Jacket: 428-121

Title: Discover My Plate Curriculum, Emergent Readers Eng/Span

Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Bid Opening: December 12, 2023 at 11:00am

Bid Terms Discounted Total

$121,349.82 3% 20 days $117,709.33

days

days

days $147,530.00

days $162,855.00

days $200,001.00

days $247,140.60

days $0.00

days $0.00

days $0.00

days $0.00

days $0.00

days $0.00

days $0.00

days $0.00

days $0.00

days $0.00

days $0.00

days $0.00

days $0.00

Alcom Printing

Contractor Name

Las Vegas Color Graphics $125,555.00 5% 20 $119,277.25

Solo Printing $142,287.39 $142,644.00 0.25% 20

Advantage Mailing, LLC - Anaheim $148,271.36 0.5% 20

McDonald & Eudy Printers $164,500.00 1% 20

ACR III LSC Holdings $200,001.00 0% 0

Phoenix Lithographing Corp. $260,148.00 5% 20

Awarded
Specifications by SG Jacket 428-121

Page 1 of 7 US Department of Agriculture

Reviewed by DEE Requisition 24-00038 

 

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

December 12, 2023 by the U.S. Government Publishing Office, in Washington, DC 20401. 

BID SUBMISSION: Bidders must 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 AM on the bid opening date 

specified above will not be considered for award. This will not be a public bid opening.

 Note: The GPO 910 “BID” Form is no longer required; bidders are to fill out, sign/initial, as applicable, 

and return page 7.

The Jacket Number 428-121 and bid opening date must be specified in the subject line of the e-mailed bid 

submission. Bids received after 11:00 AM EST on the bid opening date specified above will not be 

considered for award. 

For information regarding the solicitation requirements prior to award please email Steve Gaumer at 

sgaumer@gpo.gov. For contract administration after award, contact APS DC at 202-512-0446. 

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

2. The vendor’s email provider may have different size limitations for sending e-mail, however 

vendors are advised not to exceed GPO’s stated limit. The bidder’s email provider may have 

different size limitations for sending email; however, bidders are advised not to exceed GPO’s 

stated limit. 

3. Illegibility of bid.

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 e-mailed 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. 

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 (revised 9-19)). 

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

All the requirements of these specifications apply equally to all items unless otherwise indicated herein.

DIGITAL PRINTING IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.

PRODUCT: Saddle Stitch Pamphlets 
Page 2 of 7 Jacket 428-121

TITLE: Discover My Plate Curriculum, Emergent Readers Eng/Span

TOTAL QUANTITY: 90,000 Total sets of saddle-stitched Pamphlets. 60,000 sets for English and 30,000 

sets for Spanish. Each set consist of 7 Booklets. Plus 32 QARC's for Spanish items and 50 QARC's for 

English Booklets:

Item 1: Dairy (FNS-474A) - Qty - 60,000

Item 2: Fruits (FNS-474B) - Qty - 60,000

Item 3: Grains (FNS-474C) - Qty - 60,000

Item 4: Vegetables (FNS-474D) - Qty - 60,000

Item 5: Protein Foods (FNS-474E) - Qty - 60,000

Item 6: A My Plate Meal (FNS-474F) - Qty - 60,000

Item 7: Where Food Comes From (FNS-474G) - Qty - 60,000

Spanish Booklets: 

Item 8: Dairy (Spanish) (FNS-474A-S) - Qty - 30,000

Item 9: Fruits (Spanish) (FNS-474B-S) - Qty - 30,000

Item 10: Grains (Spanish) (FNS-474C-S) - Qty - 30,000

Item 11: Vegetables (Spanish) (FNS-474D-S) - Qty - 30,000

Item 12: Protein Foods (Spanish) (FNS-474E-S) - Qty - 30,000

Item 13: A My Plate Meal (Spanish) (FNS-474F-S) - Qty - 30,000

Item 14: Where Food Comes From (Spanish) (FNS-474G-S) - Qty - 30,000

TRIM SIZE: 7 x 5-1/2”

PAGES: 

8 Text Pages, plus Separate Wraparound Cover.

GOVERNMENT TO FURNISH (GFM): Receive via email.

One (1) Purchase order. 

Two (2) Zip files. One for English items and one for Spanish items.

GPO Form 952 Desktop Publishing - Disk Information

GPO Form 892c (R. 12/17) Proofs

GPO Form 917 (Certificate of Selection).

GPO Form 2678 (Departmental random copies-blue label).

GPO Form 915 (Business Reply Label).

GPO Form 2686 QARC Random copies sampling & shipping instructions.

Contractor can 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.

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

“GOVERNMENT TO FURNISH,” necessary to produce the product(s) in accordance with these 

specifications.

ELECTRONIC PREPRESS: Prior to image processing, the contractor shall perform a basic check 

(preflight) of the furnished media and publishing files to assure correct output of the required reproduction 

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

must be reported to the contract administrator.

