Program: 880‐S

Term: November 1, 2020 to October 31, 2021

Title: Braille Transcription and Duplication Services

BASIS OF

ITEM NO. DESCRIPTION AWARD UNIT RATE COST 

I. PRIOR TO PRODUCTION SAMPLES:

(a) Prior to Production Samples (first order only).............per copy................ 1 No Charge $0.00 

(b) Prior to Production Interline Sample with .BRF...........per copy................ 75 $6.55 $491.25 

II. BRAILLE TRANSCRIPTION AND BRAILLE PAGE DUPLICATION:

(a) Braille Page Duplication ‐ Transcribing from electronic files.................................................................................per Braille page......

(1) Make‐ready and/or Setup 1,662 $3.88 $6,448.56 

(2) Running Per 100 Copies 2,618 $6.55 $17,147.90 

III. PRINTING:

(a) Front Cover Page‐ Print in black ink only...................per cover page......

(1) Make‐ready and/or Setup 75 No Charge $0.00 

(2) Running Per 100 Copies 118 $19.27 $2,273.86 

IV. BINDING:

(a) Comb‐binding................................................................per 100 copies..... 118 $96.37 $11,371.66 

V. PACKING AND DISTRIBUTION:

(a) Bulk Shipments‐

(1) Packing and sealing shipping containers..................per container................ 375 $16.42 $6,157.50 

CONTRACTOR TOTALS $43,890.73 

DISCOUNT 4.00% $1,755.63 

DISCOUNTED TOTALS $42,135.10 

AWARDED

SeeWriteHear, LLC

Scottsdale, AZ

1 of 1
Program 880-S Page 1 of 17

Specifications by DLL

U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE

Washington DC

GENERAL TERMS, CONDITIONS, AND SPECIFICATIONS

For the Procurement of

Braille Transcription and Duplication Services

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

National Park Service (NPS)

Single Award

TERM OF CONTRACT: The term of this contract is for the period beginning November 1, 2020, and ending 

October 31, 2021, plus up to four (4) optional 12-month extension period(s) that may be added in accordance with 

the “OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT” clause in SECTION 1 of this contract.

BID OPENING: Bids shall be opened at 11:00 a.m., prevailing Eastern Standard Time (EST), on 

October 27, 2020 at the U.S. Government Publishing Office, APSDC. 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 880-S and the 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.

BIDDERS, PLEASE NOTE: These specifications have been extensively revised. 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, call David Love at (202) 512-0307 or email apsdc@gpo.gov.
Braille Transcription and Duplication Services Page 2 of 17

880-S (10/21)

SECTION 1 - GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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

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

effective December 1, 1987 (Rev 1-18)) and GPO Contract Terms, Quality Assurance through Attributes Program 

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

GPO Contract Terms (GPO Publication 310.2) –

https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/forms-and-standards-files-for-vendors/contractterms2018.pdf

GPO QATAP (GPO Publication 310.1) –

https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/forms-and-standards-files-for-vendors/qatap-rev-09-19.pdf

In addition, the following references shall apply:

 The current guidelines, codebooks, and principles of print-to-braille transcription by the Braille Authority of 

North America (BANA) at http://www.brailleauthority.org/;

 The most recent Rules of Unified English Braille (UEB) and UEB Guidelines for Technical Material at 

www.iceb.org;

 The latest Instruction Manual for Braille Transcribing by the Library of Congress, National Library Service 

for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, available at https://www.nfb.org; and

 The current Harpers Ferry Center (HFC) Braille Publication Guide at 

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/hfc/braille-guide.htm.

In the event of a conflict between the documents and publications referenced herein and the content of these 

specifications, the content of this specification shall be considered a superseding requirement.

PREDOMINANT FUNCTION: The predominant production function for this procurement is Braille transcription 

and Braille duplication. Bidders who must subcontract these operations will be declared non-responsible.

GPO IMPRINT REQUIREMENTS: The GPO imprint requirement, GPO Contract Terms, Supplemental 

Specifications, No. 9, is waived.

