. Pantone Matching System.

GOVERNMENT TESTING: The Quality Control for Published Products Section of the U.S. Government 

Publishing Office will inspect all shipments (partial or complete) received at the Social Security Administration, 

Baltimore, MD, to ensure compliance to specifications. This inspection will determine the acceptability or nonacceptability of the shipment received. Testing will not relieve the contractor from compliance with the following 

items listed under “QUALITY ASSURANCE LEVELS AND STANDARDS: (1) Product Quality Levels: item (c)(3); 

(2) Inspection Levels (ANSI/ASQC Z1.4): item (b); and, (3) Acceptable Quality Levels (AQL): items (a) and (b).” 

Social Security Cards will be randomly selected from containers throughout the shipment. The cards selected will 

then be taken to the GPO for examination and testing.

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 actual production may not exceed five (5) years as a result of, and including, any 

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

TERM” clause. See also “ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT” for authorized pricing adjustment(s).

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

this solicitation may be extended for such period of time as may be mutually agreeable to the GPO and the contractor.
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 4 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

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 August 1, 2021 to July 31, 2022, and the second and any succeeding period(s) will extend for 

12 months from the end of the last preceding period, except that the length of the final period may vary. The first day 

of the second and any succeeding period(s) will be the effective date of the economic price adjustment for that period.

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

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

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

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

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

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

then compared to the average of the monthly Indexes for the 12-month interval ending April 30, 2021, 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.

PAPER PRICE ADJUSTMENT: Paper prices charged under this contract will be adjusted in accordance with 

“Table 9 - Producer Price Indexes and Percent Changes for Commodity Groupings and Individual Items” in Producer 

Price Indexes report, published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as follows: 

NOTE: For the purpose of this contract, the Paper Price Adjustment will be based on the date of actual production. 

Actual production begins February 1, 2022.

1. BLS code 0913-01 for Offset and Text will apply to all paper required under this contract.

2. The applicable index figures for the month of January, 2022, will establish the base index.

3. There shall be no price adjustment for the first three production months of the contract.

4. Price adjustments may be monthly thereafter, but only if the index varies by an amount (plus or minus) 

exceeding 5% by comparing the base index to the index for that month which is two months prior to the 

month being considered for adjustment.
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 5 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

5. Beginning with order placement in the fourth month, index variances will be calculated in accordance with 

the following formula:

X - base index

______________ x 100 = ___ %

base index

where X = the index for that month which is two months prior to the month being considered for adjustment.

6. The contract adjustment amount, if any, will be the percentage calculated in 5 above less 5%.

7. Adjustments under this clause will be applied to the contractor’s bid price(s) for line item II. “PAPER” in the 

“SCHEDULE OF PRICES” and will be effective on the first day of any month for which prices are to be

adjusted.

The Contracting Officer will give written notice to the contractor of any adjustments to be applied to invoices for 

orders placed during months affected by this clause.

In no event, however, will any price adjustment be made which would exceed the maximum permissible under any 

law in effect at the time of the adjustment. The adjustment, if any, shall not be based upon the actual change in cost to 

the contractor, but shall be computed as provided above.

The contractor warrants that the paper prices set forth in this contract do not include any allowance for any 

contingency to cover anticipated increased costs of paper to the extent such increases are covered by this price 

adjustment clause.

CONTRACTOR’S QUALITY CONTROL PROGRAM: The contractor shall, prior to start-up, put into effect 

within its own organization, and maintain throughout the life of this contract, an independent quality assurance 

organization. This unit shall be of sufficient size and expertise to monitor, perform, or have performed the process 

controls, inspections, and tests necessary, to a degree and extent, that will substantiate that the production and delivery 

of the Social Security Cards meet these specifications and Government requirements. The contractor shall be required 

to correct each defect or error found during the inspection of work either in process or already completed.

The contractor shall submit in writing to the Contracting Officer the details of its Quality Control Program. The 

proposed Quality Control Program must be submitted within 10 workdays of the Government request. The workday 

after notification to submit will be the first workday of the schedule. 

The proposed Quality Control Program is subject to Government review and approval, and award will not be 

made prior to approval of same. The Government reserves the right to waive some or all of the Quality 

Control Program.

The proposed Quality Control Program shall contain at a minimum, the following:

(1) How, when, where, and by whom process controls and inspections will be performed. Contractor shall state the

number of Quality Control people that shall be permanently assigned to this program and shall list, in detail, the 

duties of each individual.

(2) List the tests and/or reviews that will be conducted to ensure that the Social Security Cards produced will meet all 

requirements and specifications as stated herein.

(3) Detail the procedures to be used to control/monitor and verify the proper sequence of the sequential number 

printed on the back of the Social Security Cards. Under no condition will an order containing missing or 

duplicated numbers and/or numbers out of sequence be accepted by the Government.
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 6 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

(4) Detail the procedures that will be taken to ensure that samples will be taken from all phases of production.

(5) Designate a lead person (by name) who shall be responsible for the operation of the Quality Control Program and 

for investigating and ascertaining the causes of deficiencies found.

(6) Explain how requests by the Government for an updated or revised Quality Control Program, or, answers to 

questions pertaining to the Quality Control Program will be handled to ensure submission to the Government 

within five (5) workdays of request.

A signed Certificate of Inspection of each shipment, certifying that the product has been tested and inspected and 

found to comply with all requirements, shall be made available to the Contracting Officer upon request.

Failure to maintain the Quality Control Program in accordance with the plan submitted and approved by the 

Government may result in the Government terminating the contract for default.

GENERAL INSPECTIONS: In addition to the Government inspection that will be made upon receipt of the first 

print order (see “SCHEDULE”), quality assurance inspections by Government personnel may be made at the 

contractor’s plant during any phases of production.

SECURITY INSPECTIONS: A security inspection will be conducted by Government personnel upon receipt of 

each shipment. This inspection is to ensure that the contractor is conforming to the distribution and transportation 

security requirements of the specifications. As part of the inspection, the armed guards (see “DISTRIBUTION –

Transportation”) will be required to show proof of identity (a current state issued driver’s license and/or a photo 

identification card issued by the secured carrier), and their current state-specific permit to carry a firearm.

DIGITAL FILE (ELECTRONIC MEDIA) SECURITY: The GPO will provide the contractor with a digital 

version of the form. The content of this material has been labeled with a Public Trust Position Designation Level 5C

(see “SECURITY REQUIREMENTS).

The contractor shall protect the digital file at all stages of the production process, from receipt, until all traces of the 

file have been removed from the contractor’s active files, backup files, and/or archival storage.

The digital file will be transmitted to the contractor with a full security characterization and specification of any 

special handling requirements (either explicitly or by reference to an approved source, such as a Digital File Security 

Plan, the contract, etc.) The contractor should not accept any digital file for which this controlling information is 

absent. 

Electronic Media Protection:

▪ The contractor shall lock any electronic media received from the Government in a work area safe when not 

being used or reviewed. 

▪ The electronic media will be logged in and out of the safe by designated users only.

▪ Material produced that could be used to create an original form, such as a master digital file, will be logged in 

and out by designated user only.

▪ The contractor shall ensure that the digital file has been removed from all systems across the contractor’s 

network. Within 10 workdays of notification to do so, the contractor must furnish an affidavit to the 

Contracting Officer confirming final cleanup.
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 7 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

Workstation Access:

▪ All persons entering or leaving the work area must log in and out with the time and date of entry and exit.

▪ The access log will remain in the work area and must be maintained by the person responsible for that area. 

The log may be subject to review and inspected by the Government at any time.

▪ Workstations must be password protected.

