DOING BUSINESS WITH GPO

Customer Handbook

SEPTEMBER 2023

(Revised)

GPO Publication 350.1.

This handbook supersedes the formerly published Agency Procedural Handbook.
The projects above were designed by GPO Creative Services and printed for our agency customers through 

GPO Agency Procurement Services.
CUSTOMER HANDBOOK | 1

Our Federal Agency Customers:

Since Abraham Lincoln took the oath of office on March 4, 1861 to 

become the 16th President of the United States, the U.S. Government 

Publishing Office (GPO) has been open for business.

During the 1940s, GPO created our print procurement program to 

meet the needs of you, our Federal agency customers. This longstanding partnership with the private sector printing industry 

continues to thrive today by providing benefits for Federal agencies 

and the American taxpayer.

Private sector firms perform nearly 80 percent of all printing ordered by Federal agencies under 

contracts managed by GPO. Nearly 10,000 firms compete to be one of our 1,400 firms annually that 

perform work for our Federal partners. 

This program has been shown to be the most cost-effective use of Federal agency printing dollars 

according to studies by both the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Joint Committee 

on Printing. Federal agencies realize significant savings by using GPO, as compared to printing 

products themselves. In addition, when agencies use GPO, their information products are made 

available to the public through GPO’s Federal Depository Library and Publications and Information 

Sales programs.

Meeting the needs of our customers is my number one priority. Prior to becoming GPO Director, I, 

like you, was a customer of GPO, so I understand the importance of getting documents, reports and 

other materials produced on time and within budget. And this is also the top priority for everyone on 

the GPO team. I hope this handbook provides you with the information you need about our products, 

services, forms, and billing process to make your job easier.

Getting the best value for our agency customers, helping in job creation for local economies and 

providing exceptional customer service are commitments of our printing procurement program and 

reflect GPO’s vision of an America Informed.

Hugh Nathanial Halpern

GPO Director

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
2 | DOING BUSINESS WITH GPO

U.S. GPO CUSTOMER SERVICES DIVISION

To Our Customers:

Customer Services is the GPO business unit that procures your publishing requirements through 

our nationwide network of registered vendors. This business unit consists of Agency Procurement 

Services (APS) teams staffed by professionals in Washington, DC, and seven (7) Regional Teams 

located throughout the country. I am proud of the range of services that we offer and the programs 

that we have in place to support the publishing needs of the Government. By using the shared 

printing, publishing, and scanning services provided by GPO, you gain more time to focus on other 

responsibilities in support of your agency’s mission.

GPO is actively modernizing its business practices and systems to enhance and simplify the way we 

do business to maximize customer satisfaction. This Handbook will guide you through the process 

that frames Federal printing and publishing policy. It is an excellent resource in navigating the 

creation-to-completion of a publishing project and will assist with finance and billing questions.

Are you interested in connecting with professionals like yourself? If you would like to get involved 

in a professional organization for publishers in the Federal Government, you are invited to join 

the Federal Publishing Council (FPC). The FPC consists of printing officers and other professionals 

representing Federal organizations from the executive, judicial, and legislative branches. The FPC 

is an advisory council for the Federal Publishing Program, which addresses current and future 

issues, mutually develops plans and objectives, and provides for a partnership between Federal 

organizations and GPO. This partnership strengthens the Federal Publishing Program. For more 

information go to: www.gpo.gov/how-to-work-with-us/agency/federal-publishing-council.

GPO released an online procurement order submission system in 2021 called GPO Publish, we 

welcome your feedback on how we can further streamline your agency’s printing and publishing 

orders. Please contact a procurement team for any additional information you need about how 

to work with GPO. If your agency has legacy paper documents that need to be digitized, our 

procurement teams can work with you to free up space and make that content more accessible. 

This publication will be kept up-to-date on gpo.gov at: www.gpo.gov/how-to-work-with-us/agency/formsand-standards.

Ted Priebe

Managing Director, Customer Services
CUSTOMER HANDBOOK | 3

SECTION I: Federal Printing Policy ........................................................................... 4

SECTION II: Introduction to GPO Procurement Services.....................................6

SECTION III: Prepare Your Order.............................................................................9

SECTION IV: Considerations for Your Order ........................................................12

SECTION V: GPO Contracting Methods...............................................................17

SECTION VI: Agency Procedure for Placing Orders on Term Contracts...........19

SECTION VII: Established Procurement Vehicles .................................................... 21

SECTION VIII: Procurement Support Services .......................................................23

SECTION IX: Quality Assurance Through Attributes Program (QATAP)............26

SECTION X: Additional GPO Business Units ......................................................29

SECTION XI: GPO Finance and Billing..................................................................32

APPENDIX 1: Forms and Instructions ....................................................................34

APPENDIX 2: GPO Workflow for Order Processing................................................. 36

APPENDIX 3: GPO Products and Services ............................................................37

APPENDIX 4: List of Acronyms...............................................................................38

APPENDIX 5: Basic Terms and Definitions............................................................39

APPENDIX 6: Nationwide Procurement Offices ....................................................42

TABLE OF CONTENTS
4 | DOING BUSINESS WITH GPO

Federal Printing Policy

Federal publishing and printing, like most Federal activities, 

is governed by a number of statutes, regulations, and 

policies. These laws and regulations are intended to save 

Federal funds, as well as to minimize waste and duplication 

of effort in the Federal Government’s publishing endeavors.

A list of Federal printing laws and regulations follows.

1. Title 44, U.S. Code

a. Section 103, Joint Committee on Printing: Remedial 

Powers

This section states:

“The Joint Committee on Printing may use any measures it 

considers necessary to remedy neglect, delay, duplication, or 

waste in the public printing and binding and the distribution of 

Government publications.”

b. Section 501, Title 44, U.S. Code, Government printing, 

binding, and blank-book work to be done at Government 

Printing Office*

This section establishes the Congressional Joint 

Committee on Printing (JCP) for the purpose of policy 

and oversight in Government printing and publishing. It 

empowers GPO with few exceptions to produce or procure 

all Federal printing, binding and distribution.

All printing, binding, and blank-book work for Congress, 

the Executive Office, the Judiciary, other than the Supreme 

Court of the United States, and every executive department, 

independent office, and establishment of the Government, 

must be done at the Government Printing Office*, except—

(1) Classes of work the Joint Committee on Printing 

considers to be urgent or necessary to have done elsewhere; 

and 

(2) Printing in field printing plants operated by an executive 

department, independent office, or establishment, and 

the procurement of printing by an executive department, 

independent office, or establishment from allotments for 

contract field printing, if approved by the Joint Committee on 

Printing.

Printing or binding may be done at the Government Printing 

Office* only when authorized by law.

c. Section 502, Title 44, U.S. Code, Procurement of 

printing, binding, and blank-book work by Public Printer*

This section provides that: 

Printing, binding, and blank-book work authorized by law, 

which the Public Printer* is not able or equipped to do at the 

Government Printing Office*, may be produced elsewhere 

under contracts made by him with the approval of the Joint 

Committee on Printing.

2. Public Law 102-392, Title II, § 207(a), Oct. 6, 1992, 

106 Stat. 1719, as amended Pub. L. 103-283, Title II, 

§ 207, July 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 1440; Pub. L. 104-201, 

Div. A, Title XI, § 1112(e)(1), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 

2683; Pub. L. 110-417, Div. A, Title IX, § 931(b)(4), 

Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4575

This law addresses the use of appropriated funds for 

printing and describes processes included in the definition 

of printing.

(1) None of the funds appropriated for any fiscal year may be 

obligated or expended by any entity of the executive branch 

for the procurement of any printing related to the production 

of Government publications (including printed forms), 

unless such procurement is by or through the Government 

Printing Office*. 

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to (A) individual printing 

orders costing not more than $1,000, if the work is not of 

a continuing or repetitive nature, and, as certified by the 

Public Printer* of the Government Printing Office*, if the 

work is included in a class of work which cannot be provided 

more economically through the Government Printing Office*, 

(B) printing for the Central Intelligence Agency, National 

Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, or the National Security 

Agency, or (C) printing from other sources that is specifically 

authorized by law.

(3) As used in this section, the term ‘printing’ includes 

the processes of composition, platemaking, presswork, 

duplicating, silk screen processes, binding, microform, and 

the end items of such processes.

SECTION I
CUSTOMER HANDBOOK | 5

*Section 1301 of H.R. 83, the legislation providing 

consolidated and further continuing appropriations for 

FY 2015 was passed by Congress and signed into law, 

changed the name of the Government Printing Office to 

the Government Publishing Office. GPO’s chief executive 

officer’s title was changed from Public Printer to Director of 

the Government Publishing Office.

2014—Pub. L. 113–235, div. H, title I, § 1301(e)(1), Dec. 16, 

2014, 128 Stat. 2537, substituted “Deputy Director of the 

Government Publishing Office” for “Deputy Public Printer” 

in items 302 and 303.

Pub. L. 113–235, div. H, title I, § 1301(c)(1), Dec. 16, 

2014, 128 Stat. 2537, substituted “Director of the 

Government Publishing Office” for “Public Printer” in items 

301 and 303 to 307.

3. Government Printing and Binding Regulations of the 

Joint Committee on Printing

All printing requests must be in accordance with the 

laws pertaining to the expenditure of public funds for 

printing and publishing services, and must conform to the 

applicable requirements of the JCP’s Printing and Binding 

Regulations: www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GPO-CPUB101spub9/pdf/GPO-CPUB-101spub9.pdf.

4. Federal Acquisitions Regulations in Subpart 8.802 

Subpart 8.8—Acquisition of Printing and Related Supplies 

8.800 Scope of subpart.

This subpart provides policy for the acquisition of 

Government printing and related supplies.

8.801 Definitions.

As used in this subpart—

“Government printing” means printing, binding, and 

blank-book work for the use of an executive department, 

independent agency, or establishment of the Government.

“Related supplies” means supplies that are used and 

equipment that is usable in printing and binding operations

8.802 Policy.

(a) Government printing must be done by or through the 

Government Printing Office (GPO) (44 U.S.C. 501), 

unless—

(1) The GPO cannot provide the printing service (44 

U.S.C. 504);

(2) The printing is done in field printing plants 

operated by an executive agency (44 U.S.C. 501(2));

(3) The printing is acquired by an executive agency 

from allotments for contract field printing (44 

U.S.C. 501(2)); or

(4) The printing is specifically authorized by statute to 

be done other than by the GPO.

(b) The head of each agency shall designate a central 

printing authority; that central printing authority 

may serve as the liaison with the Congressional Joint 

Committee on Printing (JCP) and the Public Printer on 

matters related to printing. Contracting Officers shall 

obtain approval from their designated central printing 

authority before contracting in any manner, whether 

directly or through contracts for supplies or services, 

for the items defined in 8.801 and for composition, 

platemaking, presswork, binding, and micrographics 

(when used as a substitute for printing).

(c) (1) Further, 44 U.S.C. 1121 provides that the 

Public Printer may acquire and furnish paper and 

envelopes (excluding envelopes printed in the 

course of manufacture) in common use by two or 

more Government departments, establishments, or 

services within the District of Columbia, and provides 

for reimbursement of the Public Printer from available 

appropriations or funds. Paper and envelopes that are 

furnished by the Public Printer may not be acquired in 

any other manner.

(2) Paper and envelopes for use by Executive agencies 

outside the District of Columbia and stocked by 

GSA shall be requisitioned from GSA in accordance 

with the procedures listed in Federal Property 

Management Regulations (FPMR) Subpart 101-26.3.
6 | DOING BUSINESS WITH GPO

1. GPO Procurement Services

The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) strives to 

deliver high-quality, responsive, and innovative services 

that provide cost-effective solutions for the needs of Federal 

agency customers. Let us put GPO’s expertise and buying 

power to work for you.

To best serve your needs, GPO’s Customer Services, Agency 

Procurement Services (APS) teams of technical experts are 

located nationwide. GPO Publishing Specialists help you 

determine the best approach to your project and handle the 

entire process.

This service includes:

• Determining the best procurement vehicle

• Writing specifications

• Obtaining bids or quotes

• Selecting a contractor

• Contract administration

GPO offers a variety of flexible procurement vehicles that 

support a wide range of products and services to fulfill your 

publishing project requirements. To find out more about 

how GPO can help your agency, you are invited to explore 

the various services provided by GPO, as well as review 

video presentations, download information, and more here: 

https://www.gpo.gov/how-to-work-with-us/agency/services-foragencies. A list of products and services is also available in 

Appendix 3. 