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

these specifications:

Product Quality Levels (from GPO Publication 310.1):

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

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

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

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

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

Specified Standards: The specified standards (from GPO Publication 310.1) for the attributes requiring them shall 

be:

Attribute Specified Standard

P-7. Type Quality and Uniformity Average type dimension in publication/

 Electronic media/Manuscript copy

Digital Printing – Prior to award, contractor may be required to provide information related to specific equipment 

that will be used for production.
Braille Transcription and Duplication Services Page 3 of 17

880-S (10/21)

NOTE: The Government will evaluate the contractor’s conformance with UEB, HFC Braille, and other applicable

braille transcription guidelines, content translation accuracy as compared against the government-furnished 

reference material (i.e., content files from the original printed Unigrid brochure), and the quality and technical 

consolidation of the contractor’s electronic and printed products.

Factors in the evaluation of deliverables include the contractor’s accuracy of content and meeting technical 

specifications; economy and accuracy in the size and spacing of Braille dots, cells, and lines, including the number 

of cells per line, the number of lines per page, and the number of pages per product as well as the accurate numbering 

of pages and referenced pages; quality and size of paper; and quality of binding.

OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT: The Government has the option to extend the term 

of this contract for a period of twelve months by written notice to the contractor not later than 

30 days before the contract expires. If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be 

considered to include this clause, except, the total duration of the contract may not exceed five (5) years as a result 

of, and including, any extension(s) added under this clause. Further extension may be negotiated under the 

“EXTENSION OF CONTRACT TERM” clause. See also “ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT” for authorized 

pricing adjustment(s).

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.

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 November 1, 2020, and end October 31, 2021, and the second and any succeeding period(s) 

will extend for twelve (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 July 31, 2020, 

called the base index. The percentage change (plus or minus) of the variable index from the base index will be the 

economic price adjustment for the period being considered for adjustment.

The Government will notify the contractor by contract modification specifying the percentage increase or decrease 

to be applied to invoices for orders placed during the period indicated. The contractor shall apply the percentage 

increase or decrease against the total price of the invoice less reimbursable postage or transportation costs and 

separately adjusted paper prices. Payment discounts shall be applied after the invoice price is adjusted.

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

adjustment clause.
Braille Transcription and Duplication Services Page 4 of 17

880-S (10/21)

PREAWARD SURVEY: In order to determine the responsibility of the prime contractor or any subcontractor, the 

Government reserves the right to conduct an on-site preaward survey at the contractor's/subcontractor's facility or 

to require other evidence of technical, production, managerial, financial, and similar abilities to perform, prior to 

the award of a contract. As part of the financial determination, the contractor in line for award may be required to 

provide one or more of the following financial documents: 

1) Most recent profit and loss statement

2) Most recent balance sheet

3) Statement of cash flows

4) Current official bank statement

5) Current lines of credit (with amounts available)

6) Letter of commitment from paper supplier(s)

7) Letter of commitment from any subcontractor

The documents will be reviewed to validate that adequate financial resources are available to perform the contract 

requirements. Documents submitted will be kept confidential, and used only for the determination of responsibility 

by the Government. Failure to provide the requested information in the time specified by the Government may 

result in the Contracting Officer not having adequate information to reach an affirmative determination of 

responsibility.

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 November 1, 2020, through October 31, 2021, plus 

for such additional period(s) as the contract is extended. All print orders issued hereunder are subject to the terms 

and conditions of the contract. The contract shall control in the event of conflict with any print order. A print order 

shall be "issued" upon notification by the Government for purposes of the contract when it is electronically 

transmitted or otherwise physically furnished to the contractor in conformance with the schedule.

REQUIREMENTS: This is a requirements contract for the items and for the period specified herein.

Shipment/delivery of items or performance of work shall be made only as authorized by orders issued in accordance 

with the clause entitled “ORDERING.” The quantities of items specified herein are estimates only and are not 

purchased hereby. Except as may be otherwise provided in this contract, if the government’s requirements for the 

items set forth herein do not result in orders in the amounts or quantities described as “estimated,” it shall not 

constitute the basis for an equitable price adjustment under this contract.

Except as otherwise provided in this contract, the Government shall order from the contractor all the items set forth 

which are required to be purchased by the Government activity identified on page 1.

The Government shall not be required to purchase from the contractor, requirements in excess of the limit on total 

orders under this contract, if any.

Orders issued during the effective period of this contract and not completed within that time shall be completed by 

the contractor within the time specified in the order, and the rights and obligations of the contractor and the 

Government respecting those orders shall be governed by the terms of this contract to the same extent as if 

completed during the effective period of this contract.