Securing Digital Files:

Digital files will be saved either to a removable hard drive or a secure server. Hard drives will be locked in the safe in 

the work area when the room is vacated and/or at the end of each workday. If the contractor intends to store files on a 

secure server, the contractor must submit their plans for secure file storage to the Contracting Officer (in addition to 

the plans required under “SECURITY REQUIREMENTS”) for their approval. 

System and Communications Protection:

▪ The contractor shall specify how digital files provided by the Social Security Administration will be protected 

from change and/or theft. 

▪ The contractor shall specify how electronic systems are protected from virus, malicious code, or unintended 

change. 

PREAWARD SURVEY: In order to determine the responsibility of the contractor the Government reserves the right 

to conduct an on-site preaward survey at the contractor’s facility or to require other evidence of technical, production, 

managerial, financial, and similar abilities to perform, prior to the award of a contract. 

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

following financial documents:

1) Most recent profit and loss statement 

2) Most recent balance sheet(s)

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) 

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.

If award is predicated on the purchase of production and/or systems equipment, the contractor must provide purchase 

order(s) with delivery date(s) of equipment to arrive, be installed, and be fully functional at least 90 calendar days 

prior to the start of live production.

If the Government, during the preaward survey, concludes that the contractor does not or cannot meet all of the 

requirements as described in this contract, the contractor will be declared non-responsive. 

SECURITY REQUIREMENTS: All security requirements required under this contract must be in place and 

operational by Date of Award (On or about August 1, 2021). Bidders unable to demonstrate that full security 

requirements will be in place by August 1, 2021 shall be declared non-responsible.
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 8 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

The contractor shall submit, in writing, to the Contracting Officer, the details of their Security Control Plan, as 

specified below. The Security Control Plan must be submitted within 10workdays of the Government request. The 

workday after notification to submit will be the first workday of the schedule.

Requests by the Government for an updated or revised Security Control Plan, or, answers to questions pertaining to 

the Security Control Plan must be submitted within five (5) workdays of request.

The proposed Security Control Plan is subject to Government review and approval, and award will not be 

made prior to approval of same. The Government reserves the right to waive some or all of the Security 

Control Plan.

The Security Control Plan shall address, at a minimum, the following.

(1) Work Area: The contractor shall provide a secure area(s), dedicated to the manufacture and storage of Social 

Security Cards (either a separate facility dedicated to the Social Security Card Program or a walled-in limited 

access area within the contractor’s existing facility). Access to the area(s) shall be limited to security-cleared 

employees involved in the production of Social Security Cards (see “SECURITY REQUIREMENTS”). The 

contractor shall furnish, with its Security Control Plan, a floor plan detailing the area(s) to be used, showing 

existing walls, equipment to be used, the printing and wrapping locations, and the location of, or proposed 

construction site of, a vault* storage area. 

*NOTE: At a minimum, the vault must meet the requirements for a Class 1 vault, in accordance with the 

classifications of Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Contact the following address for additional information on 

construction specifications: Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062. 

(Telephone: (847) 272-8800)

If necessary, the construction/installation of a Class 1 vault must be completed by August 1, 2021. 

Contractors unable to meet this date will be declared non-responsible.

(2) Equipment: Equipment to be used in the manufacture of Social Security Cards must be located within the 

previously defined secured area(s), unless a special waiver is given by the Government due to the nature of 

the equipment, and how it will be utilized in the operation.

(3) Supervision: At least one supervisory employee must be permanently assigned to the secured area(s) to 

visually observe at all times (i.e., 24/7) the printing, packing, and/or storing of all cards/forms, as well as the 

destruction of any excess or spoiled materials.

(4) Storage Area: All printed Social Security Cards and/or press or intaglio plates must be stored in a vault* that

is equipped with appropriate security systems to detect unauthorized entry and/or theft. In addition, the 

contractor will be required to store all furnished material and reproducibles in the vault.

(5) Alarm and Security System: The contractor shall maintain in operation an effective security system where 

products covered by these specifications are manufactured and/or stored (awaiting shipment or disposal) to 

assure against theft and/or the product falling into unauthorized hands. Upon request, a printout shall be 

provided to the Government (within five (5) workdays) which documents all facility alarm status changes and 

alarm conditions. The contractor shall also furnish with its Security Control Plan, a floor plan detailing the 

locations of intrusion detection systems, emergency lighting, and fire suppression equipment for review and 

approval by the Government. Closed-circuit television and video recording coverage will be required during 

printing, packing, storage, and destruction of any excess or spoiled materials. A minimum of six (6) months 

will be required for storage of historical media (e.g., DVD disk). Historical media must be kept in a secure 

location. 
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 9 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

(6) Armed Guards: The contractor must station armed guards where the numbered Social Security Cards are 

manufactured and/or stored, to ensure against theft. Access control to the secured area(s)/vault* must be 

maintained on a 24-hour round-the-clock basis. In addition, whenever Social Security Cards are transported 

from the contractor’s facility to the Social Security Administration, they shall be escorted by an armed guard 

at all times. (See “DISTRIBUTION – Transportation.”)

(7) Accountability: The contractor shall provide upon request a record (master list) of accountability of all 

phases of production to include: 1) finished product; 2) the destruction of imperfect work; 3) reproducibles; 

and, 4) raw materials.

The master list shall also identify all raw materials as explained under “PAPER AND INK 

REQUIREMENTS,” showing the exact production trail and accounting for all waste by card number(s) (when 

applicable) in each phase of production.

Any theft or loss as defined in these specifications shall be reported immediately by the contractor to: 

Government Publishing Office, APS DC, (202) 512-0307.

PLATES: The contractor shall notify the Government prior to making any duplicate plates or other media that could 

be used to reproduce any portion of the product produced on this contract. In addition, the contractor is required to 

maintain a log of all media used in the performance of this contract. 

Plates broken or worn out during the term of the contract and all plates in the possession of the contractor at the time 

of expiration of the contract shall be disposed of as directed by the Contracting Officer. When requested by the 

Government, the contractor must provide a copy of the log listing all Government material currently in their 

possession.

DISPOSAL: Prior to the destruction of any obsolete media, the contractor shall notify the U.S. Government 

Publishing Office so that Government representative(s) may be present to witness the destruction, if so desired. In 

addition, the contractor must furnish a sworn affidavit to Sherry.Leverett@ssa.gov and Matthew.Thomas@ssa.gov, 

certifying that every printed or partially printed sheet (excess or spoilage) not delivered has been destroyed at the 

contractor’s plant by: burning; pulverizing; shredding; or other method agreed to by the Contracting Officer. The 

contractor must provide the location and method planned to transport and dispose of the material. Additionally, the 

contractor must include the names of all contract officials responsible for the destruction of excess or spoiled cards. A 

copy of this affidavit is also to be furnished to the Contracting Officer. In the event that off-site destruction services 

are to be utilized, the contractor shall be required to provide Government approved armed security during transporting, 

storing, and destruction. All costs incurred for off-site destruction shall be borne by the contractor. The contractor 

shall assure prompt destruction of excess or spoiled cards. 

NOTE: The Government will require the contractor to use a “disintegration shred” if the shredding method is utilized 

to dispose of excess or spoiled cards. 

REJECTED SHIPMENTS: The Government will dispose of rejected shipments with all costs incurred for the 

disposal being charged back to the contractor. In addition, the contractor will deduct from their billing invoice all 

charges billed to the Government for the rejected cards. 

GOVERNMENT ACCESS: The Government shall have the right to have representatives inspect the contractor’s 

plant: 1) prior to award; 2) prior to the beginning of production; and, 3) at any time(s) it may elect during the term of 

the contract, to ascertain whether Social Security Cards are being produced, stored, shipped, and delivered in 

accordance with these requirements, and that facilities are suitable, secure, and safe for storage of reproducibles, raw 

materials, and/or cards. The Contracting Officer will supply the contractor with the names of the Government 

personnel authorized to be admitted to the facility. Inspections of the contractor’s plant may be announced or 

unannounced.
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 10 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

SECURITY AND SUITABILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR GOVERNMENT PRINTING (NOV 2018):

NOTE: For the purposes of this contract, the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or Contracting Officer’s 

Technical Representative (COTR) is the SSA representative/Program Lead. The terms “vendor” and “contractor” 

are used interchangeably throughout this contract. Additionally, the terms “business days” and “workdays” are used 

interchangeably throughout this contract.