2. The Value of Working with GPO 

A wide range of products and services are available to 

support the entire publishing lifecycle of tangible and digital 

information products from concept generation, planning 

and creative design, to production, publication, document 

conversion, dissemination, and storage.

Leveraging GPO’s unprecedented buying power and 

expertise in contracting and print procurement guarantees 

that Federal agency customers receive quality products 

on time and at the most economical price. Working with 

GPO ensures that mandatory regulations are followed. 

Our staff of experts will handle your agency’s particular 

requirements throughout the entire project and will 

provide legal counsel and representation should any 

disputes arise. Trust GPO to handle the contracting, 

allowing you more time to support your agency’s mission.

Working with GPO provides you with:

a. Access to a Broad Range of Commercial Capabilities

GPO maintains a comprehensive database of contractors 

that are able to satisfy a variety of customer needs from 

traditional print to electronic publishing, transactional 

printing, mailing services, digitizing (scanning), 508 

compliance services, and various promotional outreach 

products. GPO can further assist your agency when 

data security needs are a consideration for prospective 

contractors including Personally Identifiable Information 

(PII) or other sensitive data projects.

Introduction to

GPO Procurement Services

SECTION II
CUSTOMER HANDBOOK | 7

b. Subject Matter Expertise

GPO subject matter experts provide consulting services 

including:

• Job planning for the most cost-effective procurement 

methods and production options

• Proof review

• Technical consultation for quality control

• Onsite press sheet inspections

c. Competitive Bidding Using Nationwide Contractors

With thousands of active contractors nationwide, GPO is 

able to obtain extremely competitive pricing and attract 

vendors who specialize in the exact services needed on 

each unique procurement. 

d. Contract Procurement and Administration 

GPO handles the entire contracting process, including:

• Consulting with the customer to write detailed 

procurement specifications 

• Soliciting offers from commercial industry

• Awarding the contract

• Reviewing proofs and press sheets

• Evaluating vendor performance history, both for 

compliance data and quality

• Negotiating and issuance of contract modifications when 

required

• Ensuring the quality of the product specified

• Handling of disputes and protests

• Monitoring adherence to deadlines and other contract 

terms 

• Facilitating payment of contractor invoices

• Administering the 120-day warranty on all jobs delivered

e. Compliance with Policy

Working with GPO fulfills the statutory requirements listed 

in Section I (Federal Procurement Policy) and ensures 

that your publications comply with Title 44, Chapter 

19 – Depository Library Program. The Superintendent 

of Documents requirement ensures that your content 

is included in the Federal Depository Library Program, 

making it available to the American public.

3. How to Get Started

Federal agencies that receive federally appropriated funds 

and want to work with GPO on a print, publishing, or digital 

media project, may contact us in a number of easy ways:

a. Register for GPO Publish

Visit https://publish.gpo.gov/register to register to use the GPO 

Publish application to submit orders. For any questions 

regarding GPO Publish, click on the Contact Us link at 

https://publish.gpo.gov to send a message. A GPO Publish 

Support staff member or National Account Manager (NAM) 

will respond to your message and provide assistance.

b. Visit GPO’s website and Provide Your Contact 

Information

A GPO representative will follow up with you to help process 

your request and answer your questions. Please see: 

www.gpo.gov/how-to-work-with-us/agency/new-customers.

c. Send an email to NAM@gpo.gov

A National Account Manager (NAM) will contact you to 

provide assistance.

d. Contact Your DC or Regional Team Directly

If you are not sure which GPO team to start working with 

you can find a complete listing and contact information 

at this link: https://www.gpo.gov/how-to-work-with-us/agency/

services-for-agencies/procurement-services-team.

e. Agencies Located in the National Capital Region

Customers located in the National Capital Region typically 

work with one of the DC APS Teams who are located at U.S. 

GPO, 732 N. Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401.

APS DC, email apsdc@gpo.gov / Phone 202-512-0307.

Provides procurement services to Federal agencies for 

printing and publishing. Administers single procurements 

and term contracts that are developed for individual 

agencies.

APS Alternate Contract Solutions (ACS), email apsacs@gpo.gov

/ Phone 202-512-2132.

Administers other printing and publishing programs that 

are widely available for shared use by all Federal agencies 

(i.e. General-Usage Term Contracts, the 950-S GPO Express 

Program, the 960-S Simplified Purchase Agreement, and the 

951-M Onsite Services contract.
8 | DOING BUSINESS WITH GPO

f. Agencies Located Outside of the National Capital Region

GPO operates its Regional APS as virtual teams to best 

reflect each geographic area covered.

To find the updated email addresses, phone numbers, and 

a full list of staff for each team see: https://www.gpo.gov/

how-to-work-with-us/agency/services-for-agencies/procurementservices-team.

A color-coded map depicting the updated geographic areas 

for the Regional APS teams is available in Appendix 6. For 

updates see: https://www.gpo.gov/who-we-are/our-agency/

office-locations 

The following is a list of the Regional APS Teams:

Northeast Region

(former Columbus/Philadelphia/Boston Offices)

infonortheast@gpo.gov

ph 614.488.4616

fx 800.434.0269

MidAtlantic Region 

(former Virginia Beach, Charleston Offices)

infomidatlantic@gpo.gov

ph 757.490.7940

fx 800.521.6514

Southeast Region 

(former Atlanta Office) 

infosoutheast@gpo.gov

ph 404.605.9160 

fx 800.270.4758

Northcentral Region

(former Chicago Office) 

infonorthcentral@gpo.gov

ph 312.353.3916 

fx 800.364.7072

Southcentral Region 

(former Dallas, San Antonio Offices)

infosouthcentral@gpo.gov

ph 214.767.0451 

fx 800.865.5193

Southwest Region 

(former San Francisco Office) 

infosouthwest@gpo.gov

ph 707.748.1970 

fx 800.859.2835

Northwest Region 

(former Seattle Office) 

infonorthwest@gpo.gov

ph 206.764.3726 

fx 800.862.2905
CUSTOMER HANDBOOK | 9

1. Ways to Provide Authorization to Obligate Funds for 

Your Agency

In June 2022, GPO revised the SF-1 and other forms used 

to order from GPO (e.g. 2511 Print Order and 4044 Work 

Order). The new forms allow agency representatives to selfcertify that they have the authority to obligate funding and 

submit orders to GPO. The language states:

“I certify that I am an authorized agency 

representative of the above-mentioned Government 

establishment with authority to submit this order to 

the U.S. Government Publishing Office and obligate 

its funding in compliance with applicable regulations, 

and; this work is authorized by law and necessary to 

the conduct of the business of the above-mentioned 

Government establishment”.

This change streamlines the ordering process. Agency 

officials are no longer required to grant signature authority 

to specific agency individuals and are no longer asked to 

send documentation to GPO each year for us to validate 

signatures on orders submitted to GPO. GPO now simply 

requires a legible signature on every order and will accept 

signatures in any format (electronic or wet).

See Circular Letter 1107 Self Certification of Signature 

Authorization for Departments and Agencies submitting 

Printing and Binding Requisitions to GPO: https://www.

gpo.gov/how-to-work-with-us/agency/circular-letters/selfcertification-of-signature-authorization-for-departments-andagencies-submitting-printing-and-binding-requisitions-to-gpo.

Note: Orders submitted to Publish, GPO’s online ordering 

system, are authenticated using log-in and permissions. 

These orders don’t require any form of signature. GPO’s 

goal is to make Publish the simplest way to submit an order 

to GPO.

2. Select and Complete a GPO Order Form

GPO order forms are used to obligate funds and to describe 

the requirements for the product or service you need. 

Purchase orders created by your agency cannot be used in 

place of the GPO forms.

GPO is in the process of developing an online system (GPO 

Publish) to place orders for products and services as an 

alternative to using the GPO order forms. GPO Publish can 

be accessed at: https://publish.gpo.gov.

The following forms are mandatory for submitting your 

order.

Forms referenced in this handbook are available online at: 

www.gpo.gov/how-to-work-with-us/agency/forms-and-standards. 

See Appendix 1 for a list of forms and instructions.

Order Forms:

a. Standard Form 1 (SF-1) Printing and Binding 

Requisition

This is the basic form used to requisition printing, binding, 

and related services from GPO. See Appendix 1 for a link to 

this form and its instructions.

This form is required to:

• Request individual (one-time) printing requirements

• Request the establishment or renewal of a term contract

• Describe requirements (for an order or a waiver request)

• Request design services

• Establish a GPOExpress account

• Establish a Simplified Purchase Agreement (SPA)

Orders for products and services that would traditionally 

be placed on an SF-1 can be placed online through GPO 

Publish as an alternative to using the SF-1 form.

Prepare Your Order

SECTION III
10 | DOING BUSINESS WITH GPO

b. GPO Form 2511 Print Order

This form is used to place individual orders against an 

established term contract. 

See Appendix 1 for a link to this form and its instructions. 

Contact the contract administrator for your term contract 

to inquire about submitting orders on a term contract 

through GPO Publish as an alternative to using the 2511 

form.

c. GPO Form 4044 Simplified Purchase Agreement (SPA) 

Work Order

This form is used by authorized users of GPO’s SPA program 

to place orders directly with your selected SPA vendor. See 

Appendix 1 for a link to this form and its instructions.

Supplemental Order Forms:

 a. GPO Form 952 Digital Publishing Information

This form is used to provide supplemental information 

about the nature of furnished electronic files. Completing 

the 952 to the best of your knowledge will improve a 

vendor’s ability to provide better pricing. This form should 

be submitted along with the electronic media, visuals, file 

directory, and the order form (i.e. SF-1, 2511, or 4044 form).

See Appendix 1 for a link to this form and its instructions. 

The 952 is not needed when placing orders through GPO 

Publish.

b. GPO Form 3001 Participation Request

This form is the application to become an authorized user 

of the GPOExpress program, or to renew a user’s existing 

account. See Appendix 1 for a link to this form and its 

instructions.

c. GPO Form 4063 Document Scanning: Additional 

Information 

This form is used to provide supplemental information 

about materials that need to be scanned. Completing the 

4063 to the best of your knowledge will improve a vendor’s 

ability to evaluate your requirements and provide pricing. 

This form should be submitted along with the order form 

(i.e. SF-1, 2511, or 4044 form) and any other relevant 

information. See Appendix 1 for a link to this form.

3. Establish Funding for Your Order

By submitting an order you are notifying GPO that you have 

appropriate funds and are obligating them for your product.

Finance related forms are listed in Appendix 1. For more 

information about finance and billing, including the 

methods of payment available and how to obtain a Billing 

Address Code from GPO, see Section XI. 

When needed, GPO can assist you in budgeting for your 

procurement requests by providing you with an estimate 

for your print or print-related requirements. The estimate 

provided is for informational purposes only and should not 

be relied upon as a firm fixed price. It will be based upon 

similarities with previously competed projects and published 

pricing. The accuracy of the estimate will be dependent on the 

accuracy of the information given. Please contact your APS 

Team for assistance.

The estimate will include the GPO surcharge, transaction 

fee, and (FOB) destination shipping charges. If mailing 

is required, the estimate will not include those charges. 

Actual prices may vary based on final specifications, 

production schedule, and actual bids (quotes) received 

through competition in the market place. The competitive 

bid process will ensure the best price for the quality level 

desired.

GPO surcharge calculation:

• All jobs are charged an 8% surcharge for contracts valued 

under $350,000. For amounts beyond this ceiling, a 

surcharge of 1% is applied. For each regular order, there 

is also a one-time handling fee of $7.50. 

• For rush orders, a higher surcharge of 16% is applied to 

the cost up to $350,000. For amounts beyond this ceiling, 

a surcharge of 1% is applied, plus a $15.00 handling fee.

If you need to give final approval of exact cost before a 

contract is awarded, indicate so on the ordering form.

To set up a funding account with GPO and get other funding 

information, please see section XI (GPO Finance and 

Billing).
CUSTOMER HANDBOOK | 11

4. Submit Your Order to GPO

Order forms are collected differently depending on the 

team you are working with at GPO.

a. For DC Teams

All SF-1’s should be sent directly to Requisition, 

requisition@gpo.gov. To assist with the administration of 

the SF-1, the email subject line should read: New Order, 

Requisition Number X-XXXXX (insert the number your 

agency assigned). For detailed information on requisition 

numbers, see Section IV Considerations for You Order. 

