Jacket: 409-040

Title: 2020 Group Quarters Enumeration (GQE) and Maritime Vessels Enumeration (MVE)

Agency: Census

Bid Opening: June 10, 2019 at 11:00AM

Bid Terms Discounted Total

$1,105,517.59 0.5% 20 days $1,099,990.00

$1,241,300.00 0.0% 0 days $1,241,300.00

$1,442,073.00 2.0% 20 days $1,413,231.54

$2,155,555.00 5.0% 20 days $2,047,777.25

Cenveo Worldwide Los Angeles

Contractor Name

RR Donnelley

NPC Inc.

Las Vegas Color Graphics
U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE | Keeping America Informed | OFFICIAL | DIGITAL | SECURE

732 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401-0001

http://www.gpo.gov | www.facebook.com/USGPO | twitter.com/USGPO

June 5, 2019

This is Amendment No. 1. The specifications in our invitation for bids on Jacket 409-040, scheduled 

for opening at 11:00 AM on June 7, 2019, are amended as follows:

1. Change the bid opening date to June 10, 2019.

2. On Page 14 of 17, under “Schedule” the following sentences are changed:

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

Office, Washington, D.C. 20401, no later than June 21, 2019. Furnished Material will be supplied directly 

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

(exceptions noted immediately below).

Envelope files will be furnished on or before June 21, 2019.

Questionnaire files will be furnished on or before July 5, 2019.

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

Deliver complete by September 30, 2019.

All other specifications remain the same.

If amendment is not acknowledged on bid, direct acknowledgement to:

U.S. Government Publishing Office

Bid Section, Room C848, Stop CSPS

732 North Capitol Street NW

Washington, DC 20401-0001

Amended bid or acknowledgement must be submitted using the method(s) specified in the solicitation 

for bid submission. Telephone or e-mail submission is not acceptable.

BIDDER MUST ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF THIS AMENDMENT PRIOR TO BID OPENING. 

Failure to acknowledge receipt of amendment, by amendment number, prior to bid-opening time, may 

be reason for bid being declared nonresponsive.

Sincerely,

REBECCA SWAN

Contracting Officer
Specifications by BC Jacket 409-040

Page 1 of 17 Department of Commerce, Census 9-00179 

Reviewed by RRS

BID OPENING:

BIDS SHALL BE PUBLICLY OPENED AT 11:00 A.M., PREVAILING WASHINGTON, D.C. TIME, ON JUNE 7, 2019.

ANY QUESTIONS BEFORE AWARD CONCERNING THESE SPECIFICATIONS CALL BRIAN COLEMAN. 

AFTER AWARD, REFER ALL QUESTIONS TO YOUR CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR WHOSE NAME APPEARS 

IN THE UPPER PORTION OF THE PURCHASE ORDER. (202) 512-0310. NO COLLECT CALLS.

FACSIMILE SPECIFICATIONS

U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO)

Washington, D.C.

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

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

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

(GPO Publication 310.1, effective May 1979 (revised 8-02)).

NOTE: The GPO 910 “BID” Form is no longer required. Bidders are to fill out, sign/initial, all applicable pages.

BIDDERS, PLEASE NOTE: GPO has issued a new GPO Publication 310.2, GPO Contract Terms – Solicitation 

Provisions, Supplemental Specifications, and Contract Clauses (Rev. 1-18). Prospective bidders should carefully read this 

publication as the applicable terms within become an integral part of this contract. The document is posted at 

https://www.gpo.gov/how-to-work-with-us/vendors/forms-and-standards along with a list of major revisions.

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

SUBCONTRACTING: Contract Clause 6, “Subcontracts,” of GPO Contract Terms (GPO Publication 310.2, effective 

December 1, 1987 (Rev. 1-18)), is modified to permit subcontracting of the presswork for envelope manufacturers and 

construction of envelopes for printing firms.

PRODUCT: Questionnaires and Envelopes: These specifications cover the production of ten different questionnaires and 

seven different envelopes. All questionnaires print in black and process cyan; two of the envelopes print in black and Pantone 

199 Red; five envelopes print in black only. All questionnaires require a document ID and variable imaging on page one 

(1).