(a) Suitability Process: 

The background investigation and adjudication processes are compliant with 5 CFR 731 or equivalent. Any new 

vendor personnel (i.e., those who have not previously received a suitability determination under this contract) 

requiring access to a SSA facility, site, information, or system must complete and submit, through the CORCOTR, the documents listed in (a)(1) at least 30 workdays prior to the date vendor personnel are to begin work. 

The suitability process cannot begin until the vendor submits, and SSA receives, accurate and complete 

documents.

(1) Suitability Document Submission

a. Immediately upon award, the Company Point of Contact (CPOC) must provide to the Center for

Suitability and Personnel Security (CSPS) and a copy to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) 

for all vendor personnel requesting a suitability determination using a secured/encrypted email* with a 

password sent separately to DCHR.OPE.Suitability@ssa.gov:

(i) An e-QIP applicant listing including the names of all vendor personnel requesting suitability;

(ii) Completed Optional Form (OF) 306, Declaration for Federal Employment (see Exhibit A); 

(iii)Work authorization for non-United States (U.S.) born applicants, if applicable. 

b. The e-QIP applicant listing must include the vendor’s name, the Social Security Administration (SSA) 

vendor number, the CPOC’s name, the CPOC’s contact information, the COR’s name, the COR’s 

contact information, and the full name, Social Security Number, date of birth, place of birth (must show 

city and state if born in the U.S. OR city and country if born outside of the U.S.), and a valid email 

address for all vendor personnel requesting suitability. All spelling of names, email addresses, places, 

and numbers must be accurate and legible. 

(2) e-QIP Application:

a. Once SSA receives all completed documents, listed in (a)(1), the Center for Suitability and Personnel 

Security (CSPS) will initiate the e-QIP process using the e-QIP applicant listing. CSPS will email the eQIP notification to the CPOC and COR inviting vendor personnel to the e-QIP website to electronically 

complete the background investigation form (Standard Form (SF) 85P, Questionnaire for Public Trust 

Positions. 

b. Vendor personnel will have up to 10 business days to complete the e-QIP application. The 10-day 

timeframe begins the day CSPS sends the invitation to the CPOC and COR. Vendor personnel must 

electronically sign the signature pages before releasing the application in e-QIP. Signature pages 

include the Certification, Release, and Medical Release pages for the SF85P. Find information about the 

e-QIP process in the e-QIP Quick Reference Guide for e-QIP Applicants at https://nbib.opm.gov/e-qipbackground-investigations/.

c. If vendor personnel need assistance with e-QIP logon and navigation, they can call the e-QIP Hotline at 

1-844-874-9940. 
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 11 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

(3) Fingerprinting: 

a. The e-QIP notification email also provides vendor personnel with instructions to obtain electronic 

fingerprinting services. Vendor personnel must report for fingerprint services immediately upon 

completion and release of the e-QIP application and within 10 business days from the day CSPS sends 

the invitation. 

b. If vendor personnel cannot report to the designated fingerprint locations (in the notification email), 

CSPS will accept completed Field Division (FD) 258 fingerprint cards (Exhibit B). The COR can 

provide the FD 258, if required. Vendor personnel must complete all fields on the FD 258. Incomplete 

fields may delay suitability processing. 

c. If the vendor needs to mail completed FD 258 fingerprint cards, the vendor can send them, via certified 

mail along with a completed Vendor Personnel Suitability Cover Sheet to: Social Security 

Administration, Center for Suitability and Personnel Security, Attn: Suitability Program Officer, 6401

Security Boulevard, 2246 Annex Building, Baltimore, MD 21235.

(4) Status Check: 

a. Per our Security and Suitability Team

If vendor personnel have completed each of the steps in (e) in their entirety and do not receive a 

suitability determination within 15 business days of their last submission, call 1-844-874-9940 to 

determine suitability status. 

(b) Suitability Determination:

(1) CSPS uses a Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint check as part of the basis for making a suitability 

determination. This determination is final unless information obtained during the remainder of the full 

background investigation, conducted by the Office of Personnel Management, is such that SSA would find 

the vendor personnel unsuitable to continue performing under this contract. CSPS will notify the CPOC and 

the COR of the results of these determinations. 

(2) SSA will not allow vendor personnel access to a facility, site, information, or system until CSPS issues a 

favorable suitability determination. A suitability determination letter issued by CSPS is valid only for 

performance on the vendor specified in the letter. 

(3) If personnel has been cleared at a previous contractor’s facility and are to perform work under a new 

contractor, the CPOC must submit a fully completed, legible Contractor Personnel Rollover Request Form to 

the COR. CSPS will notify the CPOC, COR, and Contracting Officer (CO) of suitability to work under the 

new vendor.

(c) Vendor Personnel Previously Cleared by SSA or Another Federal Agency: 

If vendor personnel previously received a suitability determination from SSA or another Federal agency, the 

CPOC should include this information next to the vendor personnel’s name on the initial applicant listing (see 

paragraph (a)(1)b.) along with the OF306. CSPS will review the information. If CSPS determines another 

suitability determination is not required, it will provide a letter to the CPOC and the COR indicating the vendor 

personnel was previously cleared under another Federal contract and does not need to go through the suitability 

determination process again.
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 12 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

(d) Unsuitable Determinations:

(1) The vendor must notify the contractor personnel of any unsuitable determinations as soon as possible after 

receipt of such a determination. 

(2) The vendor must submit requests for clarification for unsuitable determinations in writing within 30 calendar 

days of the date of the unsuitable determination to the email mailbox or address listed below. Vendor 

personnel must file their own requests; vendors may not file requests on behalf of vendor personnel.

dchr.ope.suitclarify@ssa.gov; or, Social Security Administration, Center for Suitability and Personnel 

Security, Attn: Suitability Program Officer, 6401 Security Boulevard, 2246 Annex Building, Baltimore, MD 

21235 

(e) Vendor Notification to Government: 

The vendor shall notify the COR and CSPS within one (1) business day if any vendor personnel is arrested or 

charged with a crime, or if there is any other change in the status of vendor personnel (e.g., leaves the company, 

no longer works under the vendor, the alien status changes, etc.) that could affect their suitability determination. 

The vendor must provide in the notification as much detail as possible, including, but not limited to: name(s) of 

vendor personnel whose status has changed, SSA vendor number, the type of charge(s), if applicable, date of 

arrest, the court date, jurisdiction, and, if available, the disposition of the charge(s).

*Email Procedures:

For the contractor’s convenience, SSA has included the following instructions to send emails with sensitive 

documentation or messages containing personally identifiable information (e.g., SSNs, etc.) securely to an SSA email 

address. Contractor is to consult their local information technology staff for assistance. If the contractor utilizes an 

alternate secure method of transmission, it is recommended that the contractor contact the recipient to confirm 

receipt. 

To Encrypt a File using WinZip:

i. Save the file to contractor’s hard drive

ii. Open Windows Explorer and locate the file

iii. Right click on the file

iv. Select “WinZip”

v. Select “Add to Zip File”

vi. An Add box pops up. Near the bottom of the box is an “Options” area

vii. Click the “Encrypt added files” checkbox

viii. Click the “Add” button

ix. Check the “Hide Password” checkbox if not already checked

a. Enter a string of characters as a password composed of letters, numbers, and special characters 

(minimum 8 characters – maximum 64)

b. Select the 256-Bit AES encryption radio button

c. Click “OK”

x. The file has been successfully encrypted, and the new Zip file can now be attached to an email.