This applies only if you are submitting an SF-1.

b. For Regional Teams

Orders should be submitted directly to the regional location 

of your choice using one of the team email addresses listed 

in Section III.

c. Through Publish

When submitting your order through GPO Publish, select 

the office you would like to send the order to. If you are 

unsure which office to send the order to, select “Let GPO 

Decide” and the order will be sent to the office GPO has 

been assigned to your geographical area.

If you have not worked with GPO before, please visit our 

website: www.gpo.gov/how-to-work-with-us/agency/newcustomers. You may also send an email to NAM@gpo.gov

and a National Account Manager (NAM) will contact you to 

provide assistance. 

5. GPO Order Processing

Updates will be furnished to you during various stages of 

processing to keep you informed about the status of your 

order. See Appendix 2 for a flowchart depicting how the GPO 

procurement process works. This illustration shows what 

happens to your order after it arrives at GPO.
12 | DOING BUSINESS WITH GPO

1. GPO Order Numbering System

Several basic numbers are critical to the identification of 

your printing requirements. 

a. Requisition Number

This number is how Federal agencies identify the 

requisitions submitted to GPO. Each agency establishes 

its own numbering system within a field of up to 18 

alphanumeric characters (Note: dashes (-) and slashes (/) 

are permitted, however, they are included as part of the 18 

character total). The first character MUST represent the 

fiscal year of appropriated funding followed by a dash (-). 

This is a single numeric digit, for example, ‘9’ represents 

2019. This is followed by five numeric characters which 

must be assigned sequentially; anything after that is up to 

the agency (e.g., 9-12345-LM000-GP05). Numbers used 

on requisitions submitted to GPO must be unique. If a 

requisition is submitted and subsequently canceled, that 

requisition number cannot be used again. 

b. Jacket Number

Jacket numbers are the job identifiers assigned by GPO. 

• One-time Jacket. These numbers are assigned to identify 

one-time procurements, small purchases, and items 

procured or “converted” under certain term contracts, 

such as the general-usage term contracts established by 

GPO. They remain active until completion and closeout of 

the “one-time” contract action. 

• Open Jacket. Open Jackets are assigned to each agency 

that has been given authority to place Print Orders under 

a term contract. They remain active for one fiscal year. 

A new Jacket Number will be assigned upon GPO’s 

receipt of a subsequent fiscal year requisition, to continue 

funding under existing term contracts in effect over 

multiple fiscal years.

c. Program and Print Order Number

Each term contract is identified by a program number 

assigned by GPO. Additionally, each job placed under 

a contract is identified by a GPO-assigned Print Order 

number. Both the program and Print Order numbers 

must appear on all Print Orders placed under GPO term 

contracts. Where more than one agency is eligible to place 

Print Orders (such as general-usage term contracts), GPO 

will assign a block of Print Order numbers to each agency. 

These numbers must be used sequentially and cannot be 

repeated. If a Print Order is submitted to a contractor and 

subsequently canceled, that Print Order number cannot be 

used again.

d. Billing Address Code (BAC)

A six character (alphanumeric) Billing Address Code is 

assigned to Federal agencies by GPO for billing purposes. 

This number identifies the agency/bureau and the correct 

mailing address. When submitting a Standard Form l (SF-1), 

the BAC must be entered along with the “Appropriation 

Chargeable,” “Line of Accounting,” and “Treasury Account 

Symbol” information as applicable. See Section XI part 1, for 

instructions on how to request a BAC assignment from GPO.

Considerations for Your Order

SECTION IV
CUSTOMER HANDBOOK | 13

2. Delivery Dates

When a delivery date is established by contract, the 

contractor must perform the requirements of the order 

within the established schedule barring any subsequent 

changes made during production by the Government 

Agency requiring schedule extensions or contract 

modifications. 

a. Specified Delivery Dates

When including a delivery date on a Print Order, the date 

must be in accordance with the schedule established by the 

specific contract under which that Print Order/Form 2511 

is being placed. Consult with your APS team for assistance 

in determining delivery dates for the placement of orders. 

Adequate production time is essential to ensure that quality 

and value are achieved at a reasonable cost.

b. Quick Turnaround Schedules

When you need to expedite an order, GPO can help put in 

place special handling to shorten the order processing time 

and to accelerate the delivery schedule. Short turnaround 

times could limit the number of interested bidders and 

could increase the cost. GPO will consult with you to 

develop a suitable delivery date and consider strategies 

such as allowing a lower quality level, accepting partial 

delivery of the product that will satisfy the immediate need 

or using the most suitable contracting method.

3. Contract Compliance with Schedules

To facilitate GPO’s contract administration responsibilities, 

GPO Form 907 (Non-Compliance/Change Report) or email 

notification, must be submitted each time a performance 

schedule is missed by either a contractor or your agency. 

Additionally, the form or other report is used for notifying 

GPO of contractor non-compliance with other contractual 

requirements, such as quality problems or shortages. To 

substantiate non-compliance, agencies may be required to 

furnish copies of receipts or samples of the printed product.

Accurate and complete records are essential to protecting 

the Government’s interests in contract disputes. It is the 

responsibility of the agency printing representative to bring 

problems with timeliness of delivery, product quality, and 

quantities received to GPO’s attention immediately. Failure to 

report a problem deprives GPO of the opportunity to provide 

an effective remedy. 

4. Paper Selection in Accordance with Joint 

Committee on Printing (JCP) Paper Selections

All paper requisitioned for use in public printing, publishing, 

and binding must conform to the Government Paper 

Specification Standards. This publication is available on the 

GPO website at: www.gpo.gov/how-to-work-with-us/agency/

forms-and-standards. If you prefer a hard copy, please contact 

your GPO APS team. 

Certain specialty items (e.g., decals, stickers, signage, 

hangtags, and interpretive panels) are exceptions from 

the Government Paper Specification Standards. When 

your agency’s requirements cannot be met by use of a JCP 

approved paper, you should contact your APS team for 

assistance in determining whether an exception can be 

allowed. Requests for special paper should be accompanied 

by a written justification describing why the JCP approved 

papers will not satisfy the agency’s needs.

5. GPO Imprint

With few exceptions such as classified work, the GPO 

imprint will appear on all printed matter to identify that 

the order was procured by GPO.

For the imprint, the contractor typesets the current 

calendar year, a dash, and the jacket number (e.g., 2019—

404–123) in small 6 point type. For term contracts the print 

order number is included (e.g., 2019—404–123/00003). 

The imprint appears at the bottom of the last printed page on 

books and pamphlets; at the bottom of the back on face and 

back products; at the bottom of face only products (except for 

items such as labels, envelopes, letterheads, certificates, etc.); 

or in the stub of multipart sets.
14 | DOING BUSINESS WITH GPO

6. Depository Library Copies – Public Information 

Programs of the Superintendent of Documents

The Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government 

Publishing Office (GPO), administers the Federal 

Depository Library Program (FDLP) in compliance with the 

Depository Library Act (Pub. L. 113-187, Aug. 9, 1962, 76 

Stat. 352, codified as amended at 44 U.S.C. §§ 1901-1916), 

and in support of GPO’s mission of an America informed. 

The FDLP provides permanent, free public access to 

tangible and electronic information dissemination products 

of the U.S. Government through a network of over 1,100 

depository libraries throughout the United States and its 

territories. 

All published Federal information dissemination products, 

regardless of format or medium (e.g., online, print, CD, 

DVD), which are of public interest or educational value, 

or produced using Federal funds, are to be provided to 

depository libraries for public use. 

Exceptions are those products that are:

• For official use only, or for strictly administrative or 

operational purposes that are not of public interest or 

educational value.

• Classified for reasons of national security.

• The use of which is constrained by privacy 

considerations.

• “Cooperative publications” which must be sold by the 

publishing agency in order to be self-sustaining.

• Protected under copyright and the Government does 

not have rights to publish or otherwise use the work for 

Federal purposes.

All Federal information dissemination products published 

on an agency’s (or an agency’s official partner’s) publicly 

accessible website and originating from, or funded by, the 

agency are intended for public use and are considered in 

scope of the FDLP.

For more information, including example publications to be 

included in the FDLP, please see Circular Letter No. 1056 

Disseminating Information Products to the Public through 

GPO’s Federal Depository Library Program (August 18, 2020) 

https://www.gpo.gov/how-to-work-with-us/agency/circularletters/disseminating-information-products-to-the-publicthrough-gpo-s-federal-depository-library-program-aug-2020.

How Working with GPO Benefits Your Agency

In addition to meeting the mandates of 44 U.S.C. §§ 1710, 

1902-1903 that require information dissemination products 

published with Federal funds, in any format, be made 

available to the public, GPO’s information dissemination 

programs make agency publications more visible to the 

general public. 

Publications are:

• Searchable through the Catalog of U.S. Government 

Publications https://catalog.gpo.gov and other GPO search 

tools.

• Available to 1,100+ library collections across the country.

• Accessible via persistent link in order to guarantee future 

access.

How to Inform GPO of Your Publications

1. Print and Other Tangible Publications: 

For orders placed through GPO (Central Office and Regional 

Offices) or on agency direct-deal contracts, GPO decides 

which publications to distribute through the FDLP and 

determines the appropriate distribution medium and 

quantity required. GPO bears the printing and binding costs 

of the depository copies.

For products produced independently of GPO, agencies 

are required to notify GPO of their intent to publish, and 

bear the printing and binding or replication charges for the 

number of copies required for depository library distribution. 

In all cases, GPO bears the expense of distributing the 

copies. Please notify GPO of upcoming publications printed 

independent of GPO by submitting one of the following forms 

(see Appendix 1) to the shared IntentToPublish@gpo.gov email 

box for rider determination:

• GPO Form 3868 Notification of Intent to Publish

• SF-1 Print Order

• GPO Form 4044 Simplified Purchase Agreement (SPA) 

Work Order Form 

2. Electronic or Online Publications:

GPO will ensure permanent public access and make your 

publications discoverable in GPO’s online research systems, 

OCLC (an international cooperative catalog of library 

resources), and the online catalogs of depository libraries 

nationwide. Please notify GPO via askGPO https://ask.gpo.gov

using the Agency Content Submission form. Instructions 

for submission can be found on the Dissemination Program 

page https://www.gpo.gov/how-to-work-with-us/agency/servicesfor-agencies/dissemination-program.

To discuss other mechanisms for submitting publications 

(e.g., API) please contact us through askGPO, using the 

category Dissemination Program Question.
CUSTOMER HANDBOOK | 15

7. Government Bill of Lading

A Government Bill of Lading (GBL) is a rarely used 

transportation document prepared by a Government official 

to designate a specific carrier for transportation. Use of a 

GBL makes the Government liable for the safe delivery of 

the goods to or from a destination.

The intention to supply GBLs must be stated on the 

requisition. This request may apply to either an individual 

order or to an annual (open) requisition.

GBLs are prepared by GPO’s Transportation Branch, 

unless the GBL is supplied to GPO by the ordering agency 

with the request for GPO to provide the agency GBL to the 

contractor. For agency-furnished GBLs, GPO will provide 

you with the additional information needed to complete the 

GBL (successful contractor’s name, address, F.O.B. place of 

origin and the contract completion date).

8. Attending a Press Sheet Inspection (PSI)

GPO is committed to helping you receive the quality 

products you require, when you need them, at a fair and 

reasonable cost to the American taxpayer. One of the 

ways in which this is accomplished is through Press Sheet 

Inspections (PSIs). Onsite PSIs are not required for all jobs, 

but when they are requested, a PSI can be a valuable tool in 

helping to ensure a quality product. 

The pamphlet titled Guidelines for Agency Representatives 

Attending Press Sheet Inspections located here: www.gpo.

gov/docs/default-source/forms-standards-pdf-files/guidelines_

attending_presssheetinspections.pdf, contains guidelines 

governing the performance of PSIs by agency personnel, 

whether on your own, or accompanied by GPO staff. 

GPO hopes that the information available at the above link 

addresses all of your questions about PSIs and will serve 

as a ready-reference guide before, during, and after an 

inspection. We welcome your comments and suggestions 

on how we can improve, and as always, stand ready to assist 

you in any way we can. If you have any questions, please 

contact Quality Control for Published Products (QCPP) at 

202.512.0542 or qcpp@gpo.gov. 

9. Return of Government Furnished Materials (GFM)

GPO does not store any reproducible material (previous 

samples, camera copies, electronic files, etc.) on the orders 

it processes. All original reproducible material as well as any 

final electronic files (if edits were made) will be returned 

to the ordering agency unless the requisition specifies 

otherwise. It is the agency’s responsibility to monitor and 

ensure all GFM is returned upon completion of an order. 