If shipment/delivery of any quantity of an item covered by the contract is required by reason of urgency prior to the 

earliest date that shipment/delivery may be specified under this contract, and if the contractor will not accept an 

order providing for the accelerated shipment/delivery, the government may procure this requirement from another 

source.
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880-S (10/21)

The Government may issue orders which provide for shipment/delivery to or performance at multiple destinations.

Subject to any limitations elsewhere in this contract, the contractor shall furnish to the Government all items set 

forth herein which are called for by print orders issued in accordance with the “ORDERING” clause of this contract.

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.

AGENCY VERIFICATION OF BILLING: Immediately upon completion of a print order, the contractor shall 

submit an itemized statement for billing (“invoice”) with all shipping receipts, for examination and certification 

purposes only.

NOTE: The statement for billing must show a separate cost breakdown for NPS copies, which shall include all 

transcription and make-ready charges.

The contractor must submit billing attachments through https://secure.nps.gov (a.k.a. “Accellion KiteWorks”) or 

another way, as specified. Please accompany the submission with a notification email (no attachments) to 

Lisa_Sullivan@nps.gov.

A copy of the invoice (signed/initialed by the appropriate NPS representative) will be returned to contractor within 

seven (7) workdays of receipt (by either facsimile or electronic mail) and submitted with remainder of 

documentation to GPO for payment (per GPO billing instructions).

The invoice shall include a working facsimile telephone number, appropriate electronic mail address for return of 

the initialed copy, and a designated approval authorization area/signature line.

PAYMENT: After completing the required agency verification as noted above, billing invoice and Agency 

verification must be submitted to GPO.

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: http://www.gpo.gov/finance/index.htm. 

Contractor’s billing invoice must be itemized in accordance with the items in the “SCHEDULE OF PRICES.”
Braille Transcription and Duplication Services Page 6 of 17

880-S (10/21)

SECTION 2. – SPECIFICATIONS

SCOPE: These specifications cover the production of Braille editions for National Park Service (NPS) brochure 

content requiring such operations as transcription, ink-printed and minimally embossed cover page, proofreading, 

customer proof, embossing, binding, packing, and distribution.

Additional Information:

Through Braille editions of its Unigrid brochures, the National Park Service (NPS) aims to provide blind visitors a 

communications experience equivalent to that of sighted readers. Content communicated through a brochure may 

include interpretive text, photographs, artwork, diagrams, maps, image labels or captions, scientific concepts, 

natural history data and nomenclature, historical facts, official policy and vetted phrasing, and/or administrative and 

safety information.

These specifications cover the production of digital and print Braille editions based primarily on the text and content 

structure of NPS Unigrid brochures (or “brochure”). The general term “Braille edition” can be synonymous with 

“Braille version” and in Braille hard copy form as “Braille booklets.” 

Contractor tasks toward the production of Braille edition products may include primarily simple transcription of 

provided text and occasional Grade 1 transcription of foreign language texts and shall include black ink-printing, 

braille embossing, plastic spiral comb-binding, secure packing that does not damage the braille booklet or cells, and 

distribution. The contractor may also receive occasional orders for only the production and shipment of Braille 

booklets, produced from existing files. The contractor is responsible for all proofreading and accuracy and can 

expect to perform minimal rephrasing or restructuring of a brochure’s original text and related content only when 

necessary for the braille edition; the government shall make all major revisions before sending working files to the 

contractor.

The contractor shall consider and use economy of space in all deliverables when such economy may lead to reduced 

materials, waste, print costs, shipping costs, or storage; nonetheless, the Braille edition shall retain the integrity of 

the original Unigrid brochure content and appropriately employ Braille system principles. Ultimately, through these 

deliverables, Braille readers shall have the opportunity to receive as accurate and equivalent an experience of the 

original brochure as possible.

TITLE: Braille Transcription and Duplication Services

FREQUENCY OF ORDERS: Approximately 75 orders per year

QUANTITY: Approximately 156 copies per order. Occasional orders may require up to approximately 181 copies.