TITLE: 2020 Group Quarters Enumeration (GQE) and Maritime Vessels Enumeration (MVE)

QUANTITY: 18,238,500 Questionnaires; 20,829,350 Envelopes

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

as needed to meet delivery. Quality control samples are also not included in the quantity.

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

shortages at no additional cost to the Government.

TRIM SIZE: Questionnaires – 8 1⁄2” x 11” Envelopes – 9” x 12” and 10” x 15”
Page 2 of 17 Jacket 409-040

PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS, QUANTITIES, AND SPECIFICATIONS

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

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

Item 

No. Description Quantity Specifications

Questionnaires

1 D-Q-GE 13,807,800 Format: Finished size: 8 1/2” x 11” Prints 

head to head. One sheet, two pages. Variable 

imaging on Items 1 - 5. 

Stock: White Opacified Offset Book, basis 

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

must meet the attributes of JCP Code A80. 

Ink: Black and Cyan

2 D-Q-GE(S) 3,003,300 

3 D-Q-GEPR 29,300 

4 D-Q-GEPR (S) 79,300 

5 D-Q-MV 304,300 

6 DI-Q-GE 501,100

7 DI-Q-GE(S) 501,100 

8 DI-Q-GEPR 5,100 

9 DI-Q-GEPR(S) 5,100 

10 DI-Q-MV 2,100

Envelopes

11 D-E-GE 13,802,150 Format: 9” x 12” plus flap. Prints face and 

back. Security tint inside envelope. No 

window.

Stock: Stock: White Wove Writing 

Envelopes,

basis weight 24 lbs per 500 sheets 17” x

22” Minimum bursting strength of 24 lbs

per sq. inch, equal to JCP Code V20.

Ink: Black 

12 D-E-GE(S) 3,001,150 

13 D-E-GEPR 26,150 

14 D-E-GEPR (S) 76,150 

15 D-E-MV 301,550 

16 D-ER-GE 3,601,100 Format: 10” x 15” plus flap. Prints one side. 

No window.

Stock: Light-brown (Kraft Shade) Envelope,

basis weight 24 lbs per 500 sheets 17” x

22” Minimum bursting strength of 24 lbs

per sq. inch, equal to JCP Code V10.

Ink: Black and Pantone 199 Red

17 D-ER-GEPR 21,100
Page 3 of 17 Jacket 409-040

GOVERNMENT TO FURNISH (GFM): 

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

Platform: Windows 7.

Storage Media: CD-ROM or email.

Software: Adobe Acrobat Professional 11.0 (or higher). 

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

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

Fonts: All printer and screen fonts will be embedded. 

The contractor is cautioned that furnished fonts are the property of the Government and/or its 

originator. All furnished fonts are to be eliminated from the contractor's archive immediately 

after completion of the contract.

Additional Information: Files will be furnished in PDF format.

Laser composites of the furnished electronic files will be provided. 

GPO Form 952 (Desktop Publishing - Disk Information).

GPO Form 892 (R. 8/95) Proofs

GPO Form 915 (Business Reply Label)

GPO Form 2686 QARC Random copies sampling & shipping instructions.

GPO Form 917 (Certificate of Selection).

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

in appropriate blanks, and attach to shipping containers.

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

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

interfere with proper file imaging must be reported to the contract administrator in sufficient time to comply with the 

shipping schedule.

In addition, the contractor is responsible for creating or altering any necessary trapping, setting proper screen angles and 

screen frequency, and defining file output selection for the imaging device being utilized. All furnished files must be imaged 

as necessary to meet assigned quality level.

Identification markings such as register marks, ring folios, rubber stamped jacket numbers, commercial identification marks 

of any kind, etc., except GPO imprint, form number, and revision date, carried on copy or film, must not print on finished 

product.

CONTRACTOR TO FURNISH: All materials and operations, other than those listed under “Government to Furnish,”

necessary to produce the product(s) in accordance with these specifications. The Contractor shall be responsible for 

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

Government Representatives must be furnished the following:

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

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

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

enclosed secured area adjacent to the production operation(s).
Page 4 of 17 Jacket 409-040

 Unlimited access to a nearby copier, fax machine, printer, and high-speed (T1, broadband, preferably wi-fi at a 

minimum 10mbs in the area where quality assurance will be conducted) internet access.