Any outstanding GFM should be reported to GPO in a timely 

manner.

10. Waiver Requests

In accordance with paragraphs 46-1 through 46-4 of the 

JCP Printing and Binding Regulations, permission for an 

agency to procure printing directly from a commercial 

printing source may only be granted through the issuance 

of a GPO waiver. (Exceptions are printing requirements 

valued at less than $1,000 if the item fits the description in 

paragraph 49-2 of the JCP Regulations.)

Requests for waivers must be submitted to the GPO 

Manager, accompanied by a fully completed SF-1 which 

fully describes the product to be procured. The reason 

for the waiver request should be thoroughly described. 

Approval of waivers is not routine. Each waiver will be 

carefully evaluated with outcomes being communicated in 

writing to the agency.

The GPO Director is permitted to return to any department 

of the Government any written requisition for printing, 

binding, and blank-book work, otherwise authorized by 

law, as in their opinion they are neither able nor suitably 

equipped to execute or which may be more economically, 

or in the better interest of the Government, procured 

elsewhere than at the GPO. 

11. Permissions for Copyrighted Materials

You are responsible for obtaining written permission to 

use any copyrighted materials. This is necessary when the 

source material is old or recent, in print or electronic form 

and when you are changing the content to a different format 

or type of media.

After you receive authorization to make a copy of protected 

material, submit it to GPO along with your order. 

12. Geographic Restriction

GPO strives to ensure that you have a vast variety of 

nationwide vendors to choose from and we are mandated 

to ensure full and open competition is allowed to the 

maximum extent practical during the procurement process. 

If you require localized services for onsite inspections or 

have time or budgetary constraints, please provide a written 

justification for this limitation with your order.
16 | DOING BUSINESS WITH GPO

13. Changing a GPO Order

Changes to previously provided requisition (SF-1) or Print 

Orders must be submitted in writing to the appropriate GPO 

office to confirm the updated requirements. The request 

should identify the order using the requisition number 

(plus Jacket and/or Program and Print Order numbers 

when known) and should fully describe the change and the 

reason for making it. All requests must be submitted by an 

individual who has appropriate authority. 

Modifications will be issued to address the change under 

the original order number. Please do not supply a new order 

number when submitting a request to change an existing 

order.

14. Reprint Orders 

Requisitions for the reprinting of a previously printed 

document should be accompanied by the final reproduction 

material(s) used to produce the previous order as well as a 

sample of the previously finished product, if available. On 

all requisitions for reprints, the previous jacket number 

should be indicated when known. This will help ensure 

proper handling using the same or similar requirements 

and can help reduce the cost and processing time for your 

order.

15. Obtaining General Services Administration 

(GSA) Forms

GSA forms are not provided by GPO. Per FPMR (41 CFR)

§ 101–26.302, printed Standard and Optional Forms are 

to be obtained from GSA, Federal Acquisition Service 

(FAS), through GSA Advantage, located here: https://www.

gsaadvantage.gov/advantage/ws/main/start_page.

Unless specifically stated, the forms in the GSA Forms 

Library are authorized for local reproduction and made 

available as fillable electronic forms that you can print or 

save digitally.
CUSTOMER HANDBOOK | 17

GPO uses various contracting methods to procure your 

requirements with basic descriptions provided below. 

1. Small Purchase Request for Quotation (RFQ)

Small purchase projects under $100,000, can be procured 

using a more streamlined contracting method. These 

projects are usually for non-repetitive procurements 

that are advertised for competitive quotes. This type of 

procurement usually takes GPO less time to write the 

specifications, certify and make award. The contract will 

be awarded based upon the lowest responsive responsible 

vendor’s quote, which conforms to the specifications. 

Once a purchase order is issued, the contractor may 

decline the order prior to beginning performance if the 

specifications prove to be different than advertised or if 

the vendor did not fully account for all requirements in the 

order. If this occurs, GPO makes every effort to re-award the 

requirement with the same delivery date.

2. Sealed Bidding (also known as One-Time Bid, 

Invitation for Bid (IFB) or Formal Bid)

Sealed bidding projects are large dollar or complex orders 

that use a formal sealed bidding process. These projects 

generally exceed $100,000. IFBs usually require more 

time for potential vendors to prepare their competitive 

bid, conduct a public bid opening, and go through the 

certification process for award. Once submitted, bids 

are binding. The contract will be awarded based upon 

the lowest responsive responsible vendor’s bid, which 

conforms to the specifications.

3. Term Contracts

Term contracts are the most effective and efficient means 

for satisfying recurring needs for similar orders (e.g., cut 

forms, books and pamphlets, envelopes, business cards). 

GPO establishes a contract that remains in place for a set 

performance period, typically for one base year, plus up to 

four additional 12-month periods that can be exercised at 

the agency’s option. The contract will be awarded based 

upon the lowest responsive responsible vendor’s bid, which 

conforms to the specifications.

Print Orders placed directly by agencies onto term 

contracts must be fully documented in accordance with 

the contract requirements including the date the material 

was made available for pickup by, or sent to the contractor. 

Performance schedules must comply with the time-periods 

prescribed in the contract.

Several different types of term contracts are used. 

a. Single-Award

The term contract is awarded to a single contractor who can 

produce all of the requirements over a specified period of 

performance.

b. Multiple-Award

GPO certifies multiple contractors to perform on the 

term contract because the requirements may exceed the 

production capacity of a single contractor. 

• A multiple-award contract may be a Sequence-of-Award 

contract in which the agency must place orders to 

contractors following a sequence-of-award established 

by GPO at time of certification. The order is based on 

the lowest overall cost estimated for all of the contract 

requirements.

• Another type of multiple-award contract is an Individually 

Abstracted contract in which GPO provides an abstract 

of bid prices received from each contractor. The agency 

uses it to establish the lowest priced contractor based on 

generating an estimate for each individual order as it is 

placed on the contract.

GPO Contracting Methods

SECTION V
18 | DOING BUSINESS WITH GPO

c. General-Usage

These contracts are put in place to support commonly 

ordered items (e.g., cut forms, books and pamphlets, 

envelopes, business cards). Multiple agencies can place 

orders on the contract. These contracts help expedite the 

procurement process.

4. Negotiated Procurements (also known as Request 

for Proposal or Task Order Contracts) 

Negotiated procurements are used when requirements 

are complex and your needs cannot be fully defined. 

It takes longer to establish a contract using this type 

of procurement. This contract type is not used when 

requirements can be clearly specified without the need to 

consider optional or unknown solutions. 

A solicitation based on your statement of work is issued in 

the form of RFP. Formal proposals are evaluated by a team 

including members of both GPO and your agency. This 

method allows interaction with the vendors who submit 

proposals and allows you to be involved in selecting the 

solution that represents the most value for your agency.

GPO has several existing negotiated contracts that you may 

participate in. See Section VII for more details.

5. Non-Competitive Purchases

Per 41 U.S.C. § 6101(b)(2), unless otherwise provided in the 

appropriation concerned, purchases for supplies or services 

for the Federal Government must be advertised with open 

competition. This does not apply when only one source 

of supply is available. It is up to you to provide sufficient 

evidence to GPO to validate and gain approval for any noncompetitive purchase. 

Justification must affirm the following:

• A description of what it is about the product being 

requested that would preclude full and open competition 

to procure it.

• Market research has been conducted to validate that this 

is the only source available.

• The impact if the sole source award were not to be 

granted. Explain how the end user would be adversely 

affected if the specific product or design was produced by 

a different vendor.

• If the product is patented and/or copyrighted, indicate 

what alternatives you have explored. If no acceptable 

alternative was found, list the specific benefits that the 

patented/copyrighted product provides that are critical to 

meeting your mission.
CUSTOMER HANDBOOK | 19

Placement of Print Orders can be handled directly by your 

agency or by GPO personnel. In either case, GPO maintains 

authority for the contract. Special instructions for placing 

your own orders are provided in this section.

1. Direct-Deal Term Contracts

Direct-deal term contracts allow you to place Print Orders 

(GPO Form 2511) directly with contractors rather than 

routing them through GPO for placement. This is the most 

efficient way to place an order.

Agency authority under direct-deal term contracts 

extends only to the placement of Print Orders and to 

the transmission of copy and proofs. All other authority 

rests with GPO’s Contracting Officers who negotiate with 

contractors to manage performance beyond the terms of 

the contract. 

When placing orders directly with a contractor, your 

responsibility includes:

a. Create the Print Order

When completing Print Orders for placement, all applicable 

boxes on the 2511 Print Order form must be completed. See 

Appendix 1 for links to both this form and its instructions.

The objective is to provide complete information on the 

individual Print Order that can stand alone to describe your 

order and to ensure that no requirements are omitted. GPO 

discourages the use of references such as “per contract”. 

Whenever possible, the complete distribution list should be 

supplied directly on the Print Order.

b. Include Rider Copies

If other agencies intend to ride an order, GPO will furnish a 

separate memorandum detailing the number of copies to 

be added to your order along with distribution instructions. 

Additionally, the FDLP and its network of depository 

libraries or GPO Sales may order rider copies. 

It is crucial to have any rider quantities added to your 

agency’s required quantity on the Print Order. The cost of 

reprinting an order due to failure to include these rider 

copies will result in additional costs to the Government and 

taxpayers.

c. Distribute the Print Order

The contractor has no authority to perform work prior to 

receipt of a Print Order. 

A copy of the Print Order and any separate distribution 

list or attachments should be provided to GPO at the 

same time that the Print Order is sent to the contractor. 

GPO needs to enter the order into our ordering system 

to support the billing process. If GPO does not have a 

copy when the contractor submits an invoice, it will delay 

payment.

If the Print Order is placed through GPO Publish, a copy of 

the Print Order and any other documentation provided in 

Publish does not need to be provided separately to GPO.

Print Orders are also reviewed by GPO to ensure that they fit 

the contract.

d. Provide Government Furnished Materials (GFM)

At the time of Print Order acceptance, the contractor 

must be informed of where and when the GFM can be 

obtained. This will determine the start date for the schedule 

as specified in the contract. After placing the order, the 

specified schedule may not be modified by the issuing 

agency. The authority to negotiate changes on the order 

rests with GPO personnel. For instances of Governmentcaused delays you will fill out and submit the GPO 907 Form 

as described in Section IV, 3. Contract Compliance with 

Schedules.

Agency Procedure for

Placing Orders on Term Contracts

SECTION VI
20 | DOING BUSINESS WITH GPO

2. Special Considerations for Multiple-Award Contracts

a. Print Order Log

When placing Print Orders under multiple-award, 

direct-deal term contracts, you are required to keep 

a log record. This record is the means by which each 

contractor’s acceptance pattern is tracked. The log 

identifies each offering for multiple-award contracts, 

the required schedule, the best date offered by each 

contractor representative if the offering is refused, and 

the representative’s name. This record should be reviewed 

periodically to determine any consistent patterns of Print 

Order refusal for multiple-award term contracts. GPO may 

also request to review the log to ensure that Print Orders 

are being placed properly. Additionally, the records relating 

to any sequence-of-award established through abstracting 

must be retained for review by GPO.

b. Sequence-of-Award

All Print Orders must be placed in accordance with the 

pre-established sequence-of-award. This sequence, which 

may be provided by GPO prior to commencement of the 

term contract, is developed to ensure that Print Orders 

are always offered first to the lowest bidder. Some term 

contracts, however, may require, or provide for, a sequenceof-award to be established for each Print Order through 

abstracting of individual order requirements to determine 

the award sequence. The method for establishing the 

sequence will be specified in the contract.

c. Contractor Responses

Each term contract stipulates a time period for contractors 

to respond to Print Order offerings (usually 30 minutes). 

The name of the contractor representative contacted and 

the time of the offering must be entered into the placement 

log. Should the first contractor fail to respond within the 

specified time or reject the order, the remaining contractors 

must be contacted in sequence. Under no circumstances 

may you bypass an eligible contractor in the sequence-ofaward. Repeated refusals of Print Order offerings must be 

brought to the attention of GPO.