Quantities and shipping will vary and will be specified on each print order. For Braille booklet quantities, unless 

otherwise specified, a typical print order may include at least 5 or up to 30 copies to a national park location, one 

(1) copy to Harpers Ferry Center (HFC), approximately 135 copies to the Government Publishing Office (GPO), 

and approximately 15 copies to the Library of Congress (LOC).

NUMBER OF PAGES: Text files are on average 7 to 9 manuscript pages, single spaced. 

The Agency will provide an annotated text file. The annotated file will be provided with special instructions or 

agency notations. Occasionally dual language brochures are required with text files averaging 15 to 20 manuscript 

pages single spaced.

Each Braille booklet shall include one (1) front cover, ink-printed and embossed, and all embossed transcription 

pages of the Braille-edition text, comb-bound together. The number of transcribed pages varies per edition, based 

on the government-furnished text file, and may be affected by the contractor’s translated page-length and the 

transcriber’s use of Uncontracted (Grade I) Braille. The contractor shall consider and use economy of page length 

while retaining the integrity of the original brochure text and content structure.

TRIM SIZE: 8-1/2 x 11”
Braille Transcription and Duplication Services Page 7 of 17

880-S (10/21)

GOVERNMENT TO FURNISH: The agency will furnish print orders, source materials, and administrative 

communications electronically.

Electronic Media will be furnished as follows:

Platform: Macintosh OS 10.14 or later and Windows 10 or later.

Storage Media: The government shall furnish source materials to the contractor electronically using a 

government-furnished secure file transfer website at https://secure.nps.gov or another 

way, as specified. NOTE: Maximum single file upload size is 2 GB.

Software: Microsoft Word 2016 or later; Adobe Acrobat Pro DC version 20 or later.

File types include: Microsoft Word Document (.DOC), Portable Document Format 

(.PDF) and Braille Ready File (.BRF).

All platform system and software upgrades (for specified applications) which may 

occur during the term of the contract must be supported by the contractor. The 

contractor must provide the upgrades within one (1) month of notification by the 

Government.

NOTE: The government will notify the contractor of any changes to technological 

specifications.

Fonts: Printer and screen fonts may be furnished/embedded. Contractor must have license to 

use the Frutiger typeface.

Contractor is cautioned that furnished fonts are the property of the Government and/or 

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

immediately after completion of the contract.

Additional Information: Print orders and administrative communications shall be supplied via email KiteWorks 

or another way, as specified. 

For print orders of new Braille editions – The government shall furnish two (2) .PDFs of the original Unigrid 

brochure (named “Side 1” and “Side 2”) and one (1) .PDF cover page. 

NOTE: The “Side 1” and “Side 2” .PDFs are considered “one brochure.” The cover page .PDF is in actual printing 

size with a four millimeter (4 mm) bleed and with all graphics and fonts embedded.

For print orders of existing Braille editions – The government shall furnish the .BRF and one (1) .PDF cover page.

Distribution list will be furnished with print order. 

Identification markings such as register marks, commercial identification marks of any kind, etc., except GPO 

imprint, form number, and revision date, carried in the electronic files, must not print on finished product.

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

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

The contractor shall furnish access to files (e.g., to view, upload, and download) using https://secure.nps.gov or 

another way, as specified. No other electronic system, including email, may be used for file transfer. Email shall be 

used for administrative communications and not for attaching files (e.g., ordering, project or billing queries, 

deliverable acceptance, etc.). The contractor should copy furnished files and make changes to the copy.

Paper Samples - Before contract production begins, the contractor shall submit to the government not less than 25 

samples of paper to be used in the production of the contract requirements. The container and accompanying 

documentation shall be marked “PAPER SAMPLES” and shall include the GPO jacket number and purchase order 

number. (See “SCHEDULE”) 
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880-S (10/21)

Each sample shall be approximately 8-1/2 x 11”, and must be of the kind and quality required by the specifications. 

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

Samples must be submitted prior to commencement of production of the contract quantity. The container and 

accompanying documentation shall be marked “PAPER SAMPLES” and shall include the GPO jacket, purchase 

order, and program numbers. The samples must be submitted in accordance with the specified schedule.

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))

Manufacture of the final product prior to approval of the samples submitted is at the contractor’s risk. Samples will 

not be returned to the contractor. All costs, including the costs of all samples, shall be included in the contract price 

for the production quantity.