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

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

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

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

plus labeling, packaging and palletizing of shipping containers.

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

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

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

can be made, in these specifications or contract. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

documentation.

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

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

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

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

Center (NPC)/Document Services Branch staff will be on-site during printing/bindery.

PROOFS: Two (2) sets of digital color content proofs for all items. Direct to plate must be used to produce the final 

product with a minimum of 2400 x 2400 dpi. Proofs must be created using the same Raster Image Processor (RIP) that 

will be used to produce the product. Proofs shall be collated with all elements in proper position (not pasted up), imaged 

face and back, and trimmed to the finished size of the product. 

Proofs will be held 5 workdays from receipt at the department to when they are made available for pickup at the 

department.

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

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

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

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

department. 

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

NOTE: PLEASE MARK ALL PROOFS URGENT.
Page 5 of 17 Jacket 409-040

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

drawdown samples for each ink color used and no less than 50 blank 8-1/2 x 11” sheets of White Opacified Offset Book, 

JCP Code A80.

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

Street, NW, Room C-838, Stop CSAPS, Washington, DC 20401, Attn: AST 1, Contract Administrator Jacket 409-040. 

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

shall include the GPO Purchase Order and Jacket Numbers.

The Government will approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove these samples within ten (10) workdays of the receipt 

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

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

A notice of disapproval shall state the reasons therefore.

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

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

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

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

inspect and test any additional samples required.

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

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

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

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

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

the Contracting Officer (CO) shall automatically extend the shipping schedule in accordance with the procedures as 

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

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

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

corresponding JCP Code numbers in the “Government Paper Specification Standards No. 12” dated March 2011.

Questionnaires: **JCP Code* A80, Opacified Offset Book, Basis Size 25 X 38” 50 lbs.

Envelopes: JCP Code* V10, Light-Colored Brown (Kraft, Shade) Envelopes, Basis Size 17 X 22” 24 lbs. and 

JCP Code* V20, Writing Envelopes, White, Basis Size 17 X 22” 24 lbs.

**The requirement for postconsumer fiber (as specified in the Government Paper Specification Standards No. 12) for this 

contract is waived. However, the addition of post-consumer fiber is encouraged provided that the requirements of this 

Standard are met. All other attributes remain the same.

PRINTING:

QUESTIONNAIRES:

Item 1 through Item 10: Single sheet Questionnaires - Print face and back, head to head in Cyan and Black ink without

bleeds. Document ID on page one. Variable imaging on Items 1 through 5.
Page 6 of 17 Jacket 409-040

ENVELOPES:

ICQ Confidentiality Envelope (9”x12”) Items 11 through Item 15: Prints one color on two sides. Format: 9” x 12” plus

flap. Prints face and back. Security tint inside envelope. Prints black ink only. Stock: White Wove Writing Envelopes,

basis weight 24 lbs. per 500 sheets 17” x 22” Minimum bursting strength of 24 lbs. per sq. inch, equal to JCP CodeV20.

Return Envelope (All ICQs from GQ facility) (10” x15”) Item 16 and Item 17: Return Envelope (All ICQs from GQ

facility) (10”x15”). Prints two colors on one side. Format: 10” x 15” plus flap. Prints black and Pantone 199 Red. Stock:

Light-brown (Kraft Shade) Envelope, basis weight 24 lbs. per 500 sheets 17” x 22” Minimum bursting strength of 24 lbs.

per sq. inch, equal to JCP Code V10.

CONSTRUCTION:

Tinting: Tint envelope on the inside (back before construction) in black ink. Lining is not acceptable. Contractor may use 

his own design but must guarantee that the product will insure complete opacity and prevent show through of any material 

contained therein.

Flap/Seams: The Contractor shall produce envelopes with an open side with side seams and 17⁄8” gummed flap. The sides 

of the flap shall angle at least 20 degrees. Envelopes shall be sufficiently high cut as to prevent flap adhesive from 

contacting envelope contents. A square-cut flap is NOT acceptable.