3. Contract Clauses Used in Term Contracts (as 

applicable)

a. Option to Extend the Contract Term

Some contracts are written to include a base performance 

period, typically 12 months, plus option years. It is the 

Government’s exclusive right to extend the contract by 

written notice to the contractor not later than 30 days 

before the current contract period expires. The duration of 

a contract may not exceed 5 years, including any options 

under this clause.

b. Economic Price Adjustment (EPA)

Multiyear and option year contracts must include an 

economic price adjustment clause, which will provide 

for either upward or downward price adjustment in the 

contract price in accordance with changes in the specified 

price indexes. The Government will notify the contractor in 

writing of the percentage increase or decrease to be applied 

to any invoice to be submitted for orders subject to price 

adjustment in accordance with this clause. Such percentage 

will be determined from the “Consumer Price Index For 

All Urban Consumers – Commodities Less Food, Seasonal 

Adjusted,” published monthly in the CPI Detailed Report by 

the Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

c. Paper Price Adjustment (PPA)

The Government is required to include this clause in 

multiyear and option year term contracts when the value 

of paper alone is estimated to exceed $100,000. Term 

contracts incorporating this clause must distinguish paper 

as a separate line item in the “Schedule of Prices.” 

Paper prices charged under the term 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) on a 

monthly basis. The applicable BLS code (for example, 

0913-01) for corresponding paper type (for example, 

Offset Book) will apply to all paper required under the 

contract. The applicable index figures for the specified 

month will establish the base index. Adjustments under 

this clause will be applied to the contractor’s bid price(s) 

for paper line items in the “Schedule of Prices,” and will 

be effective on the first day of any month for which prices 

are to be adjusted. There must be no price adjustment 

for the first three (3) production months of the contract. 

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 (2) months prior to the month being 

considered for adjustment. 

The GPO Contracting Officer will give written notice to the 

contractor of any adjustments to be applied to invoices for 

orders placed during the months affected by this clause. 
CUSTOMER HANDBOOK | 21

Several programs have been established to help you reap 

the benefits of agency control over the ordering process, 

cost saving, and streamlined order processing.

1. Simplified Purchase Agreement (SPA)

The SPA is a streamlined printing procurement process. 

Once approved to use the SPA, you can acquire publishing 

and information products and services valued up 

to $10,000 directly from a list of GPO certified local 

commercial vendors.

This procurement option offers the maximum possible 

convenience and control for quick turnaround publishing 

projects. SPA orders allow you to solicit and directly place 

orders with a vendor of your choice based on “best value”. 

This concept embraces price as well as any number of 

important factors, such as responsiveness, business 

practices, convenience, courteous service and attention to 

detail. You are able to take into account elements of past 

performance relating to quality, reliability, and schedule 

compliance.

The process ensures fair and reasonable competitive 

pricing and vendor compliance with GPO standards as it 

relates to the Government Paper Specifications and Quality 

Assurance Through Attributes Program (QATAP), thus 

maintaining continued consistency and quality control of 

the publishing and information products and services. See 

more on QATAP in section IX.

For the vendor, the SPA provides local small businesses 

with a vehicle through which they can market their services 

directly to Federal agencies.

For information on how to get started on the SPA go to: 

www.gpo.gov/how-to-work-with-us/agency/services-for-agencies/

simplified-purchase-agreement.

2. GPOExpress (950-S Contract)

The 950-S Program known as GPOExpress is a convenient, 

short-run, quick-turnaround copying contract. Once 

approved, it allows you to place orders directly using a 

unique GPOExpress card to make purchases at designated 

locations nationwide. You get substantial savings while still 

complying with Title 44.

Participation in the GPOExpress program requires an 

agency to:

a. Payment by credit card, Intra-Governmental 

Payment and Collection (IPAC) Systems, or deposit 

account.

b. Submit a GPO Form 3001 or SF-1 designating all 

cardholders and their prescribed spending limits 

Services provided under the contract include:

• Access to locations nationwide 24/7, 365 days a year

• With free local pickup and delivery, your orders can be 

placed online, by phone, or at any FedEx Office location.

• Free delivery within a local area

• For last-minute, rush projects, work can typically be 

produced in 24 hours or less.

For more information on pricing and how to sign up for 

the GPOExpress program go to: www.gpo.gov/how-to-workwith-us/agency/services-for-agencies/gpoexpress. 

For more information on how to sign up for the GPOExpress 

program go to: www.gpo.gov/how-to-work-with-us/agency/

services-for-agencies/gpoexpress.

GPO does not apply a surcharge to GPOExpress orders.

Established Procurement Vehicles

SECTION VII
22 | DOING BUSINESS WITH GPO

3. GPO Online Paper Store

The GPO Online Paper Store is a simple, one-stop solution 

for ordering cut-sheet paper supplies for office copiers and 

printers.

The GPO Online Paper Store offers:

• A variety of paper options and products

• Green options for those following Federal guidelines and 

sustainability requirements

• Free delivery nationwide

• 24/7 easy online ordering

• A dedicated Customer Service Center

• Competitive pricing

• Payment by credit card, Intra-Governmental Payment 

and Collection (IPAC) Systems, or deposit account

To get started go to: www.gpo.gov/how-to-work-with-us/agency/

services-for-agencies/gpo-online-paper-store. 

GPO does not apply a surcharge to GPO Online Paper Store 

orders.

4. GPO Onsite Services (951-M Contract) 

Using our contract, you are able to work with GPO experts 

who can help you use a streamlined acquisition process 

to lease or buy equipment to support and enhance your 

in-house operations. 

GPO has consistently been able to help customers save 

significant money and increase their efficiency and 

capability, while complying with Title 44 requirements.

This program offers your agency solutions for the following:

• Lease/purchase of copier fleets and printing devices

• Managed print service solutions

• Existing Government-owned equipment maintenance

• Mailing, distribution, and delivery services

• Copying and printing operations

• Binding and finishing operations

• Onsite personnel and security-cleared personnel

An assortment of onsite document conversion/scanning 

services are available, including but not limited to:

• Onsite turnkey operation

• Reduction of real estate being occupied by physical 

documents

• Experienced staffing

• Scanning

• Document preparation

• Indexing

• Refiling or recycling post-scan

• Metadata creation

• Quality control

• NARA compliance

• Compliance with Executive Order

For more information go to: www.gpo.gov/how-to-workwith-us/agency/services-for-agencies/onsite-document-solutions.

GPO does not apply a surcharge to the 951-M orders.
CUSTOMER HANDBOOK | 23

1. Consultation – National Account Managers (NAMs)

GPO National Account Managers work with Federal agency 

customers throughout the United States. 

Regardless of your location, their role is to:

• Provide you with a single, dedicated point of contact

• Help you choose the most appropriate and cost-effective 

GPO programs to suit your needs

• Introduce you to new GPO programs and services

• Connect you to internal GPO subject matter experts to 

provide you with the technical guidance needed to make 

informed decisions about print and digital publishing 

options

• Provide you with technical advice on print projects and 

maximizing print and publishing budgets

• Conduct educational outreach events and training 

seminars to help you train your staff to work effectively 

with GPO

• Help resolve administrative and financial issues related 

to account set-up, funding, billing, or other GPO activities 

and processes

To locate your NAM, send an email to NAM@gpo.gov or call 

202.512.1904. Be sure to include your agency and the state 

in which you are located.

2. Pre-bid Conferences

GPO can arrange conferences or formal Industry Day 

events to support discussion of your project details with 

prospective bidders. The events provide an opportunity 

to explain requirements that are complex or that require 

unusual performance on the part of the contractor and 

get feedback about what industry can provide. Since these 

conferences are held prior to bid opening, suggested 

changes or alternatives to the specifications may be 

considered for inclusion in final contract specifications. 

3. Onsite Visits

Onsite visits can be conducted to obtain current information 

on the contractor’s capabilities related to performing 

the contract. The onsite visit is typically included in the 

process of evaluating a vendor before award and includes 

the examination of elements such as production capability, 

technical capability, quality assurance, physical security, 

labor resources, performance record and financial viability.

A specified pre-award visit can be waived if a visit to the 

same plant has been completed recently and the data is still 

considered to be relevant.

4. Post-Award/Prior-to-Production Conferences

When a contract involves new technology, complex 

requirements, critical schedules, extensive or involved 

distribution, or other complexities you may want to request 

a post-award conference be added to the solicitation. 

After the award of a contract, but prior to any performance 

under the contract, representatives from the Federal 

agency, GPO, and the selected contractor(s) meet to discuss 

the most important aspects of the contract in order to avert 

potential problems. Prior-to-production conferences are 

also used to ensure all parties have a clear understanding 

of the contract and are completing/interpreting Form 2511 

correctly.

Procurement Support Services

SECTION VIII
24 | DOING BUSINESS WITH GPO

5. Prior-to-Production Samples

When the finished product must be tested for acceptable 

usage, GPO can require the contractor to furnish samples 

that represent the ordered product before authorizing the 

contractor to produce the whole quantity. In this case, the 

contractor must wait for the agency to confirm acceptance 

before proceeding. 

The use of prior-to-production samples is usually limited 

to products that the agency needs to process further using 

their own machines (e.g., mailing or high quality finishing 

equipment) that may have tight tolerances.

Producing these samples requires the same make-ready 

and other set-up procedures as the actual production run, 

so they are usually expensive and can require more time in 

the schedule. 

6. Quality Control/Onsite Inspection

Onsite inspections are for the purpose of setting standards 

that are to be maintained throughout the entire run. Final 

make-ready is inspected and approved at the contractor’s 

plant. Inspections can be requested for any process of the 

job to include printing, binding, foil stamping, etc.

Upon approval, the contractor is required to maintain 

the exact standards throughout the run (within Quality 

Assurance Through Attributes Program (QATAP) tolerances 

when applicable, see Section IX for more information). 

After award, the contractor will give advance notice to GPO, 

providing the time and date that they plan to run the job. 

GPO will then notify the representative from the Federal 

agency and make arrangements for the plant visit.

7. Production Monitoring

GPO is committed to helping you receive quality products. 

One of the ways this is accomplished is through onsite 

production monitoring. 

Trained GPO personnel can monitor the contractor’s 

performance during any element of the production 

process including printing, imaging, binding, and mailing 

to ensure quality is maintained throughout production. 

There is an additional/hourly cost for this service.

8. GPO Permit Mailing

GPO offers our G-796 mailing permit for reimbursable 

USPS mailing. Using the GPO permit would save the cost 

and time of getting a mailing permit from your local Post 

Office. The GPO surcharge is applied to mailing costs when 

using the GPO permit. 

9. Training Offered by GPO

GPO provides a variety of training. Customers nationwide 

can participate in most offerings.

a. The Institute at GPO

The Institute at GPO provides Federal publishing 

professionals with courses designed to help their agency 

communicate effectively with a broad range of audiences 

using a variety of channels. Courses and seminars integrate 

hands-on exercises, demonstrations, discussions, and 

presentations led by nationally recognized experts in their 

fields. 

We can help your agency:

• Develop training for your staff to better understand 

Federal sector publishing and printing best practices

• Increase your knowledge about emerging digital 

technologies that impact the planning, processes, 

and budgets for publishing, printing, and information 

dissemination

• Improve your skills in areas that are unique to Federal 

agency publishing

The Institute offers:

• Online training

• Desktop publishing courses

• Digital print and management courses

• Offsite customized courses at agency locations

For more information on specific courses, please visit the 

GPO Training Opportunities page: www.gpo.gov/how-to-workwith-us/agency/services-for-agencies/training-opportunities.

b. NAM Sponsored Training Events

GPO offers a variety of free training events via online 

webinars and onsite by request. These events are 

conducted by GPO National Account Managers (NAMs) and 

offer critical training for new GPO users and comprehensive 

updates for existing customers. Training topics include:

• Training on how to use GPO Publish (https://publish.gpo.

gov)

• Overview of GPO products and services

• Trending topics among GPO customers

• How to work with GPO (including funding and forms)

• Featured presentation topics requested by Federal 

customers
CUSTOMER HANDBOOK | 25

GPO Hosted Webinars

Each month GPO conducts informative webinars on 

various topics to help keep you up-to-date on printing and 

publishing resources and innovations available through 

GPO. A webinar is a convenient vehicle that allows you to 

participate in a training event without having to leave the 

office. 

GPO NAMs can also provide customized group training 

at your agency location. If you want to learn more, or 

would like to be added to GPO’s email list for webinar 

opportunities, you can send your inquiry to NAM@gpo.gov.

To find an upcoming training event in your area, send an 

email to NAM@gpo.gov or visit: www.gpo.gov/how-to-workwith-us/agency/events-and-training.

c. OnDemand Online Training

GPO realizes that the ordering process can be somewhat 

complicated. Our goal is to provide training to help you 

place your order.

There are many helpful resources available online. Whether 

you are looking for training on how to fill out an SF-1 or to 

learn more about the SPA program, there are videos you can 

watch on demand for your immediate training convenience. 