Providing the Recipient with the Password:

Send the password to the intended recipient in a separate email message prior to sending the encrypted file or after 

sending the encrypted file. Do not send the password in the same email message to which the encrypted file is 

attached. 

If possible, it is recommended to provide the password to the COR-COTR by telephone or establish a predetermined 
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 13 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

password between the contractor and the COR-COTR. 

The COR-COTR should also submit the password in a separate email from the documentation when submitting to 

^DCHR OPE Suitability. Due to the large volume of submissions, the COR-COTR must always provide the 

password to ^DCHR OPE Suitability in a separate email, even if it is a pre-established password for a contract. 

Sending an encrypted Zip File via email:

1. Compose a new message

2. Attach the Zip File

3. Send message

MAINTENANCE PLAN: The contractor shall be covered by a maintenance agreement providing service on all 

equipment necessary for the production of the Social Security Cards, unless they have specifically trained employees 

that can provide this service.

PERFORMANCE BOND: The successful bidder will be required to execute and return to the GPO a performance 

bond on Standard Form 1418 in the penal sum of $200,000.00, to insure performance of the contract in accordance 

with the specifications and conditions set forth herein. Such bond, with good and sufficient surety or sureties 

acceptable to the Government, must be provided within 10 workdays of the form being furnished to the contractor by 

the GPO.

ALTERING OF GOVERNMENT FURNISHED MATERIAL: Any alteration of Government furnished materials 

without written authorization from the Contracting Officer will result in an immediate default. In addition, all costs 

incurred by the Government to restore the furnished material back to its original condition will be charged back to the 

contractor.

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 Social Security Administration, Baltimore, MD, immediately after award.

POSTAWARD TEST: After award, but prior to actual production, the contractor may be required to demonstrate 

their ability to produce the items required in these specifications at the requisite quality level by completing a 

postaward test. The Government reserves the right to waive the postaward test if there is other evidence that, in the 

opinion of the Contracting Officer, indicates that the contractor has the capability to successfully produce the items 

required.

NOTE: Prior to the postaward test, the contractor must be in compliance with all security requirements 

specified herein. (See “Security and Suitability Requirements for Government Printing”)

Within 10 workdays of notification of award, the contractor must submit samples of the “COPY” pantograph, which is 

incorporated into the background, and the two (2) latent images, which will both be incorporated into the banner 

portion of the card. The “COPY” pantograph and latent images are subject to Government approval. 

NOTE: After award, SSA will inform the contractor what the two (2) latent images consist of. The latent images

must be created by the contractor. The latent images must conform to the standards for line weight, depth, and light 

refraction as specified by the Government. 

The Government will provide the contractor a test file (that is representative of the files to be furnished under these 

specifications) which will contain portions of the Social Security Card digital file but will not be the final file for 

production. (See “DIGITAL FILE (ELECTRONIC MEDIA) SECURITY” for more information.) 
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 14 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

The word “COPY” must not be visible on the printed card, but must appear when the card is reproduced by use of 

single or multi-color laser copiers or similar duplicating processes on the market at time of contract award. No 

additional time will be given in the contract schedule for incorporating the pantograph and/or performing any testing 

of the pantograph. If the contractor is unable to comply, they will be declared non-responsible. 

The contractor must be ready to perform the postaward test within five (5)* workdays of notification to test. The 

contractor will be supplied electronic files (that are representative of the files to be furnished under these 

specifications) for the intaglio printing, except for the intaglio microline. The contractor will be responsible for 

creating the microline (subject to Government approval). The Government will provide the contractor with a sample 

of a previously printed microline to be used as a guide for producing the microline. The contractor will be responsible 

for whatever steps are necessary to create the microline (which consists of a repeat of the words “SOCIAL 

SECURITY ADMINISTRATION”) and incorporate it as an integral part of the product. 

*Time required to make plates from Government furnished reproducibles will not be included in the 5-workday 

makeready period. Contractor will be granted a maximum of 10 workdays to make plates.

The contractor will then be required to produce 8,000 sample copies in accordance with all specifications stated 

herein, except paper. The paper (contractor to furnish) to be used for these postaward test samples must be White 

Index, basis weight: 90 lbs. per 500 sheets, 25-1/2 x 30-1/2”, equal to JCP Code K10.

These samples will be inspected and tested for compliance with the specifications as to printing and binding quality, 

construction, kind, and quality of materials.

Samples will be tested on the following printers and inserters: Pitney Bowes MPS22K (Model Y503) Inserters and 

Kodak Versamark VL 2000 inkjet printing system.

Samples are to be delivered f.o.b. destination to: SSA, Perimeter East Building, 6201 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, 

MD 21235-6201. On the same day as delivery of the postaward test samples to SSA, the contractor MUST notify the 

GPO of the delivery of the samples.

NOTE: The postaward test samples must be delivered by a secured carrier (inside delivery to the room number and 

person indicated will be required). The container and accompanying documentation shall be marked “SAMPLES” 

and shall include “GPO Program 381-S (R-1).” 

Postaward test sample cards must be submitted to SSA within five (5) workdays after the makeready period. 

The Government will approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove the 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 

produce 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 cost to the 

Government. 

In the event the revised test samples are disapproved by the Government, the contractor shall be deemed to have failed 

to comply with the applicable requirements of these specifications and may be reason for a determination of nonresponsibility.
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 15 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

In the event compliance with the specifications cannot be demonstrated by the contractor, they shall be declared nonresponsible. NOTE: If the contractor is found to be non-responsible, they will be required, under Government 

supervision, to destroy or return (at the Government’s option) all plates or any other media that might be used to 

produce cards described in these specifications. The cost of returning (by a secured carrier) Government-furnished 

materials for the test from the non-responsible contractor’s plant will be borne by the Government.

All operations necessary in the performance of this test shall be performed at the facilities and on the equipment in

which the contract production will be performed.

No charges will be allowed for costs incurred in the performance of this postaward test.

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.

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 August 1, 2022 through July 31, 2023, 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 l.

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 the contract.
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 16 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

ADDITIONAL EMAILED BID SUBMISSION PROVISIONS: The Government will not be responsible for any 

failure attributable to the transmission or receipt of the emailed bid including, but not limited to, the following:

1. Illegibility of bid.

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

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

advised not to exceed GPO’s stated limit.

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

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

prevailing time (specified as the local time zone) and the exact time that the email is received by GPO’s email 

server as the official time stamp for bid receipt at the specified location.

PAYMENT: Upon completion of each order, the contractor shall submit an itemized statement for billing to the 

ordering agency for examination and certification as to the correctness of the billing. Unless otherwise specified, 

contractor to submit billing to: Sherry Leverett at Sherry.Leverett@ssa.gov and Matthew Thomas at 

Matthew.Thomas@ssa.gov.

After agency verification, billing invoices must be submitted to the U.S. Government Publishing Office for payment. 

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

coversheet program application is the most efficient method of receiving payment. Instruction for using this method 

can be found at the following web address:

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

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

Comptroller, Stop: FMCE, Washington, DC 20401. 

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

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

Contractor’s billing invoice must be itemized in accordance with the line items in the “SCHEDULE OF PRICES.
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 17 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

SECTION 2. - SPECIFICATIONS

SCOPE: These specifications cover the production of one-part, marginally punched continuous forms requiring such 

operations as printing in multiple colors (including intaglio printing), perforating, sequential numbering, packing and 

distribution.

TITLE: Social Security Cards - Form SSA-3000.

FREQUENCY OF ORDERS: Approximately 1 to 5 orders per year.