Flap Adhesive: All sealing flap adhesive shall be the water-activated type of such a consistency to prevent premature 

sealing of the flap and curling of the envelope after drying. Adhesive shall be uniformly applied, have a minimum 

thickness of 0.0006”, and shall be applied along the entire length of the flap, extending almost to the envelope edge, with 

not more than 1⁄2” unapplied space at each end of the flap. If diagonal seams are furnished, split gum is required. The flaps 

shall be capable of being quickly and securely sealed using fingertips after moistening the adhesive. When opened 15 to 

20 seconds after sealing, the flap shall pull fibers from the body of the envelope from not less than 75% of the adhesive 

area. The flap adhesive must cover at least 60% of the area of the flap beyond the throat. All adhesive shall be clean and 

free from offensive odor and ingredients that would discolor the paper. 

Seam Adhesive: The seam adhesive must extend almost the entire length of the seam, with not more than 1⁄2” unapplied 

space at the beginning of the top seam overlap and no more than 1⁄2” unapplied space at the bottom edge of the envelope. 

The width of the adhesive on the side seams must be no less than 3/16”. Adhesive must be applied so that it is 

continuous. All adhesive shall be clean and free from offensive odor and ingredients that would discolor the paper.

Envelope Construction: Envelope Construction for all items must be square. Contamination of final packages with a 

material that is harmful, or may be perceived by recipients as harmful, poses a potentially significant risk to the success of 

this census operation. The use of any powders in printing and finishing processes is not permitted. The Contractor shall 

minimize excess dust and paper fibers through the control of dust causing agents from dull slitters, dull cutter knives, etc.

The Contractor shall change cutters and knives at regular intervals to ensure paper dust is not generated. Window material 

must meet the current U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) readability standards and requirements.

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

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

application of an identification number on the front of questionnaires. 

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

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

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

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

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

requirements.
Page 7 of 17 Jacket 409-040

Interleaved 2 of 5 barcodes shall conform to the following:

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

18-Digit Document ID (Items 1 through 5) Table

Width: (X): 0.015” < X < 0.019”

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

Quiet Zone: 10X minimum

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

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

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

Document ID Bar Code (Items 1 through 5): The Contractor shall receive a file of 18-digit Serialized ID’s to produce a 

bar code with the HRI in 10 pt. sans serif font at 10 characters per inch. The makeup of the 18-digit character string is 

described in the table above.

The bar code shall be located in the bottom “cut out” of the back (letter), parallel to the 8-1⁄2” dimension of Items 1 

through 5. The top edge of the bar code may abut, but not overlap, the blue or green image background. The position of 

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

page number/preprinted bar code printed text. Gaps in the sequence are acceptable. Bar code recovery is

not required. Duplicates are not allowed.

Formula for MAD97 Check-Digits: The MAD97 algorithm will calculate check digits for any string of ASCII

characters including numeric, alphabetic and special characters. The ASCII character set has a decimal equivalent of 0 

through 255. The MAD97 algorithm is similar to the MOD97 algorithm but can accommodate all of the ASCII character 

set.

1) The decimal equivalent of the first character is multiplied by 1,000. The decimal equivalent of the second 

character is added to the above product. The result is divided by 97.

2) The remainder from that division is multiplied by 1,000 and the decimal equivalent of the third character is 

added to that product. The result is divided by 97. And so on.

For example, for the ASCII character string “9876”:

 The decimal equivalent of ASCII “9” is 57

 Multiply 57 by 1,000 = 57,000

Item 

No. Form No.