Please visit the GPO Guides and Instructions page below:

www.gpo.gov/how-to-work-with-us/agency/services-for-agencies/

guides-and-instructions.

Many additional webinars are recorded, please send an 

email to NAM@gpo.gov to request a link to view a previously 

recorded webinar.
26 | DOING BUSINESS WITH GPO

1. GPO Policy

The quality of products procured through Customer 

Services must conform to the requirements of the 

specifications agreed to with the customer agency. 

2. Role of QATAP

The “Quality Assurance Through Attributes Program 

- Contract Terms” (GPO Pub. 310.1) is incorporated in 

GPO contracts for most products identified as “general 

printing” (e.g., books, pamphlets, and cut forms). This 

means a quality level will be assigned to the product and a 

contractor’s conformance with the quality requirements will 

be determined by measuring defects in accordance with the 

tolerances for the applicable attributes based on the quality 

level. Products failing to meet the quality requirements 

will be rejected. Corrective action may require reprinting, 

correction, or acceptance at an appropriate discount. 

Quality Attributes

Quality Attributes are properties of a printed piece 

expressed in units of measure with permissible tolerances. 

During quality evaluation, the measurement of each 

attribute defines a product’s compliance with requirements. 

Printing and binding attributes are identified in QATAP. 

Examples are trim size (in inches), type density (in 

percent reflectance), and hickeys and spots (by size and 

number present). Paper attributes are subdivided into 

characteristics (e.g., color, opacity, smoothness).

3. Federal Agency Responsibilities Under QATAP

Under QATAP, you and GPO both share responsibility 

for determining quality requirements and assuring 

conformance to these requirements. 

Your primary responsibilities are discussed below. 

a. Quality Level Selection

Since you are the best judge of desired quality, GPO has 

delegated the responsibility for initial Quality Level (QL) 

selection of the printed product to the ordering agency, 

subject to concurrence by GPO. A more detailed discussion 

of quality levels can be found in GPO Publication 310.1: 

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

b. Product Inspection

GPO performs product inspection to determine compliance 

with specifications. Due to the volume of work procured by 

GPO, you are encouraged to inspect products upon receipt 

and to promptly notify GPO of any quality problems.

 c. Registering Complaints

All complaints regarding product quality must be submitted 

on GPO Form 1815 through an authorized agency printing 

representative and must be accompanied by samples. See 

Appendix 1 for an illustration of this form. This requirement 

does not preclude prompt verbal notification when the 

nature of the quality problem(s) warrants immediate 

attention. 

d. Gathering Inspection Samples

To assist GPO in quality assessments under QATAP, when 

you register a complaint, you may be required to gather 

randomly selected samples from various destinations. 

Contractors are required to deliver Departmental Random 

Copies (Blue Label) copies to the Federal Agency on most 

jobs and to certify that they were selected according to GPO 

Form 917-Certificate of Selection of Random Copies. 

SECTION IX

Quality Assurance Through

Attributes Program (QATAP)
CUSTOMER HANDBOOK | 27

The Blue Label copies should be set aside to open last so 

that they may be submitted unopened in the event that 

a quality issue is discovered that needs to be addressed. 

The Blue Label copies constitute a part of the total quantity 

ordered, and are provided at no additional charge. These 

randomly selected copies are packed separately and 

identified by a special label (GPO Form 2678-Departmental 

Random Copies (Blue Label)) that must be printed on blue 

paper and affixed to each affected container.

If Blue Label copies are not available, you should immediately 

contact GPO for guidance in sample gathering to avoid delays 

in obtaining samples. In order to seek a reprint or discount 

on the whole order, no copies of a rejected product should be 

used or distributed.

e. Rejected Products

When GPO determines a printed product fails to meet 

specifications for quality, the Contracting Officer will 

work with the contractor to take action. This may result in 

accepting the job with a discount, correcting the defect, or 

reprinting the job. It should be understood that discounts 

will always be considered when it is a usable product.

4. Product Quality Levels

Under QATAP there are five levels of quality which may 

be assigned to a product. These levels range from Level I 

(best quality) to Level V (functional quality). Selection of 

the appropriate Quality Level (QL) for a given product is 

not always an easy decision. The natural tendency is to 

select the highest QL (Level I), in hopes of getting, at least, 

the minimum quality needed. Under QATAP, however, 

contractors must produce the specified QL within the 

allowable tolerances for each attribute or risk rejection by 

GPO. Consequently, selecting a QL higher than is needed 

could substantially decrease the number of contractors who 

could place a bid or a quote and increase printing costs. 

The following QL descriptions are designed to assist you in 

making appropriate selections. 

5. Description of the Five Quality Levels

There is a direct correlation between the appropriate QL 

and the intended use of a product. The following describes 

this correlation. 

a. Level I (Best Quality)

These products require the best available materials, 

printing, workmanship, quality control, and commensurate 

production time. Products in this level have single- or multicolored detailed photos, halftones, very fine line drawings, 

and reproductions up to 200-line screen halftones. The 

highest quality Government furnished material (GFM), 

reproduction proofs, and closest match between approved 

proof and press sheet are required. Examples of Level I 

products include art books, medical journals, and meat 

grading charts.

b. Level II (Better Quality)

These products require high quality printing, materials, 

workmanship, quality control, and commensurate 

production time. Products in this level contain single- or 

multi-color 175-line or finer screen halftone reproductions 

of single- or multi-color subject matter. High quality GFM, 

reproduction and proofs are required. Examples of Level 

II products include yearbooks, recruiting material, and 

professional papers.

c. Level III (Good Quality)

These products require above average materials, printing, 

workmanship, quality control, and commensurate 

production time. Products of this level require clean, sharp 

printing of single- or multi-color work (general process 

color work) and halftone reproductions up to 150-line 

screen. Above average quality GFM reproduction proofs 

and typography are required. Examples of Level III products 

include annual reports, general process color work, court 

decisions, illustrative catalogs, budget reports, technical 

reports (with color), and textbooks. 

d. Level IV (Basic Quality)

These products require average quality printing, materials, 

workmanship, quality control, and commensurate 

production time. Products of this level are generally 

informational in nature and have general black-andwhite or line color (non-process) and occasional halftone 

reproductions. Average fidelity and resolution to GFM is 

required. Examples of Level IV products include technical 

manuals (without process color), telephone directories, 

indexes, and project reports.

e. Level V (Functional Quality)

These products require printing with no information 

loss from GFM. These products may be reproduced from 

readable copy. Examples of Level V products include interoffice forms and information handouts (type and line work 

only).

f. Mixing Product Quality Levels

There will be instances where more than one level of 

quality will be assigned to an individual job. For instance, 

the binding may be more important than the fidelity of an 

illustration. As a result, a Level III may be assigned to the 

binding attributes and a Level IV to the remainder of the 

attributes. Mixing quality levels usually provides quality 

where needed while saving money. 
28 | DOING BUSINESS WITH GPO

6. Assistance from GPO 

Assistance in selecting the appropriate Quality Level or in 

any other aspects of QATAP is available from GPO. If you 

choose not to select a Quality Level, GPO will assign the 

appropriate Quality Level for the product. 

7. Quality Standards for Digital Printing

For contracts determined to be Quality Level 3, 4, or 5, 

the agency has the option to produce the products via 

conventional offset or digital printing provided that the 

Quality Level standards are maintained.

If digital printing is an option, different choices of digital 

printing can be specified in the contract. The choice can be 

defined by specifying attributes like: ink type, line screen, 

a minimum resolution, and raster image processing (RIP). 

These choices will affect price and quality.

• Pros: Less expensive, accurate proof, faster turnaround, 

smaller quantities, variable data

• Cons: Color accuracy cannot be verified, limited paper 

choice, difficult match to Pantone color, banding in 

gradients, uneven solids 
CUSTOMER HANDBOOK | 29

Customer Services Support Teams

1. Publishing Support Services

a. Bid Section 

Prepares bid lists for soliciting contractors, maintains 

bidder’s mailing lists, the Automated Bid List System (ABLS) 

and Contractor Connection, assigns contractor codes, 

classifies contractors according to capabilities, secures bids, 

and opens formal bids. 

b. Contract Compliance 

Monitors and reports on contractors’ shipping/delivery 

performance, monitors proof dates to ensure compliance to 

specifications, informs Contracting Officers of contractors 

with performance problems, performs delinquency 

verifications, processes adjustments to schedules, issues 

Monthly Compliance Letters (processes contractors’ 

responses), and reviews performance histories with 

contractors.

c. Quality Control for Published Products 

Consults on projects before production, conducts press 

sheet inspections, pre-flights electronic media, inspects 

agency proofs, evaluates vendor samples to assign quality 

levels, conducts pre-award surveys, monitors in-plant 

production, evaluates Quality Assurance Random Copies 

(QARCs) for compliance to specifications, evaluates quality 

complaints, informs Contracting Officers of deficient 

contractors, and supports Customer Services with any 

technical specification needs. 

d. Requisition Section 

Processes requisitions from customer agencies, assigns 

jacket numbers, processes open jackets, prepares 

distribution lists, and handles Superintendent of 

Documents requirements.

2. Creative Services

GPO’s Creative Services is an innovative design studio 

in the Federal Government. An integral part of GPO’s 

Customer Services business unit, the Creative Services team 

is composed of professional designers and information 

technology specialists.

The team functions as a design services group that serves a 

need for communication products and services. The design 

team offers print and graphics design, branding and identity, 

book design, display exhibits, infographics, photography, 

and security design services. The group provides design 

services for Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branch 

agencies, commissions, and numerous entities funded by 

Federal Government-appropriated funds. Creative Services 

also provides design services for both the U.S. Congress, and 

the Executive Office of the President.

Additional GPO Business Units

SECTION X
30 | DOING BUSINESS WITH GPO

GPO Business Units Outside of Customer 

Services

1. GPO Printing Plant

Plant Operations is an around-the-clock printing and 

technology business unit that publishes essential 

Government documents such as the Congressional Record, 

Federal Register, Code of Federal Regulations, President’s 

Budget, Bills, Hearings and Congressional Reports, as well 

as select Federal agency work and security products. The 

Plant manufactures a wide range of products including 

flyers, letters, envelopes, posters, certificates, pamphlets, 

and books of all types. The Press Department utilizes G7 

certified conventional and LED/UV offset sheet-fed and 

web presses as well as letterpress services. They also 

utilize Digital Inkjet presses, both web and color sheetfed. 

Proofing systems include G7 certified ink jet and high 

resolution laminated equipment. Their Bindery Department 

offers a variety of binding services including Smyth sewn, 

polyurethane reactive (PUR), saddle stitch, perfect binding, 

library binding and case binding. The Plant ships locally 

and nationwide.

2. Security and Intelligent Documents (SID)

GPO’s Security and Intelligent Documents Business 

Unit is leading the way in secure document design 

and manufacturing, enabling the production of secure 

Government documents for a wide variety of applications 

including (a) U.S. Passports, (b) Evidence of Identity, (c) 

Travel Documents, (d) Immigration Forms, (e) Credentials, 

and (f) Official Tickets and Checks. 

Customers can utilize GPO’s services in the following ways: 

a. Security by Design

Members of GPO’s internal design staff are experts in the 

latest and most secure design software and are ready to 

assist you in all stages of building a secure document. 

b. Security by Materials

GPO has the experience needed in preparing technical 

specifications for security paper and security inks. 

c. Security by Print

GPO ensures the safety and authenticity of secure 

documents by employing hundreds of individuals with 

security clearances in the areas of manufacturing, 

procurement, design, and delivery. 

d. Security by Technology

GPO has extensive in-government expertise in the latest 

technologies used in security documents and credentials 

to thwart counterfeiters and forgers. GPO also collaborates 

with U.S. and global commercial sources, suppliers and 

technology providers to integrate best-in-class security 

features, components and systems into the final products.

3. Publication and Information Sales (P&IS)

GPO’s Publications and Information Sales business unit 

helps you expand the dissemination of your print and 

digital content into places where readers often search for 

information. 

P&IS connects agencies to the public through the 

dissemination of Federal government publications via 

fulfillment centers and digital document delivery. In an 

effort to continually expand its audience, P&IS maintains 

an ever-growing database of 300,000+ postal mail and 

email addresses. In addition, specific mailing lists can 

be purchased on an agency’s behalf. P&IS also offers 

Federal publications, subscriptions, and eBooks at the U.S. 