QUANTITY: It is anticipated that most orders placed will be for either approximately 2,600,000 or approximately 

15,000,000 forms. 

NOTE: An occasional order may be placed for approximately 40,000 to 80,000 forms for internal testing purposes

only.

TRIM SIZE: 9-7/8 x 4” (trim size includes marginal punching).

GOVERNMENT TO FURNISH: 

A digital file for intaglio printing (except for intaglio microline), will be furnished. The Government will provide one 

or more 700 MB CD-R discs using encapsulated postscript (EPS) file format. (NOTE: The digital file will be 

furnished at the beginning of the contract and is to be held for reuse throughout the term of the contract.)

Form OF-306, Declaration for Federal Employment. (See Exhibit A.)

Form FD-258, Applicant Fingerprint Card. (See Exhibit B.)

Social Security Card Sample. (See Exhibit C.)

Pallet Specifications. (See Exhibit D.)

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 the finished product.

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

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

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 production image. Any errors, media 

damage, or data corruption that might interfere with proper file image processing must be reported to the ordering 

agency.

Lithography: Minimal resolution of the lithography plates shall NOT be less than 4,000 dpi. The contractor must 

specify the resolution in which the lithography will be done.

Intaglio: Minimal resolution of the Intaglio plates shall NOT be less than 10,000 dpi. The contractor must specify the 

resolution in which the Intaglio will be done

All changes to the file will be made by the Government. Refer to “DIGITAL FILE (ELECTRONIC MEDIA) 

SECURITY” section for more information.
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 18 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

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

deliverables). The digital deliverables must be an exact representation of the final printed product (including the 

pantograph and microline) 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.) The digital deliverable must be 

returned to: U.S. Government Publishing Office, Attn: Contracting Officer, APS DC, 732 North Capitol Street, NW, 

Washington, DC 20401.

PRIOR TO PRODUCTION PAPER SAMPLES: Contractor must submit paper samples for testing every time the 

contractor receives a new lot of paper from the paper manufacturer. NOTE: Paper samples from each new lot must be 

tested and approved prior to paper from the lot being used in production.

The contractor shall submit to the Government, not less than 75 blank paper samples in original, unaltered condition to 

be used in the production of the contract requirements. Each sample shall be approximately 8-1/2 x 11” and must be 

of the kind and quality required by the specifications. 

Sampling must be conducted in accordance with, and accompanied by, all information required under “SAMPLES 

AND TESTING” specified herein. Only one (1) set of samples shall be submitted at a time.

Contractor must submit samples to: U.S. Government Publishing Office, Publishing Support Operations, Stop: CSPS, 

QCPP, 732 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC 20077-5496. The container and accompanying documentation 

shall be marked PAPER SAMPLES, and shall include the GPO jacket number, purchase order number, and program 

number.

Samples will be inspected and tested and must comply with the specifications as to kind and quality of materials. 

The samples must be submitted in sufficient time to allow Government testing of the samples and production and 

shipment in accordance with the schedule specified herein.

The Government will approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove the samples within 10 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 therefor.

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 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. 01-18)).
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 19 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

Manufacture of the final product prior to approval of the samples submitted is NOT permitted. Violation of this 

restriction shall be considered a breach of security, and the contractor shall be subject to default.

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.

PAPER AND INK REQUIREMENTS: The contractor must furnish the following paper and ink specifications: 

▪ Paper – Brand name; name, date, and location of manufacturer; number of rolls and mill roll numbers 

received in shipment; date of shipment; customer number (as it appears on shipping documents); and, order 

number. 

▪ Ink – Name, date, and location of manufacturer; color (brand name); batch number; and, date of delivery.

Contractor must furnish the above information for the paper and ink with the prior to production paper samples.

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.

Government Paper Specification Standards No. 13 - https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/forms-and-standardsfiles-for-vendors/vol_13.pdf.

The paper used in this contract shall conform to the following requirements –

Stock: Not less than 50 percent cotton or linen fibers; the remainder bleached chemical woodpulp.

No fluorescent (optical) brighteners shall be added to the pulp or paper during manufacture. Fluorescence, due to 

residual white water, broke, or natural fibers, will be permissible provided that the increase in reflectance, measured 

with and without the ultraviolet component of a light source of 3100 kelvin in combination with a C.I.E. (International 

Commission on Illumination) Z (blue) filter, does not exceed 1.0 percent.

NOTE: Postconsumer fiber in any percentage is encouraged, provided that the requirements of this Standard are met.

Acidity: pH value, average, not less than ................................................................................................ 5.0

Grammage: Average (g/m2)....................................................................................................................165

Basis weight: 25-1/2 x 30-1/2 inches, 500 sheets (pounds)............................................................... 90

A tolerance of ± 10 percent shall be allowed.

Wet tensile strength: Average, not less than –

Machine direction (kN/m)................................................................................................................... 1.5

Cross direction (kN/m) ....................................................................................................................... 0.8

Equivalent –

Machine direction (kg/in) ................................................................................................................... 3.9

Cross direction (kg/in) ........................................................................................................................ 2.1

Bursting strength: Average, not less than--

Dry (kPa).............................................................................................................................................410

Wet (kPa) ............................................................................................................................................110

Equivalent –

Dry (lb/in2).......................................................................................................................................... 60

Wet (lb/in2).......................................................................................................................................... 16
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 20 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

Tearing strength: Average, each direction, not less 

than (mN)..........................................................................................................................................1470

Equivalent (grams)..............................................................................................................................150

Thickness: Average (mm).....................................................................................................................0.185

Equivalent (inch)............................................................................................................................0.0073

A tolerance of ± 0.013 mm (0.0005 inch) shall be allowed. 

Water resistance: Average, not less than (seconds)..................................................................................45

Security Features: The paper shall contain the following features –

Chemical Sensitivity. The paper shall be surface treated or impregnated with chemicals so as to produce an 

obvious and permanent visual reaction when attempted alterations are made with the following classes of 

chemicals: Acids, bases, and bleaches (including sodium hypochlorite). (See “Test Method A” under 

“SAMPLES AND TESTING” for evaluation procedures.)

Planchettes. Paper must contain multicolor (yellow, pink, and blue) planchettes equal to the standard sample 

adopted by the Government (e.g., type, color, size, density, etc.). Additionally, the blue planchettes shall 

fluoresce and can be detected by short wavelength (254 nm) ultraviolet light using a Spectroline or equal 

equipment.

General Appearance: The color, formation, and cleanliness shall conform to the standard sample adopted by the 

Government. The color and formation of the paper in the order shall be uniform. The color variation in any 

manufacturing run and deviation from the agreed upon color standard shall not exceed DE(CIELAB) = 1.0.

Finish: The surface and texture of the paper shall show signs of being abraded when subjected to erasures of ink, 

typewritten, or print matter. Lines ruled and characters written with pen and ink shall be clear cut and free from 

excessive feathering.

SAMPLES AND TESTING:

Testing: Shall be conducted in accordance with standards in Parts 2 and 4, Government Paper Specification 

Standards, No. 13, dated September 2019, and “Test Method A” below. The precision requirements of the acceptance 

criteria (Part 4) shall apply.

Test Method A: Evaluation of Paper Sensitivity to Designated Chemicals. Visual reaction to the chemicals listed 

below shall be evaluated by placing one drop of each chemical on 5 separate, designated areas of a specimen. This 

procedure is replicated on five (5) consecutive specimens.

The reaction shall be judged as present (positive) or absent (critical defect) for each specimen after the chemical has 

dried between 18 and 36 hours after the test was made. A positive reaction is one where there is an obvious and 

permanent color change at the spot where the chemical came in contact with the paper surface. The contrast shall be 

distinct and visible when viewing the specimen at a 45-degree angle from the perpendicular of the surface in a well lit 

room. (It is not necessary to lift or rotate the specimen to see the reaction.)