Deliverables: Before production of the first print order quantity begins, the contractor shall submit prior-toproduction samples of the first print order.

For a typical print order, the contractor shall:

 Transcribe the government-furnished .DOC text to Braille;

 Deliver a prior-to-production interline .PDF (“proof”) and adjust as needed;

 Create and deliver a .BRF of the final Braille booklet; and

 Produce and ship Braille booklets, as specified on the print order, including the advance copy, and provide a 

tracking number for each shipment.

On occasion, the contractor shall produce and ship Braille booklets using existing files that do not require 

transcription, proofing, or a .BRF. For such orders, the contractor shall only produce and ship the Braille booklets

as specified on the print order, including the advance copy, and provide a tracking number for each shipment.

The contractor shall use only the government-furnished source files as the basis of all work to be performed. The 

contractor shall submit digital deliverables only via the government-furnished secure file-transfer website, or 

another way as specified, and hard copies via mail.

ELECTRONIC PRE-PRESS: Prior to image processing, the contractor shall perform a basic check (pre-flight) 

of furnished files to assure correct output of the required reproduction image. Any errors, media damage, or data 

corruption that might interfere with proper file image processing must be reported to the Production Supervisor at 

(202) 685-4379. The contractor must notify the ordering agency as soon as possible in order to comply with the 

required schedule.
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880-S (10/21)

TRANSCRIPTION:

The contractor shall use a transcriber certified in UEB and Contracted (Grade II) Braille by an authoritative body 

(e.g., the National Federation of the Blind, the Library of Congress/National Library Services, or a comparable 

program).

The transcriber shall use the text and information contained in provided files as the comprehensive reference for 

transcription. 

Transcription must follow the sequence presented on the furnished files and include all text therein, allowing for 

only minor modifications when necessary for converting to braille. The transcription shall separate the following 

content, when it appears, with single line breaks: The phrase “SIDE ONE,” the phrase “SIDE TWO,” headings, 

subheadings, paragraphs, and lists. All booklet pages must be numbered sequentially in Braille. The contractor is 

responsible for all proofreading and accuracy.

Foreign language transcription – The government may occasionally furnish foreign language text. Special 

characters and diacritical marks shall be preserved in the transcription. Use of Uncontracted (Grade I) Braille may 

be necessary.

Cover – For the ink-printed cover, use the provided .PDF as-is. The cover layout is 8-1/2 x 11” with a 4-mm bleed. 

Print the cover at its actual size; do not enlarge or reduce. Print only in black ink. In the center of the cover page, 

transcribe and emboss the park name without its national designation; example: For “Acadia National Park,” 

transcribe “Acadia” but not “National Park.” Trim and bind the page so the inked content is centered on the cover.

PRIOR-TO-PRODUCTION SAMPLES (First Print Order): Before production of the first print order quantity 

begins, the contractor shall deliver to the government two (2) interline .PDFs and two (2) printed and Brailleembossed, comb-bound samples of the order (See “SCHEDULE: PRIOR-TO-PRODUCTION SAMPLES (First 

Print Order)”).

The printed samples are to have, in order, the ink-printed, Braille-embossed cover and the sequential Brailleembossed transcription pages, all comb-bound together.

Each sample shall be printed and constructed as specified and must be of the size, kind, and quality that the 

contractor will furnish. Samples will be inspected and tested and must comply with the specifications as to 

construction, kind, and quality of materials.

Prior to the commencement of production of the contract production quantity, the contractor shall submit samples 

plus the furnished government material to the address indicated on the Print Order. Samples will be tested for 

conformance of material(s). Samples will be tested for construction. 

The container and accompanying documentation shall be marked “PREPRODUCTION SAMPLES” and shall 

include the GPO jacket, purchase order, and program numbers. The samples must be submitted in accordance with 

the specified schedule. (See “SCHEDULE”) 

The Government will approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove the samples. 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 testing, in the time and under the terms and conditions specified in the 

notice of rejection. Such additional sample 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 sample required. 
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880-S (10/21)

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 sample within the time 

specified, the Contracting Officer shall automatically extend the shipping schedule in accordance with Contract 

Clause 12, “Notice of Compliance with Schedules,” of GPO Contract Terms (GPO Publication 310.2, effective 

December 1, 1987 (Rev. 01-18)).