Government Online Bookstore, https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

4. Warehousing and Distribution Services

Publication and Information Sales also manages fulfillment 

centers in Laurel, MD and Pueblo, CO, where reimbursable 

publication storage and a wide range of fulfillment services 

are provided for Federal agencies: https://www.gpo.gov/howto-work-with-us/agency/services-for-agencies/warehousing-anddistribution.

5. Official Journals of Government

The Official Journals of Government business unit 

provides support services to the U.S. Senate and U.S. 

House of Representatives and their committees regarding 

the printing, binding, and provision of digital information 

products required to carry out the legislative schedule and 

daily operations. This support includes the production of 

the Congressional Record, Congressional Record Index, bills, 

reports, hearings, committee prints, and other authorized 

documents.

This business unit also works in close partnership with 

the Office of the Federal Register (OFR) to coordinate 

the timely production of the official documents of the 

OFR including the daily Federal Register, Code of Federal 

Regulations, and the List of CFR Sections Affected (LSA). 
CUSTOMER HANDBOOK | 31

6. Library Services & Content Management

Library Services & Content Management’s (LSCM) mission 

is to empower libraries to engage and serve the public to 

discover trusted U.S. Government information guided by 

Title 44. LSCM is responsible for the administration and 

support of four statutorily mandated programs, ensuring 

Federal Government information lifecycle management in 

multiple publishing formats.

These programs are the:

• Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP)

• Cataloging and Indexing Program (C&I) 

• International Exchange Service (IES)

• By-Law Program

7. Programs, Strategy, and Technology (PST)

GPO’s Programs, Strategy, and Technology office 

provides management support, process discipline, 

business process reengineering and transparency to key 

agency strategic programs. PST is responsible for the 

management, ongoing development, and support of GPO’s 

GovInfo (www.govinfo.gov).

GovInfo is an ISO 16363 certified Trustworthy Digital 

Repository that provides content management, free 

online access, and long-term digital preservation to 

official publications from all three branches of the Federal 

Government. PDF files on GovInfo are digitally signed and 

certified to provide evidence of document authenticity 

and integrity. Federal agencies can visit: www.gpo.gov/howto-work-with-us/agency/services-for-agencies/digital-contentsolutions to learn about making their content available 

on GovInfo or about using GPO’s standalone PDF digital 

signature application service.
32 | DOING BUSINESS WITH GPO

GPO Finance and Billing

SECTION XI

This section includes information that supports the 

ordering process all the way through to successful billing.

1. Establish a GPO Billing Address Code (BAC)

To obtain a GPO Billing Address Code (BAC), complete and 

submit GPO Form 4046 with the following information 

filled in as appropriate:

• Agency Requestor information – Name, Title, Department 

and Bureau/Office, address, phone, fax and email.

• Finance Point of Contact information – Name, Title, 

address, phone, fax and email.

• Method of Payment

• IPAC Billing – Handled by Treasury transfer

• Non-IPAC – Credit Card or Check

• Agency Location Code (ALC), Treasury Account Symbol 

(TAS) and Business Event Type Code (BETC) are required 

for IPAC. This information can be acquired from the 

agency’s finance or budget office.

• Line of Accounting (LOA) if required by your agency.

• Authorizing Signature, Title and Date.

Completed form should be emailed to requestnewbac@

gpo.gov. GPO Commercial Billing will contact you within 3 

business days with information to begin using the new GPO 

BAC.

2. Treasury Account Symbol (TAS) – Business Event 

Type Code (BETC)

TAS identification code assigned by Treasury Fiscal Service 

to agencies for Treasury reported financial transactions of 

the Federal Government. The BETC must accompany the 

TAS to indicate the type of activity being reported, such as 

payments, collections, etc. 

The TAS-BETC is required for all Intra-Governmental 

Payment and Collection System (IPAC) transactions. It is 

not required for credit card or deposit account payment 

transactions. All obligation documents (2014 version or 

later) contain component TAS and BETC fields in the billing 

information section. 

Contact your agency’s budget or accounting office to obtain 

the correct TAS/BETC information.

3. Line of Accounting 

Line of Accounting (LOA) is an agency reference accounting 

code, up to 195 characters, supplied in the identified box of 

the ordering document. 

The agency-supplied accounting number is captured by 

GPO and transmitted on the customer IPAC bill to allow for 

automated recognition of charges by the customer’s finance 

system, reducing administrative time and reversed charges. 

GPO must be notified if this is a mandatory agency 

requirement. To notify GPO of your agency’s Line of 

Accounting requirement email cad@gpo.gov.

4. Credit Card Payment

Identify orders to be charged to a Government credit 

card by selecting the purchase card box on the ordering 

document. 

Provide credit card information (name on card, card 

number and expiration date) in the identified boxes 

on ordering document and submit to GPO via secure 

transmission, or provide contact information (name and 

phone) to collect credit card information upon order 

processing.

When placing orders through GPO Publish, select Credit 

Card as the billing method and enter the credit card 

information in the applicable fields. Credit card data is 

encrypted in the GPO Publish system.

Credit card receipts are not automatically transmitted from 

GPO, but may be provided upon request.
CUSTOMER HANDBOOK | 33

5. IPAC

Electronic Internet-based collection and payment system 

that facilitates intra-governmental transfer of funds on a 

real-time basis.

GPO processes IPAC transactions four times a month (5th, 

10th, 15th and 20th), adjusted for weekends and holidays.

6. Deposit Account

Account established by the deposit of funds via IPAC or 

check and the submission of Form 4045, allowing customer 

to maintain control of funds at the appropriation level. 

Funds are replenished to maintain a balance to cover a 

single job or an entire project. 

Form 4045 and instructions are located here: www.gpo.gov/

how-to-work-with-us/agency/forms-and-standards within the 

Billing and Finance tab.

GPO assigns a deposit account number (BAC) to be used on 

obligation documents. 

Customers can monitor transactions by logging 

into the Financial Document Repository at: https://

financialdocuments.gpo.gov. Accounts are updated daily to 

show all account activity to include deposits, charges for 

Print Orders, transfers, etc.

7. Financial Document Repository

GPO’s Financial Document Repository provides you with the 

flexibility to control your funds with access to the following:

• Printing and binding deposit account transactions and 

balances

• Digital GPO Form 400 Invoices for their IPAC and nonIPAC transactions

• SF-1 documents that they have submitted to GPO for 

procured orders

For detailed information on what is available on this site, 

go to: https://financialdocuments.gpo.gov and click on Deposit 

Accounts or Form 400/SF-1 and select frequently asked 

questions.

For information on how to get access to the system go to: 

https://financialdocuments.gpo.gov/user/registration.

8. Finance Inquiries

For billing and payment related questions, contact the 

appropriate processing unit. 

IPAC payments – Customer Account Division, 

202.512.0626 or cad@gpo.gov.

Deposit account – 202.512.1189 or depositinquiries@gpo.

gov.

Credit card – 202.512.0854 or GPOBilling@gpo.gov.

Agency Billing – 202.512.0197, CommercialBilling@gpo.

gov. Commercial Billing handles the initial agency billing 

actions, regardless of payment method. 

9. G-Invoicing (GINV)

GINV is a new online platform developed by the Treasury’s 

Bureau of the Fiscal Service for funding officials, program 

officials, and payment approvers to originate and settle Buy/

Sell IGT (Intragovernmental Transactions).

GINV will serve as a gateway for all Federal entities to 

agree upon funding terms and accounting treatment of 

reimbursable activity, and exchange that data with one 

another for consistent financial reporting.

For the latest updates on GPO readiness with GINV, 

please see https://www.gpo.gov/how-to-work-with-us/

agency/g-invoicing. If you have questions on how GINV will 

impact your orders to GPO, please contact the GPO GINV 

Implementation Team mailbox at GINV@gpo.gov. 

10. Finance Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For additional information on the above and more finance 

topics please see: www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/financeoptions-pdf-files/finance-faq.pdf. 
34 | DOING BUSINESS WITH GPO

GPO Order Placement Forms and Instructions

Standard Form 1: Printing and Binding Requisition https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/formsstandards-pdf-files/formsf1-rev.pdf

SF-1: Instructions for Printing and Binding 

Requisition Form

https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/formsstandards-pdf-files/formsf1instructions.pdf

Form 952: Digital Publishing Information https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/formsstandards-pdf-files/952.pdf

Guide to 952: Digital Publishing Information https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/formsstandards-pdf-files/952_class.pdf

Form 2511: Print Order Form Term Contracts https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/formsstandards-pdf-files/form2511-r.pdf

Instructions for 2511: Print Order Form Term 

Contracts

https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/formsstandards-pdf-files/2511_instructions-r-8-2019.

pdf

Form 4044: Simplified Purchase Agreement (SPA) 

Work Order

https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/formsstandards-pdf-files/spa-work-order-form-4044.pdf

Instructions for 4044: SPA Work Order

https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/formsstandards-pdf-files/4044_instructions-r-8-2019.

pdf

Form 3001: GPOExpress Application https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/formsstandards-pdf-files/form3001-sig.pdf

Instructions for 3001: GPOExpress https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/formsstandards-pdf-files/form3001-instructions.pdf

GPO Forms and Instructions

APPENDIX 1
CUSTOMER HANDBOOK | 35

Other GPO Forms

Form 907: Non-Compliance/Change Report https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/formsstandards-pdf-files/907.pdf

Form 1815: Notice of Quality Defects https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/formsstandards-pdf-files/1815.pdf

Form 3868: Notification of Intent to Publish https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/formsstandards-pdf-files/3868.pdf

Form 4045: Deposit Accounts (Printing & Binding) https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/formsstandards-pdf-files/depositaccountform.pdf 

Instructions for 4045: Deposit Accounts 

(Printing & Binding)

https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/formsstandards-pdf-files/depositacct_ form4045_inst.

pdf 

Form 4046: Billing Address Code (BAC) 

https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/

forms-standards-pdf-files/bac_request_

form_4046_0817.pdf 

Instructions for 4046: BAC Request https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/formsstandards-pdf-files/bac_ form4046_inst.pdf 

Form 4063: Document Scanning: 

Additional Information 

https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/

forms-standards-pdf-files/document_scanning_

form_4063-2019-05-21.pdf 

Additional Forms can be found at:

https://www.gpo.gov/how-to-work-with-us/agency/forms-and-standards.
36 | DOING BUSINESS WITH GPO

GPO Workflow for Order Processing

APPENDIX 2

Customer

Requirement

Billing

Billing

Term Contract

Advertise

Certify

Award

Administration

Small Purchase/

One Time Bid

Establish

Program

Black Jacket

(GPO Plant)

Red Jacket

(Procured

by GPO)

Write

Specications

from Customer

Requirements

Advertise

Certify

Award

Administration

Write

Specications

from Customer

Requirements

Blue Jacket

(Creative Services

and Design Work)

CRB Concurrence?

(as needed)

CRB Concurrence?

(as needed)

Update

Specications

(with Customer

Input)

Procurement

Method:

Small Purchase/One Time Bid

Term Contract

Solicitation

from

Customer

Requirements

Red, Black

or Blue Jacket
CUSTOMER HANDBOOK | 37

GPO Products and Services

APPENDIX 3

The products and services listed are only a small portion of what GPO can provide your agency. Contact GPO at NAM@gpo.gov

or 202.512.1904 for assistance with any project that your agency is considering. We want to help you meet your goals!

Services 

508 Compliance

Binding

Book and eBook Design

Brand and Identity Systems Design

Consulting and Facility Management Services

Design of Secure Cards/Credentials/Documents

Design Services for Mobile Devices

Digital Content Management, Preservation, and 

Authentication

Digital Printing

Digitization Onsite or Offsite

Distribution Services

Document Archiving

Document Management

eBook and eMagazine Conversion and 

Dissemination

Editorial Design

Environmental Graphic Design

File Conversion

Illustration

Indexing Services

Information Design

Litigation Copying/Scanning

Logo Design

Magazine/Periodical Design

Marketing/Communications Consultation

Materials Testing and Consultation

Multimedia Design

Order Fulfillment

PDF Digital Signature Application

Plant Operations Printing and Binding Services

Print Publication Dissemination through

Commercial and Academic Channels 

Production Layout

Promotional Design

Quick Printing via GPOExpress

Secure/Classified/PII Printing

Secure Document Destruction

Security Design

Subscription Services

Training

Translation

Variable Data Printing

Warehousing

Web Based Training and Development

Web Site Design

Web Hosting and Maintenance

Products

Banners

Books

Braille

Business Stationery and Business Cards

CDs and DVDs

Congressional Publications

Direct Mail

eBooks and eMagazines

Envelopes

File Folders

Forms

Kit Packages

Labels

Maps and Drawings

Online Paper Store

Pamphlets and Brochures

Posters

Promotional Merchandise

(bags, coffee mugs, pens, pencils, t-shirts, etc.)