The paper shall react to the following chemicals at the indicated concentrations which are prepared as a weightvolume solution.

5% Sodium hypochlorite solution

5% Hydrochloric acid

2% Potassium hydroxide
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 21 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

Samples: The contractor’s paper manufacturer shall submit outturn samples and test data from each manufacturing 

run to GPO for evaluation. The sample set shall consist of 75 pieces of paper (25 sheets from the beginning of the run, 

25 sheets from the middle of the run, and 25 sheets from the end of the run), approximately 8-1/2 x 11” in size, 

randomly taken and representing the entire manufacturing run. Sampling shall be conducted in accordance with the 

current edition of the standard method TAPPI T-400, Sampling and accepting a single lot of paper, paperboard, 

containerboard, or related product.

A covering document shall accompany the sample set with the following information: (A) the GPO Jacket Number 

and Program Number; (B) the mill or manufacturing run number; (C) the manufacturer’s test data obtained at regular 

intervals throughout the manufacturing run (e.g., for each reel or for each manufacturing hour, as appropriate); (D) a 

description of the paper; and, (E) a statement certifying that sampling was conducted in accordance with TAPPI T400. The document which includes the information requested for (B), (C), and (E) above shall be signed by the paper 

manufacture’s official responsible for sampling, quality control, and quality assurance.

INK AND CARD SAMPLES: On each order, the contractor must furnish the following –

▪ Two (2) samplings of inks that will be used on the order along with the information outlined in “PAPER AND 

INK REQUIREMENTS,” and the first 50 sequentially numbered cards of each print order. These cards shall 

be perforated in such a manner as to identify them as “samples” but without obliterating any of the printing on 

the front of the cards. The 50 cards, inks, and paper and ink specifications are to be furnished to: Social 

Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Attn: Special Agent in 

Charge, Strategic Research and Analysis Division, Room 300, Altmeyer Building, 6401 Security Boulevard, 

Baltimore, MD 21235-6401.

▪ The next 20 sequentially numbered cards with each card marked “VOID,” centered within the 4-1/16 x 2-

3/16” card area (located on the right side of the form). The cards are to be furnished to: Social Security 

Administration, Division of Printing Management, Attn: Sherry Leverett, 3-B-9-C Annex Building, 6401 

Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401.

These two lots are to be individually wrapped, identified, labeled, and then packaged together into a single package 

and shipped by armored carrier along with the first shipment of cards delivering to the Social Security Administration.

PRINTING: Print head to head.

Face of Form –

Print in Pantone Warm Red and Pantone 287 (Blue). All images printing in Pantone 287 within the 4-1/16 x 2-3/16”

“card area,” must be printed by intaglio method. All other images printing in Pantone 287 must be printed via the 

offset printing process. Pantone Warm Red printing consists of the SSA seal and the words “YOUR SOCIAL 

SECURITY CARD.” (See Exhibit F.)

NOTE: The contractor must create the intaglio microline (which consists of a repeat of the words “SOCIAL 

SECURITY ADMINISTRATION”) and incorporate it as an integral part of the product.

Surface print with crystal background in Pantone 308 (Blue) and Pantone 362 (Green) in the area on the right side of 

the form (approximately 3-13/16 x 2-3/8”) that will be used to print the face of the Social Security Card (see Exhibit 

C). Surface print is to overlap top/bottom horizontal perforations and vertical perforation of detachable card by 

approximately 1/8”. Surface tint must be applied in such a manner that any attempt of erasure on the card will result 

in removal of the surface tinting. The portion of the Social Security Card with the words “Social Security” reversed 

out will not contain the crystal background.
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 22 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

Printing will incorporate one split fountain multiple color “gradient” and have a subtle visual tonal range using the 

offset printing process in Pantone 308 (Blue) to Pantone 362 (Green) to Pantone 308 (Blue). Split fountain color 

gradient should be symmetrical around the SSA seal with 1-1/8” minimum and 1-3/8” maximum width for Pantone 

362 (Green).

The two (2) contractor-created latent images will be printed in intaglio ink. One image will appear in the upper left 

corner of the banner and one will appear in the upper right corner of the banner. Each latent image will be 1/4 x 3/4” 

or smaller. After award, but prior to actual production, the contractor is required to create sample latent images 

incorporated into the banner for approval by the Government (see “POSTAWARD TEST”). 

Intaglio ink is an approximate match to Pantone 287 (Blue). Intaglio ink is also SICPA’s Gold to Green OVI 

formulation #3181931A. The Gold to Green color shift image (“USA”) appears in the bottom center border on the 

face and is sized approximately 9/16 x 5/32”. (See Exhibit C.)

A “COPY” pantograph must be incorporated into the background crystal pattern. After award, but prior to actual 

production, the contractor is required to incorporate the pantograph into the background for approval by the 

Government (see “POSTAWARD TEST”). 

Back of Form –

Print in Pantone 287 (Blue) (see Exhibit F), with the exception of a sequential 9-digit alphanumeric number and 2D 

bar code which will print in a red fluorescent ink. The fluorescent used must not decrease with age or exposure to 

natural or artificial lighting. The starting and ending numbers will be furnished with the print order. Numbers and bar 

code shall be positioned so that the baseline of the numbers line up exactly with the baseline of the final line of type 

on the back of the card, the right most edge of the final number must be exactly 1/4” from the vertical perforation. 

Missing or duplicated numbers and/or numbers out of sequence will NOT be allowed. 

GPO imprint number consisting of GPO Jacket Number and Print Order Number (as indicated on GPO Form 2511) 

must print on the back of the card in the upper left marginal aligning strip, 3/8” in from the edge of the stock of each 

form.

INKS: The Pantone Warm Red shall exhibit visible fluorescence when exposed to long wave ultraviolet radiation 

(wavelength - approximately 366 nanometers). This fluorescence shall not decrease with age or exposure to natural or 

artificial lighting.

If lithographic ink is used in the performance of this contract, the ink shall contain not less than the following 

percentages of vegetable oil: (a) news ink, 40 percent; (b) sheet-fed and forms ink, 20 percent; and (c) heat-set ink, 10 

percent. High quality color process printing on high speed heat-set presses is excepted when slow drying time 

significantly increases production costs.

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

plant for the purpose of establishing specified standards for use during the actual press run. Upon approval of the 

sheets, contractor is charged with maintaining those standards throughout the press run (within QATAP tolerances 

when applicable) and with discarding all makeready sheets that preceded approval. When a press sheet inspection is 

required, it will be specified on the individual print order. See GPO Publication 315.3 (Guidelines for Contractors 

Holding Press Sheet Inspections) issued January 2015. NOTE: A press sheet inspection is for the purpose of setting 

specific standards that are to be maintained throughout the entire run. It does not constitute a prior approval of the 

entire run.
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 23 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NOTE: Government representatives will furnish Government photo identification to the contractor 

representatives prior to each press inspection.

MARGINS: Margins will be as indicated on the print order or furnished electronic files. Registration between the 

red seal and the blue intaglio line cannot vary more than plus or minus 1/32”.

REGISTRATION MARKS: Special attention should be paid to the tight registration tolerances required. 

Registration marks are required on the product and registration between the various offset processes cannot vary more 

than plus or minus 1/32”. Registration of the offset and intaglio processes cannot vary more than plus or minus 1/32”.

CONSTRUCTION: 

Perforate a horizontal tearline across the entire 9-7/8” dimension every 8” utilizing a 0.918 2 PT 10T x 0.032 

perforating rule to permit easy separation of forms. In addition, each 9-7/8 x 4” form will have a horizontal 

perforation 2-3/16” up from the bottom of the 4” form, beginning 5-13/16” in from the left edge, and extending to the 

right, ending 3/8” short of the right edge of the stock; and, a vertical perforation 4-1/16” in from the right edge and 

extending the entire 4” dimension (see Exhibit C).