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

and define file output selection for the imaging device being utilized. Furnished files must be imaged as 

necessary to meet the assigned quality level. Minimum 175-line screens required.
Page 3 of 7 Jacket 428-121 

PROOFS: Two (2) sets of digital color content proofs of each item. Direct to plate must be used to produce 

the final product with a minimum of 2400 x 2400 dpi. Proofs must be created using the same Raster Image 

Processor (RIP) that will be used to produce the product. Proofs shall be collated with all elements in proper 

position (not pasted up), imaged face and back, trimmed and folded to the finished size of the product. 

--PLUS--

Two (2) sets of inkjet proofs for entire booklets of each item that are G7 profiled and use pigment-based 

inks. A proofing RIP that provides an option for high quality color matching (such as Device Links 

Technology and/or ICC Profiles Technology), and meets or exceeds industry tolerance to ISO 12647-7 

Standard for Graphic Technology (as of 3/19/09, and future amendments) must be utilized plus GRACoL 

2006 Coated #1 specifications (CGATS TR006) must be achieved. Output must be a minimum of 720 x 

720 dpi on a GRACoL or SWOP certified proofing media. Proofs must contain the following color control 

strip to be evaluated for accuracy: IDEAlliance ISO 12647-7 Control Strip 2009 or 2013(i1). 

Proofs must contain color control bars (such as Brunner, GATF, GRETAG, or RIT) for each color of ink 

on the sheet. Control bars must be placed parallel to the press's ink rollers and must show areas consisting 

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

patches for process color (if applicable). These areas must be repeated consecutively across the sheet.

The make and model number of the proofing system utilized shall be furnished with the proofs. These 

proofs must contain all elements, be in press configuration, and indicate margins. Proofs will be used for 

color match on press. Direct to plate must be used to produce the final product with a minimum of 2400 x 

2400 dpi. 

Send 2 (G7) inkjet proofs and 1 digital content proof of each item (include shrink wrap - see packing) with 

approval sheet and return label via traceable means to: Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 (Residential address 

provided after award). 

Send 1 digital content proof of each item via traceable means to: Clarksville, TN 37042 (Residential address 

provided after award). 

 

Contractor must call GPO Contract Compliance Section at 202-512-0520, or e-mail information to 

compliance@gpo.gov immediately upon sending/delivering proofs and immediately upon notification that 

the proofs are available for pickup at the department. Proofs will be withheld not more than (3) workdays 

from receipt in the department to when they are made available for pickup at the department. 

Contractor must also notify the ordering agency/GPO with tracking information on the same day that the 

proof ships/delivers via e-mail sent to karen.lewis@usda.gov and cc: sgaumer@gpo.gov. The subject line 

of this message shall be "PROOF Notice for Req# 4-00038 / Jacket 428-121. 

CONTRACTOR MUST NOT PRINT PRIOR TO RECEIVING AN "OK TO PRINT".

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

herein or listed for the corresponding JCP Code numbers in the “Government Paper Specification 

Standards No. 13” dated September 2019. https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/forms-and-standardsfiles-for-vendors/vol_13.pdf

COVER: JCP Code* L11, No. 1 Gloss-Coated Cover, White, Basis Size 20 X 26" - 100 lbs. 

TEXT: JCP Code* A240, Matte-Coated Text, White, Basis Size 25 X 38" – 80 lbs. 
Page 4 of 7 Jacket 428-121 

PRINTING: 

Covers print face and back (head to head) with type/rule matter, agency logo, illustrations, QR code, and 

solids in 4-color process with heavy coverage and some type reversing out to appear white. Full bleeds all 

sides. After printing, apply a clear gloss aqueous coating over the entire surface of all covers to prevent 

scratching and smearing with the exception of the signature block (This book belongs to:) on cover 2 for 

all items.

Text pages print face and back (head to head) with type matter and illustrations in black ink. No bleeds. 

INK: 

Covers: 4-color process + gloss aqueous w/ knockout on cover 2. 

Text: Black

BINDING: 

Saddle stitch in 2 places on 5-1/2” dimension. 

Paper Covers: Wrap around. Trim flush, Stitched on, Grain must run parallel to spine. 

Score on all folds (cracks and wrinkles are not acceptable).

MARGINS: 

Covers: Inadequate gripper. 

Text: Adequate gripper. 

Follow electronic files. 

PACKING: 

Collate booklets: English Item 1 thru Item 7 (One set) and Spanish Item 8 thru Item 14 (One set)

separately.

Shrink wrap in units of 1 set.

Pack suitably in cartons and shipping containers to prevent damage in transit. 

NOTE: MARK ALL CARTONS WITH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

JOB TITLE: 

REQUISITION: 

JACKET NO.:

Item:

QUANTITY: __________ 

NUMBER OF BOXES: EX. Box 1 of 4, Box 2 of 4... 