Signage

Smart Card Production

Vehicle Wraps
38 | DOING BUSINESS WITH GPO

List of Acronyms

APPENDIX 4

ACS: Alternate Contract Solutions

ALC: Agency Location Code

APS: Agency Procurement Services 

AQL: Acceptable Quality Level 

BAC: Billing Address Code

BETC: Business Event Type Code

BLS: Bureau of Labor Statistics

C&I: Cataloging and Indexing

CRB: Contract Review Board

CRDMS: Creative and Digital Media Services

CUI: Controlled Unclassified Information

EPA: Economic Price Adjustment

FADGI: Federal Agencies Digital Guidelines 

Initiative

FAS: Federal Acquisition Services

FDR: Federal Document Repository

f.o.b.: Freight on Board

FDLP: Federal Depository Library Program

FPC: Federal Publishing Council

GBL: Government Bill of Lading

GFM: Government Furnished Material

GPE: Government Point of Entry

GPO: Government Publishing Office

GSA: General Services Administration

IES: International Exchange Service

IFB: Invitation for Bid

IPAC: Intra-Government Payment and Collection

JCP: Joint Committee on Printing

LOA: Line of Accounting

LSCM: Library Services and Content Management

NAM: National Account Manager

NCR: National Capital Region

P&IS: Publications and Information Sales

PDF: Portable Document Format

PII: Personally Identifiable Information

PPA: Paper Price Adjustment

PPO: Printing Procurement Office

PPR: Printing Procurement Regulations

PSI: Press Sheet Inspection

PST: Programs, Strategy and Technology

QARCs: Quality Assessment Random Copies

QATAP: Quality Assurance Through Attributes 

Program

QCPP: Quality Control for Published Products

QL: Quality Level

RFQ: Request for Quote

SBU: Sensitive But Unclassified

SF-1: Standard Form 1

SID: Security and Intelligent Documents

SPA: Simplified Purchase Agreement

TAS: Treasury Account Symbol

U.S.C.: United States Code

USPS: United States Postal Service
CUSTOMER HANDBOOK | 39

A list of key terms found in this handbook is provided 

below.

Agency Procurement Services (APS) Team: Technical 

experts who handle the procurement process from start to 

finish.

Award: GPO Printing Specialists generate purchase orders 

which are signed by Contracting Officers. The Purchase 

Order and furnished material are then sent to the contractor 

upon award. Or, customer sends signed Form 4044 to GPO 

SPA contractor. 

BAC (Billing Address Code): A BAC is a unique 6-digit 

account identifier assigned by GPO. The BAC identifies 

the particular agency and is assigned to a single Agency 

Location Code (ALC). The BAC also provides GPO with 

information regarding the method of payment (IntraGovernmental Payment and Collection (IPAC), Government 

check, Government purchase card, or GPO deposit 

account). 

Bid: Response to an Invitation for Bid (IFB) that, if accepted, 

would bind the offeror to perform the resultant contract. 

Also referred to: Offer or Proposal.

Blue Label Samples: Within the limitations of the contract 

orders shall contain instructions to the contractor to draw 

random samples and place them in a container identified 

by a blue label. Customer agencies shall be instructed that 

the container should accompany any quality complaint 

submitted to the GPO and that it should be the last 

container to be distributed. Notwithstanding the exceptions 

and the minimum requirements, Contracting Officers may 

invoke this procedure for any order they deem appropriate.

Certification: GPO Printing Specialists determine low 

responsive/responsible bidders based on factors such as 

demonstrated ability to meet GPO QATAP standards and 

contract compliance. 

Circular Letter: an online communication link between 

GPO and the Federal community. Used by GPO to share 

updates and information on a Opt-in basis.

Contract Review Board (CRB) Concurrence: The Contract 

Review Board (CRB) shall review selected proposed 

procurement actions to ensure that they are in the best 

interest of the Government and to ensure compliance with 

established procurement policy and procedures. The CRB 

will consist of not less than three members at the highest 

level of competence or experience available to GPO. 

Departmental Random Copies: See Blue Label Samples.

Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP): provides 

permanent free public access to tangible and electronic 

information dissemination products of the U.S. Government 

through a network of over 1,100 depository libraries 

throughout the United States and its territories https://www.

fdlp.gov.

Financial Document Repository (FDR): GPO site that offers 

direct access to agencies to get account transactions and 

balances https://financialdocuments.gpo.gov.

Geographic Restriction: Determined by customer 

requirements. Typically 100 miles, minimum of 60 miles 

from customer location. Only used if the customer wishes 

to attend a press sheet inspection and has limited funds to 

travel OR if the material/final copies must be picked up or 

delivered in contractor’s own vehicle due to the sensitive 

nature of the material or final copies (See SBU/PII). 

G-Invoicing: Treasury’s new solution to support 

Intragovernmental Transactions processed through IPAC. 

GPO will utilize it along with all other Federal agencies to 

submit, track and reconcile order transactions https://www.

gpo.gov/how-to-work-with-us/agency/g-invoicing.

Basic Terms and Definitions

APPENDIX 5
40 | DOING BUSINESS WITH GPO

Government Furnished Material (GFM): Reproducible 

materials (electronic files, camera ready copy, or negatives), 

furnished samples, and occasionally supplies, provided 

to the contractor by the Government for the purpose of 

performing under the contract.

Government Point of Entry (GPE): GPO procurements 

maximize competition from the commercial printing 

industry by publicizing job opportunities publicly at both 

the Federal GPE and the GPO website. 

GPO Jacket Number: Jacket numbers are the job identifiers 

assigned by GPO. They are classified as either “one-time” or 

“open.” One-time jackets are numbers assigned to identify 

one-time procurements, small purchases, and items 

procured or “converted” under certain term contracts, such 

as the general-usage term contracts established by GPO. 

They remain active until completion and close out of the 

“one-time” contract action. Open jackets are assigned to 

each agency which has been given authority to place Print 

Orders under a term contract. They remain active for one 

fiscal year. A new jacket number will be assigned upon 

GPO’s receipt of a subsequent fiscal year requisition, to 

continue funding under existing term contracts in effect 

over multiple fiscal years.

Intent To Publish: GPO Form 3868. If customer feels there 

is a public interest in their document, GPO’s Form 3868 

can be sent along with SF-1 so that the Superintendent of 

Documents and GPO Publication and Information Sales can 

determine if additional copies are required or if there is a 

market for selling the customer’s publication to the public. 

Invitation for Bid (IFB): Formally advertised sealed bid 

solicitation and the necessary bid response. Also referred to 

as a Sealed Bid.

Jacket Colors: Black Jacket: Job will be produced in GPO’s 

in-house production area. Blue Jacket: Design work to be 

produced by Creative Services staff. Red Jacket: Job will be 

contracted out to a GPO print vendor. 

Joint Committee on Printing (JCP): A Congressional 

committee whose purpose is to oversee and create policy 

for the expenditure of appropriated funds used by the 

Federal Government for printing and related services.

Line of Accounting (LOA): any reference code assigned 

by an agency to recognize GPO charges in their financial 

system. When provided to GPO on an order, this code will 

appear on GPO’s bill to the agency.

National Account Manager (NAM): a single, dedicated point 

of contact who can help you choose from the programs and 

services offered by GPO teams.

National Capital Region (NCR): The term means the 

geographic area located within the boundaries of (A) the 

District of Columbia, (B) Montgomery and Prince George’s 

Counties in the State of Maryland, (C) Arlington, Fairfax, 

Loudoun, and Prince William Counties and the City of 

Alexandria in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and (D) all 

cities and other units of government within the geographic 

areas of such District, Counties, and City. The area is 

defined under § 2674(f)(2) of Title 10 of the United States 

Code.

Pantone: Pantone is a proprietary color system that 

provides a universal language of color that enables colorcritical decisions through every stage of the workflow for 

brands and manufacturers: www.pantone.com. 

Printing Procurement Regulation (PPR): The PPR is 

issued to: (1) prescribe uniform policies and procedures 

for the procurement of printing, binding, related supplies, 

and related services; and (2) provide guidance to Agency 

Procurement Services (APS) personnel in applying those 

policies and procedures.

GPO Publish: The United States Government Publishing 

Office (GPO) is actively modernizing its business practices 

and systems to enhance and simplify the way we do 

business in order to maximize customer satisfaction 

and efficiency of operations. GPO Publish is a portal that 

provides Federal Government customers the opportunity 

to order printing and publishing products and services 

through GPO. GPO Publish can be accessed at: https://

publish.gpo.gov.

Quality Assurance Through Attributes Program (QATAP):

established standards and tolerances used by GPO to 

measure the contractor’s conformance to the contract 

specifications.

Rider: an order placed with GPO to obtain copies of a 

publication when another agency was the originator who 

requested the contract from GPO.
CUSTOMER HANDBOOK | 41

SBU (Sensitive But Unclassified) And PII (Personally 

Identifiable Information): SBU/PII material is any customer 

supplied material that contains information deemed 

sensitive or personally identifiable. Examples are: home 

mailing addresses, social security numbers, personal 

telephone numbers, passport numbers, etc. GPO requires 

special handling of this material which includes a statement 

by the customer outlining how the customer will protect 

sensitive information and what will be required of the 

contractor to protect this sensitive information. May also be 

referred to as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

Small Purchase: Simplified informal procedure for 

procuring requirements under $100,000 that is exempt 

from formal Invitation for Bid procedures.

SPA (Simplified Purchase Agreement): These agreements 

are established between the U.S. Government Publishing 

Office and individual vendors and are to be used to 

place individual work orders not to exceed $10,000 for 

originating office copies by agency or GPO personnel. After 

agency training, customers procure orders directly with 

GPO SPA vendors. 

Specifications: Requirements written by GPO Printing 

Specialists, including relevant contract language from 

Printing Procurement Regulations (PPR), which formulate 

the contract. 

Task Order: Individual request for goods or services under 

an established negotiated procurement.

Term Contract: Contract for known publishing 

requirements over an extended period of time 

supplemented by individual orders. Government Publishing 

Office (GPO) term contracts range from one year to multiyear with renewal options. Also known as a Program.

Waiver: Non-routine, temporary permission by JCP for 

an agency to procure printing as a validated exception to 

mandatory order placement through GPO.
42 | DOING BUSINESS WITH GPO

GPO Customer Services

Nationwide Procurement Offices

AK

HI

WA

OR

MT

ID

CA NV

UT

WY

CO

AZ NM

KS

NE

SD

ND MN

IA

MO

OK

TX

AR

LA

WI

MI

IL

IN

OH WV

KY

TN

MS AL

FL

NC

SC

VA

PA

NY

MD DE

NJ

CT RI

MA

NH

VT

ME

GA

Regions

Southeast Region

MidAtlantic 

Region

Northcentral Region Northeast Region

Southwest Region

Northwest Region

Southcentral Region

Washington DC

GPO Customer Services Nationwide Procurement Teams

Southeast Region APS Team 

ph 404.605.9160 

fx 800.270.4758 

infosoutheast@gpo.gov

Northcentral Region APS Team

ph 312.353.3916

fx 800.364.7072 

infonorthcentral@gpo.gov

Northeast Region APS Team

ph 614.488.4616 

fx 800.434.0269

infonortheast@gpo.gov

Southcentral Region APS Team

ph 214.767.0451

fx 800.865.5193

infosouthcentral@gpo.gov

Southwest Region APS Team

ph 707.748.1970

fx 800.859.2835

infosouthwest@gpo.gov

Northwest Region APS Team 

ph 206.764.3726

fx 800.862.2905 

infonorthwest@gpo.gov

MidAtlantic Region APS Team

ph 757.490.7940

fx 800.521.6514

infomidatlantic@gpo.gov 

Washington DC

Headquarters 

APS Alternate Contract Solutions 

(APS ACS)

ph 202.512.2132

apsacs@gpo.gov

APS DC

ph 202.512.0307 

apsdc@gpo.gov

Mailing Address for Regional Teams 

732 N Capitol St, NW

Mail Stop CSPS, Room C613

Washington, DC 20401

ph 202.512.0542

APPENDIX 6

44 | DOING BUSINESS WITH GPO

Notes
CUSTOMER HANDBOOK | C3
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732 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401