Manufacture of the final product prior to approval of the sample submitted is at the contractor's risk. Samples will 

not be returned to the contractor. All costs, including the costs of all samples shall be included in the contract price 

for the production quantity. 

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

manufactured.

PRIOR-TO-PRODUCTION INTERLINE: For orders after the first one, the contractor shall submit one (1) 

interline.PDF for review and approval before production of the contract quantity begins (see “SCHEDULE: PRIORTO-PRODUCTION INTERLINE”). 

The container and accompanying documentation shall be marked “PRIOR-TO-PRODUCTION INTERLINE” and 

shall include the GPO jacket, purchase order, and program numbers. The samples must be submitted in accordance 

with the specified schedule. (See “SCHEDULE”) 

If the sample is disapproved by the government, the government, at its option, may require the contractor to submit 

an additional .PDF sample for review, in the time and under the terms and conditions specified in the notice of 

rejection. Such additional sample 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 sample required.

In the event the additional .PDF sample is 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 Contract 

Clause 12, “Notice of Compliance With Schedules,” of GPO Contract Terms (GPO Publication 310.2, effective 

December 1, 1987 (Rev. 01-18)).

Manufacture of the final product prior to approval of the .PDF sample submitted is at the contractor’s risk. Samples 

will not be returned to the contractor. All costs, including the costs of all samples, shall be included in the contract 

price for the production quantity.

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

manufactured.

Upon approval of the interline .PDF, the contractor shall proceed to production of a .BRF and the Braille booklets.

.BRF: The contractor shall deliver the .BRF of the final embossed product (the Braille booklet). As the final 

production file, the .BRF must be an exact representation of the final Braille booklet. The .BRF must be of suitable 

use for the embossing of future Braille copies and must open on standard Braille translator software.
Braille Transcription and Duplication Services Page 11 of 17

880-S (10/21)

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-standards-files-for-vendors/vol_13.pdf.

All paper used must be of a uniform thickness, color, weight and texture throughout each production run.

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

Opaque Book Paper, basis weight: 100 lbs. per 500 sheets, 25 x 38”.

EXCEPTION: Paper must not contain any recycled content.

PRINTING:

At contractor’s option, the product may be produced via conventional offset or digital printing provided that Quality 

Level 3 standards are maintained. Final output must be a minimum of 150 line screen and at a minimum resolution 

of 1200 x 1200 x 1 dpi or 600 x 600 x 4 bit depth technology. 

Print Cover 1 in black ink only. Printing consists of text and line matter and agency logo (arrowhead)

NOTE: GPO imprint requirement is waived for this product. Except for the form number, and revision date carried

in the electronic files, identification markings of any kind (e.g., register marks, commercial identification marks) 

must not print on finished product.

BRAILLE DUPLICATION:

On the cover page, all ink-printed text must lay out as it shows on the furnished .PDF. Ensure that both the embossed 

park name (without national designation) and the ink-printed park name (with national designation) are below the 

ink-printed title bar. For transcription pages, emboss one-side only for products with eight (8) transcribed pages or 

less, and emboss interpoint for products with nine (9) transcribed pages or more.

Booklets – Each Braille booklet shall include one (1) cover page printed in black ink, the sequential transcription 

pages, and a plain back cover page to protect embossing—all comb-bound together in that order. The contractor 

will emboss part of the cover page, as specified, and the entire content on the transcription pages, including added 

page numbers. The contractor shall follow the print order instructions for shipment.

MARGINS: Format all orders consistently on each 8-1/2 x 11” page using established Braille presentation spacing, 

margins, and alignments.

BINDING: Gather the covers and all transcription pages in sequence and trim all four sides so that content is 

centered on each page. All copies must include a blank back cover.

Punch all pages with a suitable number of rectangular holes for binding with black plastic combs of suitable 

capacity. Holes must be 3/16” x 5/16” in size and 9/16” center-to-center. 

Comb-binding must be suited to the thickness of the booklets and to the extent to which the books are anticipated 

to be handled. Comb-binding must safeguard the height of the Braille dots, must permit the pages to lie sufficiently 

flat for reading, and must protect the cover and pages from tearing out.

PACKING: Pack suitably in shipping containers to avoid damage to finished product during transit.