NOTE: Perforating rules for folding perforations must be inspected every 10,000 impressions to avoid dull blade cuts 

that cause problems on SSA equipment (Pitney Bowes MPS22K (Model Y503) Inserters and Kodak Versamark VL 

2000 inkjet printing system).

Horizontal and vertical perforations must be of sufficient strength to assure that they do not break away when forms 

are processed through printers or burst on tearline yet allow easy separation when separated by recipient. Horizontal 

perforation running across the full 9-7/8” dimension must meet a minimum tensile strength of 60 Newtons (N) as 

measured across an 8 x 4” sample where the perforation is centered on the 4” dimension.

MARGINAL PUNCHING: Punch forms in the right and left margins with 5/32” diameter round holes, spaced 

vertically 1/2” center-to-center, 1/4” from center of holes to sides of the form, spaced horizontally 9-3/8” across the 

carrier center-to-center, the full length of the form. Position holes so that a vertical line passing through the center of 

both rows of holes are parallel, and a horizontal line passing through the center of any two holes is at a 90-degree 

angle to the vertical marginal holes and parallel to the horizontal tearline perforation.

PACKING: Pack 4,000 forms per container. Forms are to be fan-folded every second form and two stacks of 2,000 

forms are to be placed side by side in the container. NOTE: Containers must have exact quantities. 

Number each container consecutively, i.e., 1 of 600, 2 of 600, etc. (NOTE: This number must reflect the total number 

of containers per print order, and NOT the number of containers for a partial delivery.) Lowest container number to 

contain lowest numbered card. All containers of cards delivered to the Social Security Administration on this contract 

are to be secured with security tape.

Forms shall be packed as unbroken strips. Up to two perforated splices per container will be acceptable (i.e., one per 

each stack of 2,000 forms), provided the splices are such that they will allow for unbroken passage through SSA’s 

printers and inserters. 
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 24 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

Packing must ensure delivery at destination in a satisfactory condition ready for free passage through the specified 

machines (Pitney Bowes MPS22K (Model Y503) Inserters and Kodak Versamark VL 2000 inkjet printing system).

PALLETS: Pallets are required. Pack each pallet with 50 containers. Containers must be stacked so that the lowest 

numbered carton is on top. Pallet shall be 53” in length and 34” in width with entry on the 34” side (see Exhibit D). 

Each pallet must be capped by a minimum 1/4” thick sheet of plywood able to withstand stacking of skids four high in 

storage, securely banded with 0.75” x 0.023” x 0.035” steel strapping, with no less than six bands per pallet. After 

strapping, stretch or shrink-film wrap each pallet to protect contents from the weather. Pallets must be consecutively 

numbered, i.e., 1 of 12, 2 of 12, etc. (NOTE: This number must reflect the total number of pallets per print order, and 

NOT the number of pallets for a partial delivery.) (See Exhibit D.)

LABELING AND MARKING: Contractor to download the “Labeling and Marking Specifications” form (GPO 

Form 905, R. 7-15) from gpo.gov, fill in appropriate blanks, and attach to shipping containers. Labels are to be placed 

on the end of each shipping container and packed onto each pallet so that all labels are facing out and clearly visible 

through stretch or shrink-film wrap.

In addition to regular markings, contractor shall include the inventory control number and first and last sequential 

numbers contained within each container on all labels.

NOTE: The title, “Social Security Cards” and “Form Number SSA-3000” MUST NOT appear on shipping 

containers. Numeric information contained on the print order will be used as the identifying information on containers.

DISTRIBUTION: 

▪ Deliver f.o.b. destination to one address in Baltimore, MD, or one address in Durham, NC, as specified on the 

print order.

▪ Deliver f.o.b. destination to the contractor’s vault for the quantities specified (see “SCHEDULE”).

Complete addresses will be furnished at the postaward conference. Complete addresses and quantities will be 

furnished with the print orders.

All deliveries will be transported using commercial bills of lading. 

All shipping documents will contain the seal numbers, total number of forms, containers and pallets, but MUST NOT 

bear any reference to the type of material being shipped.

Transportation –

CONTRACTOR MUST SECURE APPROVAL OF PROPOSED CARRIER THROUGH THE 

CONTRACTING OFFICER PRIOR TO EACH SHIPMENT. CARRIERS USED ON THIS CONTRACT 

MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA –

▪ Exclusive use of vehicle will be required for all deliveries. All deliveries must be transported in full-size, 

high-security, armored, alarmed, padlocked, and sealed vehicles. The vehicle cab must be separate from the 

vehicle body.

▪ Security seals will be provided to the contractor by the Social Security Administration. The vehicle doors 

used for transporting the materials must be secured with the security seals. Transportation documents 

(manifest) shall include the seal numbers and the total number of containers or pallets, but will not bear any 

reference to the type of material transported. Contractor will submit duplicates of all shipping documents 

containing this information to the consignee.
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 25 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

▪ An armed driver and one armed guard escort will be required to transport the material. All guards must have 

a current state issued driver’s license, be in uniform, be trained in firearm safety, have current weapon 

qualifications, and must carry a photo identification card issued by the secured carrier and also their statespecific permit to carry a firearm.

▪ All guards and drivers must be equipped with 2-way communication to the respective local law enforcement 

department and their dispatcher(s). Trucks may not stop in route except for fuel and restroom stops. In these 

instances, one (1) armed guard must remain with the truck at all times.

▪ The guard(s) must also be equipped with a voice-activated earpiece or small walkie-talkie microphones 

clipped to their shoulders and connected to a portable radio when they exit the truck to enable them to remain 

in constant communication with each other. A connection to a cell phone is not permitted to meet this 

requirement.

▪ Carrier MUST: Be bonded and insured; maintain storage, transfer, and accountability logs to assist if an 

audit trail is necessary on any particular delivery; conduct credit report checks to determine guards’ financial 

status; check prior employment, former addresses, prior arrests and convictions, and have checked

fingerprints of guards with an authority deemed to be appropriate by the Government.

▪ Contractor must instruct carrier as to the following –

o Deliverer will be responsible to load and consignee to unload.

o Do not break seals except in case of emergency with prior authority of the consignor or consignee. If

seals are found broken or if broken for emergency reasons, apply carrier seals as soon as possible and 

immediately notify the consignee at (410) 965-2961.

o Entire shipment must be loaded in one vehicle. If unable to comply, notify the U.S. Government 

Publishing Office, Agency Publishing Services, APS DC, (202) 512-0310.

o Security requirements necessitate exclusive use of vehicle. No other mode of transportation will be 

accepted.

SSA will not accept SSN card shipments from the contractor if the following requirements are not met:

▪ Required documentation including the driver’s names, driver’s license number, state, gun permit number, gun 

permit expiration date, truck number, truck plate number, trailer number, and trailer plate number must arrive 

prior to the truck arriving to SSA for each shipment.

▪ The names, driver’s licenses, states, and numbers must match the documentation submitted by the contractor

for each shipment.

▪ The secure truck company’s truck and trailer plate numbers and state of record must match the documentation 

submitted by the contractor for each shipment.

▪ The driver’s state and number of their firearm permit must match the documentation submitted by the 

contractor for each shipment.

▪ Drivers must be dressed in their appropriate attire, along with required equipment and firearms prior to 

entering SSA for the shipment. Drivers should be alert and prepared to deliver the shipment.

▪ Cargo door seals must be present and not tampered with and the numbers must match the documentation 

submitted by the vendor for each shipment.

▪ The secured transport cargo door must have high security locks.