Digit 1-

2

ID Type

Digits 2-10

Sequential number

Digits 11-12

MAD97 Check 

Digits

Digit 13-14

Form Type

Digits 15-16

Sort Key (“00” = 

not mailed)

Digits 17-18

MAD97 Check 

Digits

1 D-Q-GE 91 00000000-

89999999

(Increases by 

increments of 1 

starting with the 

8th

digit from the left)

Check Digits 

(Computed 

over preceding 

10 characters, 

using the 

formula 

provided

below)

03 00 Check Digits 

(Computed over 

preceding 14 

characters, using 

the formula

provided below)

2

D-Q-GE(S) 91 04 00

3 D-Q-GEPR 91 21 00

4 D-Q-GEPR (S) 91 22 00

5 D-Q-MV 94 07 00
Page 8 of 17 Jacket 409-040

 The decimal equivalent of ASCII “8” is 56

 Add 56 and 57,000 = 57,056

 Divide 57,056 by 97; the remainder is 20

 Multiply 20 by 1,000 = 20,000

 The decimal equivalent of ASCII “7” is 55

 Add 55 and 20,000 = 20,055

 Divide 20,055 by 97; the remainder is 73

 Multiply 73 by 1,000 = 73,000

 The decimal equivalent of ASCII “6” is 54

 Add 54 and 73,000 = 73,054

 Divide 73,054 by 97; the remainder is 13

 The MAD97 check digits for the character string “9876” are “13.”

PRESS SHEET INSPECTION: Final make-ready press sheets will be inspected and approved at the contractor’s plant 

for the purpose of establishing specified standards for use during the actual press run. Upon approval of the sheets, contractor 

is charged with maintaining those standards throughout the press run (within QATAP tolerances when applicable) and with 

discarding all make-ready sheets that preceded approval. See GPO Publication 315.3 (Guidelines for Contractors Holding 

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

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

Press sheets must contain one color bar for each color placed parallel to the press’s ink rollers. The control bars must show 

areas consisting of 1/8 x 1/8” minimum solid color patches; tint patches of 25, 50, and 75%; dot gain scale (GATF, 

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

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

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

Kelvin lumination.

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

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

overhead luminaries with neutral gray surroundings must be provided.

Note: A press sheet inspection is for the purpose of setting specific standards that are to be maintained throughout the 

entire run. It does not constitute a prior approval of the entire run.

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

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

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

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

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

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

NOTE: A 72-hour notice of PSI is required

INK: Questionnaires: Item 1 through Item 10: Black and Cyan
Page 9 of 17 Jacket 409-040

Envelopes: Item 11 through Item 15: Black 

Envelopes: Item 16 through Item 17: Black and Pantone 199 (Red)

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

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

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

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

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

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

minus 3).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GPO Contract Terms (GPO Publication 310.2, effective December 1, 1987 (Rev. 6 01)). When supplies are not ready at 

the time specified by the contractor for inspection, the Contracting Officer may charge to the contractor the additional cost 

of the inspection. 

MARGINS: Follow electronic Media

PACKING, LABELING, MARKING, AND PALLETIZING

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

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

packing and labeling of materials.

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

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

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

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

Pallets shall not have deck boards that overhang from outside edge of stringer. 

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

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

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

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

scheme. DO NOT MIX ITEMS ON PALLETS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

shipment at destination and return it to the Contractor at the Contractor’s expense. After giving notice of the deficiency 
Page 10 of 17 Jacket 409-040

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

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

Specifications, Section 11)

CENSUS “FIRST-OFF” COPIES: Copies that ship to the Suitland, MD destination must ship 15 days earlier than the 

delivery date. Copies must deliver to Suitland, MD first.

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

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

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

specifications:

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

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

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

Product Quality Levels:

(a) Printing Attributes -- Level II

(b) Finishing Attributes -- Level II

(c) Exception -- Exceptions as listed within.

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

ANSI/ASQC Z1.4):

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

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

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

 Attribute Specified Standard

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

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

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

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

P-7. O.K. Proofs.

P-9. O.K. Proofs.

Questionnaires

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

Other Items

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Nonconformance with this requirement shall be classified as a critical defect.
Page 11 of 17 Jacket 409-040

 Damaged Questionnaires (Items 1 through 10): There shall be no tears longer than 1/32”, no dog-ears, and no

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

(Items 1 through 10) more than 1/16” from a flat surface on which an unfolded sheet is laid. Nonconformance

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

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

 Spots and Extraneous marks on (Items 1 through 10) shall not exceed 0.20 square mm in size within the inside of 

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

on the item. This requirement does not supersede the barcode specification. Nonconformance with this 

requirement shall be classified as a Major defect. Strike-through (bleed-through) shall be evaluated as spots or 

extraneous marks. When evaluating strike-through, Questionnaires (Items 1 through 10) shall be placed printed 

side down on a black backing per ANSI CGATS.4-1993 and measured under standard viewing conditions.