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

to these specifications:

Product Quality Levels: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Attribute Specified Standard

P-7. Type Quality and Uniformity Approved Proofs/Furnished Electronic File

P-10. Process Color Match Approved Proofs/Furnished Electronic File 
Page 5 of 7 Jacket 428-121 

QUALITY ASSURANCE RANDOM COPIES: The contractor will be required to sign a statement 

furnished by GPO certifying that copies were selected as directed. Business Reply Mail labels will be 

furnished for mailing the quality assurance random copies. The copies are to be mailed at the same time as 

the first scheduled shipment. A U.S. Postal Service approved Certificate of Mailing, identified by Jacket 

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

DISTRIBUTION: Contractor must notify the ordering agency on the same day that the product 

ships/delivers via e-mail sent to karen.lewis@usda.gov and cc: sgaumer@gpo.gov. The subject line of this 

message shall be Distribution Notice for Jacket 428-121, Req. No. 4-00038. The notice must provide all 

applicable tracking numbers, shipping method, and Title. Contractor must be able to provide copies of all 

delivery, mailing, and shipping receipts upon agency request. 

Deliver 60,000 sets (Items 1 thru 7; English) and 30,000 sets (Items 8 thru 14; Spanish) (includes 200 for 

Items 1 thru 7 & 125 for items 8 thru 14 Departmental Random "Blue Label" Copies) via traceable means 

to: USGPO - Laurel Publications Distribution Center, TEAM NUTRITION - (TEAM NUTRITION 

MUST BE IN BOLD AND CAPS) C/O: RECEIVING - USDA FNS-XXX (Label according to content), 

8660 Cherry Lane, Ste #32, Laurel, MD 20707. Phone: 202-512-1401, Email: laurelpdc2@gpo.gov. 

** Printer is required to notify Sandy Davila (Sandy.Davila@usda.gov) and Gionne Jones 

(Gionne.JohnsonJones@usda.gov) at USDA FNS AND the GPO Warehouse (202-512-1401) and email: 

laurelpdc2@gpo.gov) 5 business days prior to the delivery date. ** 

** The GPO Warehouse requires all delivery appointments to be scheduled in advance by printer or the 

delivery may be rejected. Per GPO requirements, pallets are not to exceed 2,000lbs and 55 high. ** 

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

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

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

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

Deliver 1 sample set (Items 1 thru 7; English) and 1 sample set (Items 8 thru 14; Spanish) via traceable 

means to: Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 (residential address provided after award). 

Deliver 1 sample set (Items 1 thru 7; English) and 1 sample set (Items 8 thru 14; Spanish) via traceable 

means to: Clarksville, TN 37042 (residential address provided after award).

All expenses incidental to submitting proofs, furnishing samples and returning materials, must be borne 

by the contractor. 

SCHEDULE: The Purchase Order and GFM will be available via e-mail or contractor’s FTP site after

award no later than December 15, 2023. 

F.O.B. destination, Contractor must deliver all Pamphlets by 1/24/24. 

See ‘DISTRIBUTION’ herein.

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

date of delivery (or shipment if applicable) for proofs and delivery schedules in accordance with the 

contract requirements by contacting Shared Support Services Compliance Section via e-mail to 

compliance@gpo.gov or by calling (202) 512-0520 or faxing (202) 512-1364. Personnel receiving the email or call will be unable to respond to questions of a technical nature or transfer any inquiries.
Page 6 of 7 Jacket 428-121 

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

accordance with these specifications. In addition, a price must be submitted for each additional 1000 copies. 

The price for additional quantities must be based on a continuing run, exclusive of all basic or preliminary 

charges and will not be a factor for determination of award.

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 pre-award 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.

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

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

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

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

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

Attn: Comptroller, Stop: FMCE, Washington, DC 20401. 

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

web page located at https://www.gpo.gov/how-to-work-with-us/vendors/how-to-get-paid. 
Page 7 of 7 Jacket 428-121 

JACKET NUMBER BID PRICE: ADDITIONAL/M

Jacket 428-121: $_________________ Additional Rate: $________________ 

 

BID PRICE AFTER DISCOUNT: $______________

DISCOUNTS: Discounts are offered for payment as follows: ____________ Percent, _________calendar 

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

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

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

accepted within____________ calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted by the 

bidder) from the date for receipt of bids, to furnish the specified items at the price set opposite each item, 

delivered at the designated points(s), in exact accordance with specifications. 

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

BIDDER’S NAME AND SIGNATURE: Unless specific written exception is taken, the bidder, by signing 

and submitting a bid, agrees with and accepts responsibility for all certifications and representations as 

required by the solicitation and GPO Contract Terms - Publication 310.2. When responding by fax, fill out 

and return one copy. 

Bidder 

 (Contractor Name) (GPO Contractor’s Code) 

 (Street Address) 

 (City – State – Zip Code) 

By

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

 (Signature) (Date) 

 (Telephone Number) (Email Address) 

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

 (Initials) (Initial)