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

Specifications which can be located on www.GPO.gov, fill in appropriate blanks, and attach to shipping containers. 
Braille Transcription and Duplication Services Page 12 of 17

880-S (10/21)

DISTRIBUTION: Shipping of hard copy booklets varies per print order and will be made to multiple contacts.

Typical requirements include copies to Harpers Ferry Center (Harpers Ferry, WV), and a National Park Service 

location, The Library of Congress (Washington, DC), and the Government Publishing Office Office (Washington, 

DC). 

Advance Copy

Prior to distribution, the contractor must deliver to the forward operating base (f.o.b.) destination one (1) advance 

copy and the final .BRF. (See “SCHEDULE,”) 

Upon receipt of “OK TO DISTRIBUTE” on advance copy –

f.o.b. contractor’s city

Send the specified quantity of booklets required for NPS to the addresses provided on the print order, as indicated. 

The contractor shall use its own shipping account and supplier to ship these copies. For each shipment, the contractor 

shall provide shipping confirmation (i.e., a tracking number from the 3rd party shipping company).

f.o.b. destination

Deliver approximately 150 copies to two (2) locations in the Washington, DC, area, as specified on the order

The contractor shall use its own shipping account and supplier to deliver these copies. For each delivery, the 

contractor shall provide shipping confirmation (i.e., a tracking number from the 3

rd party shipping company).

SHIPPING DOCUMENTATION: On the same day the product ships, the contractor must notify the ordering 

agency of the shipment via email to Lisa_Sullivan@nps.gov. The subject line of this message shall be “Distribution 

Notice for Program 880-S, Purchase order XXXXX, Jacket: __________, Print Order XXXXX, Title: Braille 

Transcription/Duplication”. The email must provide all applicable tracking numbers, shipping methods, and the 

project title.

NOTE: Upon agency request, the contractor must provide copies of any and all delivery, mailing, and shipping 

receipts. The contractor shall bear all expenses incidental to returning materials, submitting paper samples, and 

submitting Prior-to-Production samples.

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

prior to receipt of the individual print order (GPO Form 2511).

Paper Samples

Samples must be submitted within 10 workdays of contract award.

Submit samples to: U.S. Government Publishing Office, Agency Publishing Services, 732 North Capitol Street, 

NW, Mailstop: CSAP, Washington, DC 20401. Attn: Contracting Officer

The government will approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove the samples within five (5) 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.

Agency will send the print order and furnished materials to the contractor electronically or using a departmental 

shipping account.

No definite schedule for pick-up of material can be predetermined.

The following schedule begins the workday after receipt of print order and furnished material; the workday after 

receipt will be the first workday of the schedule.
Braille Transcription and Duplication Services Page 13 of 17

880-S (10/21)

Prior-To-Production Samples (First Print Order)

Samples must be submitted within 15 workdays of receipt of first print order and furnished material.

The government will approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove the samples within 14 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.

Prior-To-Production Interline

For each order (unless otherwise specified on the order), the contractor shall submit a interline .PDF sample

(“proof”) through https://secure.nps.gov or another way, as specified, within 15 workdays of receipt of the print

order and furnished material.

The government will approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove the samples within 14 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.

Submit one (1) Prior-to-Production sample and one (1) corresponding interline .PDF to: 

NPS / HFC / Publications, 67 Mather Place, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425. Attn: Lisa Sullivan (304-535-6234)

Submit one (1) Prior-to-Production sample and one (1) corresponding interline .PDF to:

Library of Congress, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, 101 Independence Ave 

SE, Washington, DC 20542. Attn: Judith M. Dixon, Consumer Relations Officer 

This sample shall be packaged to prevent damage during heavy inspection and irradiation.

Advance Copy

The contractor must complete production and submit one (1) bound advance copy and the final .BRF within 

15 workdays of receipt of approval of the interline.PDF. Submit advance copy and .BRF to: 

NPS / HFC / Publications, 67 Mather Place, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425. Attn: Lisa Sullivan (304-535-6234)

The government will give an “OK to Distribute” on the advance copy within three (3) workdays of receipt thereof.

The contractor must complete distribution within 10 workdays of receipt of an “OK to Distribute” on the 

advance copy.

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 destinations specified and the date all products ordered mailed f.o.b. contractor’s city must be 

delivered to the U.S. Postal Service.