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

specifications.

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

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

this requirement shall be classified as a Major defect.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

have: 1) the date and time, stamped by machine, when the sample is pulled; 2) the shift noted on the sample; and, 3) the 

press number noted on the sample. The on-site Government coordinators will inspect the Census Quality Assurance 

Random Copies indicated above. After inspection, the contractor shall place these samples on a pallet and ship back to 

NPC with the shipment of items upon completion of the job.

QUALITY ASSURANCE RANDOM COPIES: In addition to the Departmental Random Copies (Blue Label), the 

contractor may be required to submit quality assurance random copies to test for compliance against specifications. When 

ordered, the contractor must divide the entire order into equal sublots and select a copy from a different general area of each 

sublot.

The contractor will be required to execute a statement furnished by GPO certifying that copies were selected as directed. 

Copies will be paid for at the running rate offered in the contractor's bid and their cost will not be a consideration for award. 

A copy of the purchase order/specifications must be included.

Business Reply Mail labels will be furnished for mailing the quality assurance random copies. The copies are to be mailed 

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

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

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

sent to deborah.d.mockabee@census.gov. The subject line of this message shall be “Distribution Notice for Jacket 409-

040, Requisition 9-00179”. The notice must provide all applicable tracking numbers, shipping method, and Title. 

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

Please distribute to Jeffersonville, IN (Logistics), and Suitland, MD as outlined below:

U.S. Census Bureau Attn: Decennial Logistics 100 Logistics Ave. Jeffersonville, IN 47130.
Page 12 of 17 Jacket 409-040

Item 

No. Description Quantity 

Questionnaires

1 D-Q-GE 13,800,500

2 D-Q-GE(S) 3,000,500

3 D-Q-GEPR 25,500

4 D-Q-GEPR (S) 75,500

5 D-Q-MV 301,000

6 DI-Q-GE 500,100

7 DI-Q-GE(S) 500,100

8 DI-Q-GEPR 4,100

9 DI-Q-GEPR(S) 4,100

10 DI-Q-MV 1,100

TOTAL Questionnaires to NPC Logistics 

 

18,212,500 

Envelopes

11 D-E-GE 13,800,100

12 D-E-GE(S) 3,000,100

13 D-E-GEPR 25,100

14 D-E-GEPR (S) 75,100

15 D-E-MV 300,500

16 D-ER-GE 3,600,050

17 D-ER-GEPR 20,050

TOTAL Envelopes to NPC Logistics 20,821,000

U.S. Census Bureau Attn: PDCC East, Dave Blackwell or Autumn Stoner 100 Logistics Ave. Jeffersonville, IN 47130.

Item 

No. Description Quantity 

Questionnaires
Page 13 of 17 Jacket 409-040

Item 

No. Description Quantity 

1 D-Q-GE 4,000

2 D-Q-GE(S) 500

3 D-Q-GEPR 1,500

4 D-Q-GEPR (S) 1,500

5 D-Q-MV 1,000

TOTAL Questionnaires to NPC PDCC East 8,500

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

Item 

No. Description Quantity 

Questionnaires

1 D-Q-GE 3,300

2 D-Q-GE(S) 2,300

3 D-Q-GEPR 2,300

4 D-Q-GEPR (S) 2,300

5 D-Q-MV 2,300

6 DI-Q-GE 1,000

7 DI-Q-GE(S) 1,000

8 DI-Q-GEPR 1,000

9 DI-Q-GEPR(S) 1,000

10 DI-Q-MV 1,000

TOTAL Questionnaires to HQ 17,500

Envelopes

11 D-E-GE 2,050

12 D-E-GE(S) 1,050

13 D-E-GEPR 1,050

14 D-E-GEPR (S) 1,050

15 D-E-MV 1,050

16 D-ER-GE 1,050
Page 14 of 17 Jacket 409-040

Item 

No. Description Quantity 

17 D-ER-GEPR 1,050

TOTAL Envelopes to HQ 8,350

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

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

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

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

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

contractor.