▪ Contractor must provide the departure time of the secured truck from the vendor’s location for each shipment 

and the secured truck will have to wait to enter the facility until all necessary security requests are entered into 

SSA’s system. 
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 26 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

For Deliveries to the SSA Perimeter East Building (PEB) – Deliveries will be accepted between the hours of 7:00 a.m. 

to 9:00 a.m., local time only. The GPO must be notified no later than 24 hours prior to pickup of delivery of the 

estimated time of arrival at the SSA National Computer Center.

For Deliveries to the Second Support Center Facility (SSC) – Deliveries will be accepted between the hours of 9:30 

a.m. and 11:00 a.m., local time only. The GPO must be notified no later than 24 hours prior to pickup of delivery of 

the estimated time of arrival at the Secondary Support Center facility.

NOTE: In the event that the Baltimore, MD, location is unable to accept their shipments for an extreme amount of 

time (over one week), the contractor must provide an emergency shipment to the Secondary Support Center facility so 

that SSA can continue processing the entire run at that location. In the event that the Secondary Support Center 

facility is unable to accept their shipments, then the contractor must deliver that entire shipment to the Baltimore, MD, 

location.

Upon completion of the first order, the contractor must deliver the digital deliverable to: U.S. Government Publishing 

Office, Attn: Contracting Officer, APS DC, 732 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC 20401.

Within two (2) years of completion of the contract, all Government furnished material (including furnished digital 

files), plates, and other reproduction material listed on the inventory log must be destroyed, under Government 

supervision. All other security features outlined in these specifications must remain in force until such time. 

Upon notification by the Government, the contractor shall secure specified materials in a locked container and return 

the container by a secured carrier to a designated address accompanied by an affidavit testifying that all specified 

materials have been returned. Other specified reproducibles shall be held in the contractor’s vault until arrangements 

for destruction can be made and witnessed by Government representatives. 

All expenses incidental to picking up and returning materials by a secured carrier, furnishing postaward test samples, 

submitting prior to production paper samples and ink/card samples, and furnishing sample copies must be borne by the 

contractor.

STORAGE: The contractor will be required to store on a rotating basis approximately 2,600,000 Social Security 

Cards at their facility in a Class 1 vault at all times throughout the term of the contract, as follows –

▪ When the first and second orders on the contract are issued, the contractor must store 2,600,000 forms in their 

facility’s vault, as specified under “SCHEDULE.”

▪ When each subsequent order is placed, the contractor must deliver the 2,600,000 forms stored in their vault 

(from the previous order) as the initial shipment on the new order, replace the 2,600,000 forms in the 

contractor’s vault from the new order’s quantity, and then complete the distribution of the balance of the new 

order in accordance with the “SCHEDULE.”

NOTE: Numerical sequences must be strictly adhered to.

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

to receipt of the individual print order.

Furnished digital file must be picked up from and returned to: U.S. Government Publishing Office, 732 North Capitol

Street, NW, Washington, DC 20401.

All other furnished materials and print orders must be picked up from: Social Security Administration, Division of 

Printing Management, Room 1351 Annex Building, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401.
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 27 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

No definite schedule for the placement of orders can be predetermined. It is possible that the Government may place 

the first order immediately after award.

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.

NOTE: The first two orders may be placed at the same time. The first order will be for approximately 2,600,000 

forms; the second order for approximately 15,000,000 forms.

▪ Contractor must complete production and distribution of the first two orders (for a total of approximately 

17,600,000 forms) within 90 workdays of notification of availability of print orders, as follows –

o Contractor must deliver the first order’s quantity of approximately 2,600,000 forms to the Baltimore, MD, 

or Durham, NC, address, as specified under “DISTRIBUTION.”

o Contractor must deliver 2,600,000 forms (of the second order’s quantity of 15,000,000) to the 

contractor’s vault at the same time as delivery of the first order’s quantity.

o The balance of the second order will be delivered in increments of 400,000 to 2,000,000 forms (or 

fraction thereof) every 30 workdays thereafter until the total quantity for that order is delivered. The 

increments will be divided between the Baltimore, MD, and Durham, NC, addresses.

▪ For any additional orders placed, the contractor must complete production and distribution within 90 

workdays of notification of availability of print order. Contractor must the follow the distribution and 

rotation of the second order.

The contractor must always have 2,600,000 forms stored in their facility’s vault at all times throughout the term of 

the contract in accordance with “STORAGE” above.

NOTE: For orders placed for internal testing copies only, the contractor must complete production and distribution 

within 15 workdays of notification of availability of print order and deliver the entire quantity to SSA as specified. 

(No vault copies are required.)

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

for proper arrangements to be made, notification must be given at least three (3) workdays prior to the inspection. 

Notify the U.S. Government Publishing Office, Quality Control for Published Products, Washington, DC 20401 at 

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

Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. NOTE: See contract clauses, paragraph 14(e)(1), Inspections and Tests of 

GPO Contract Terms (GPO Publication 310.2, effective December 1, 1987 (Rev. 01-18)). When supplies are not 

ready at the time specified by the contractor for inspection, the Contracting Officer may charge to the contractor the 

additional cost of the inspection.

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

delivered to the destination 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.
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 28 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

For compliance reporting purposes, the contractor is to notify the U.S. Government Publishing Office regarding each 

order with date of shipment or delivery, as applicable, in accordance with the contract requirements by contacting 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 the email, call, or facsimile will be unable to respond to questions 

of a technical nature or to transfer any inquiries.
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 29 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

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 for a like period of time.

Bidders shall state the location of the plant from which this product will be shipped.

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

(1) (2)

I. 3 17,640

II. 17,640
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 30 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY BLANK.
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 31 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

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 blank spaces, or 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.

Cost of all required paper must be charged under Item II. “PAPER.”

I. COMPLETE PRODUCT: Prices offered shall include the cost of all required materials (excluding paper) and 

operations (including required storage) necessary for the complete production and distribution of the product 

listed in accordance with these specifications. 

Makeready Running Per

and/or Setup 1,000 Copies

(1) (2)

Social Security Card – Form SSA-3000 .................................per form......$___________ $___________

II. PAPER: Payment for all paper supplied by the contractor under the terms of these specifications, as ordered on 

the individual print orders, will be based on the net number of leaves furnished for the product(s) ordered. The 

cost of any paper required for makeready or running spoilage must be included in the prices offered.

Computation of the net number of leaves will be based on the following:

Forms - Each 9-7/8 x 4” form.

Required Stock/Paper...................................................................................per 1,000 forms......$___________

______________

(Initials)
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 32 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

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 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 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 email, fill out and return one copy of 

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

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

must be verifiable of the person authorized by the company to sign bids. 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_________________________________________________________________________________________

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

___________________________________________________________________________________________

(Printed Name) (Telephone Number)

___________________________________________________________________________________________

(Email) (Fax Number)

___________________________________________________________________________________________

THIS SECTION FOR GPO USE ONLY

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

(Initials) (Initials)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Social Security Cards 

– Form SSA-3000 Page 33 of32

381-S (R-1)(07/22)

EXHIBIT A Page 1 of 3
Social Security Cards 

– Form SSA-3000 Page 34 of32

381-S (R-1)(07/22) EXHIBIT 

A Page 2 of 3
Social Security Cards 

– Form SSA-3000 Page 35 of32

381-S (R-1)(07/22) EXHIBIT 

A Page 3 of 3
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 36 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22) EXHIBIT B Page 1 of 1

Sample of Applicant Fingerprint Card
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 37 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22)

EXHIBIT C Page 1 of 2

Social Security Card Sample - Face
Social Security Cards – Form SSA-3000 Page 38 of 32

381-S (R-1) (07/22) EXHIBIT C Page 2 of 2

Social Security Card Sample - Back
Social Security Cards 

– Form SSA-3000 Page 39 of32

381-S (R-1)(07/22) EXHIBIT 

D Page 1 of 1

Pallet Specifications