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

furnished with each order or shortly thereafter. In the event such information is not received in due time, the 

contractor will not be relieved of any responsibility in meeting the shipping schedule because of failure to request 

such information.

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

of shipment or delivery. Upon completion of each order, contractor must contact the Shared Support Services 

Compliance Section via email at compliance@gpo.gov. Personnel receiving email will be unable to respond to 

questions of a technical nature or to transfer any inquiries.
Braille Transcription and Duplication Services Page 14 of 17

880-S (10/21)

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.

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

I. (a) 1

(b) 75

(1) (2)

II. (a) 1,662 2,618

(1) (2)

III. (a) 75 118

IV. (a) 118

V. (a) 375
Braille Transcription and Duplication Services Page 15 of 17

880-S (10/21)

SECTION 4. – SCHEDULE OF PRICES

Bids offered are f.o.b. contractor’s city for all mailing and f.o.b. destination for all other shipments.

Prices must include the cost of all required materials and operations for each item listed in accordance with these 

specifications.

Bidder must make an entry in each of the spaces provided. Bids submitted with any obliteration, revision, or 

alteration of the order and manner of submitting bids may be declared non-responsive.

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 100 will be prorated at the per-100 rate.

I. PRIOR TO PRODUCTION SAMPLES:

(a) Prior to Production Sample (first order only)......................... per copy................................$ ___________

(b) Prior to Production Interline Sample with .BRF .................... per copy................................$ ___________

II. BRAILLE TRANSCRIPTION AND BRAILLE PAGE DUPLICATION: Prices offered shall include the 

cost of all required materials and operations necessary (including digital deliverables and all paper) for the 

Braille transcription and duplication of the product listed in accordance with these specifications:

Makeready Running Per

and/or Setup 100 Copies 

(1) (2)

(a) Braille Page Duplication –

Transcribing from electronic files...........per Braille page..........................$__________ $ __________

III. PRINTING: Prices offered shall include the cost of all required materials and operations necessary for the 

printing of the cover page in accordance with these specifications.

Makeready Running Per

and/or Setup 100 Copies 

(1) (2)

(a) Front Cover Page –

Print in black ink only ...............................per cover page..........................$__________ $ __________

____________

(Initials)
Braille Transcription and Duplication Services Page 16 of 17

880-S (10/21)

IV. BINDING: Prices offered shall include the cost of all required materials and operations necessary for the 

binding of the product listed in accordance with these specifications.

(a) Comb-binding.................................................................per 100 copies................................$ ___________

V. PACKING AND DISTRIBUTION: Prices offered must be all-inclusive, as applicable, and must include the 

cost of packing; padded envelopes, shipping bags, shipping bundles, and shipping containers; all necessary 

wrapping and packing materials; labeling and marking; and complete distribution, in accordance with these 

specifications.

(a) Bulk Shipments –

(1) Packing and sealing shipping containers .................. per container................................$ ___________

____________

(Initials)
Braille Transcription and Duplication Services Page 17 of 17

880-S (10/21)

SHIPMENT(S): Shipments will be made from: City __________________________, State ________________

The city(ies) indicated above will be used for evaluation of transportation charges when shipment f.o.b. contractor’s 

city is specified. If no shipping point is indicated above, it will be deemed that the bidder has selected the city and 

state shown below in the address block, and the bid will be evaluated and the contract awarded on that basis. If 

shipment is not made from evaluation point, the contractor will be responsible for any additional shipping costs 

incurred.

DISCOUNTS: Discounts are offered for payment as follows: __________ Percent, _________calendar days. See 

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

AMENDMENT(S): Bidder hereby acknowledges amendment(s) number(ed) ____________________________

BID ACCEPTANCE PERIOD: In compliance with the above, the undersigned agree, if this bid is accepted 

within____________ calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted by the bidder) from the 

date for receipt of bids, to furnish the specified items at the price set opposite each item, delivered at the designated 

points(s), in exact accordance with specifications.

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 Name) (GPO Contractor’s Code)

___________________________________________________________________________________________

(Street Address)

___________________________________________________________________________________________

(City – State – Zip Code)

By _________________________________________________________________________________________

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

___________________________________________________________________________________________

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

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

THIS SECTION FOR GPO USE ONLY

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

Initials Initials

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