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

Office, Washington, D.C. 20401, no later than June 14, 2019. Furnished Material will be supplied directly to the contractor 

by the agency via contractor FTP site upon award and issuance of Purchase Order (exceptions noted immediately below).

Envelope files will be furnished on or before June 14, 2019.

Questionnaire files will be furnished on or before July 5, 2019.

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

Deliver complete by August 30, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

any inquiries.

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

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

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

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

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

Stop: FMCE, Washington, DC 20401. 

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

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

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

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

other evidence of technical, production, managerial, financial, and similar abilities to perform, prior to the award of a 

contract. As part of the financial determination, the low contractor may be required to provide one or more of the following 

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

1) Most recent profit and loss statement 

2) Most recent Balance Sheet 
Page 15 of 17 Jacket 409-040

3) Statement of cash flows 

4) Current official bank statement 

5) Current lines of credit (with amounts available) 

6) Letter of commitment from paper supplier(s) 

7) Letter of commitment from any subcontractor 

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

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

Government. Failure to provide the requested information in a timely manner may result in the Contracting Officer not 

having adequate information to reach an affirmative determination of responsibility.

BID SUBMISSION: Submit bid in pre-addressed envelope furnished with solicitation or send to: U.S. Government 

Publishing Office, Bid Section, Room C-848, Stop: CSPS, 732 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC 20401. Facsimile 

bids in response to this solicitation are permitted. Facsimile bids may be submitted directly to the GPO Bid Section, Fax 

No. (202) 512-1782. The Jacket number and bid opening date must be specified with the bid. Refer to Facsimile Bids in 

Solicitation Provisions of GPO Contract Terms, GPO Publication 310.2, as revised January 2018. Hand delivered bids are 

to be taken to: GPO Bookstore, 710 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 

p.m., prevailing Washington, DC, time, Monday through Friday. The contractor is to follow the submission instructions 

posted in the Bid Submission/Opening area. If further instruction or assistance is required, call (202) 512-0526.

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

with these specifications.
Page 16 of 17 Jacket 409-040

JACKET NUMBER 409-040 BID PRICE $___________________ 

ADDITIONAL THOUSAND RATES

Item 

No. Description Quantity Additional M

Questionnaires

1 D-Q-GE 13,807,800 

2 D-Q-GE(S) 3,003,300 

3 D-Q-GEPR 29,300 

4 D-Q-GEPR (S) 79,300 

5 D-Q-MV 304,300 

6 DI-Q-GE 501,100

7 DI-Q-GE(S) 501,100 

8 DI-Q-GEPR 5,100 

9 DI-Q-GEPR(S) 5,100 

10 DI-Q-MV 2,100

Envelopes

11 D-E-GE 13,802,150 

12 D-E-GE(S) 3,001,150 

13 D-E-GEPR 26,150 

14 D-E-GEPR (S) 76,150 

15 D-E-MV 301,550 

16 D-ER-GE 3,601,100 

17 D-ER-GEPR 21,100

_____________

 (Initials)
Page 17 of 17 Jacket 409-040

SHIPMENT(S): Shipments will be made from: City ____________________, State ______________________

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

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

below in the address block, and the bid will be evaluated and the contract awarded on that basis. If shipment is not made 

from evaluation point, the contractor will be responsible for any additional shipping costs incurred.

DISCOUNTS: Discounts are offered for payment as follows: ____________ Percent, ___________calendar days. See 

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

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

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

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

receipt of bids, to furnish the specified items at the price set opposite each item, delivered at the designated points(s), in 

exact accordance with specifications.

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

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

a bid, agrees with and accepts responsibility for all certifications and representations as required by the solicitation and GPO 

Contract Terms - Publication 310.2. When responding by fax or mail, fill out and return one copy. 

Bidder

 (Contractor Name) (GPO Contractor’s Code)

 (Street Address)

 (City – State – Zip Code)

By

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

 (Signature) (Date)

 (Telephone Number) (Email Address)

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

 (Initials) (Initials)