2026 National Agricultural Classification Survey

Specifications by SG Jacket 440-979
Page 1 of 24 NASS 6-00067
Reviewed by GPO
BID OPENING: Bids shall be opened virtually at 11am, Eastern Time (ET), on July 31, 2026, at the U.S.
Government Publishing Office. All parties interested in attending the bid opening shall email bids@gpo.gov one
(1) hour prior to the bid opening date and time to request a Microsoft Teams live stream link. This must be a
separate email from the bid submission. The link will be emailed prior to the bid opening.
BID SUBMISSION: Bidders must email bids to bids@gpo.gov for this solicitation. No other method of bid
submission will be accepted at this time. The Jacket Number and bid opening date must be specified in the subject line
of the emailed bid submission. Bids received after the bid opening date and time specified above will not be
considered for award.
Note: The GPO 910 "BID" Form is no longer required; bidders are to fill out, sign/initial, as applicable,
and return page 24.
For information regarding the solicitation requirements prior to award and contract administration after award,
please contact Steve Gaumer, GPPP DC, at sgaumer@gpo.gov.
ADDITIONAL EMAILED BID SUBMISSION PROVISIONS: The Government will not be responsible for
any failure attributable to the transmission or receipt of the emailed bid including, but not limited to, the
following:
1. Emails over 75 MB may not be received by GPO due to size limitations for receiving emails.
2. The vendor's email provider may have different size limitations for sending e-mail, however vendors are
advised not to exceed GPO's stated limit. The bidder's email provider may have different size limitations
for sending email; however, bidders are advised not to exceed GPO's stated limit.
3. Illegibility of bid.
4. When the email bid is received by GPO it will remain unopened until the specified bid opening time.
Government personnel will not validate receipt of the e-mailed bid prior to bid opening. GPO will use the
prevailing time (specified as the local time zone) and the exact time that the e-mail is received by GPO's
email server as the official time stamp for bid receipt at the specified location.
STOCK/PAPER: The specifications of all paper furnished must be in accordance with those listed herein or
listed for the corresponding JCP Code numbers in the "Government Paper Specification Standards No. 13"
dated September 2019. https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/forms-and-standards-files-forvendors/
vol_13.pdf.
GPO CONTRACT TERMS: Any contract which results from this Invitation for Bid will be subject to the
applicable provisions, clauses, and supplemental specifications of GPO Contract Terms (GPO Publication
310.2, effective December 1, 1987 (Rev. 01-18)) and GPO Contract Terms, Quality Assurance Through
Attributes Program for Printing and Binding (GPO Publication 310.1, effective May 1979 (revised 9-19)).
GPO QATAP (GPO Publication 310.1) - https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/forms-and-standards-
files-for-vendors/qatap-rev-09-19.pdf.
Contract Clause 6, "Subcontracts," of GPO Contract Terms (GPO Publication 310.2, effective December
1, 1987 (Rev. 6-01)), is modified to permit subcontracting of the printing of the envelopes.
SCOPE: These specifications, for the 2026 National Agricultural Classification Survey, cover the
production of 1 (one) 8 page questionnaire, two (2) 1 page letters, 1 (one) return envelopes and 2 (2)
outgoing envelopes assembled into 2 different mailing package configurations utilizing the items listed
below, requiring such operations as printing in one- and two-colors, envelope printing and construction,

Page 2 of 24 Jacket 440-979
binding, gathering items into sets, inserting into outgoing envelopes, sealing outgoing envelopes, packing,
and distribution. In addition, 2 envelopes are to be produced with no package assembly required.
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
NOTE: After removal of the stitches, all questionnaires must be guaranteed to function properly on IBML
Trac 5 and Trac 6 Scanners. Contractor is responsible for excess processing costs incurred by
furnishing questionnaires out of specifications.
PRODUCTION and QUALITY CONTROL (QC) PLANS: The low responsive, responsible bidder
shall furnish detailed written Production and QC Plans (see minimum requirements to be included in the
PRODUCTION AND QUALITY CONTROL PLANS herein, on page 20) within five (5) workdays after
notification by the Government to the Contracting Officer (CO). The Production and QC Plans may be
submitted electronically or in hard copy (six (6) copies). These plans must include Production and QC
Plans from any and all subcontractors. Award will not be made prior to approval of same.
In the event that a change is required in the Production Plan and/or QC Plan of any item, the contractor
shall submit a revised Production Plan and/or QC Plan to GPO, within three (3) workdays for Government
review prior to the pre-award survey being scheduled.
PRE-AWARD PLANT SURVEY: A pre-award plant survey may be conducted by Government
Publishing Office, Census Bureau, and Department of Agriculture personnel to determine if the
prospective contractor (and the subcontractor(s)) have adequate facilities and expertise to accomplish the
requirements of these specifications. This pre-award survey may include inspection of the equipment on
which this product will be produced.
POST-AWARD CONFERENCE: A post-award conference will be held at the contractor's facility at a
date and time to be determined. The purpose of the conference will be to discuss and review with
production personnel all aspects of the contractor's and sub-contractor(s)' internal and external operations
required to complete this contract. The contractor will conduct this conference during which the
contractor's and sub-contractor(s)'previously approved Production and QC Plans will be reviewed in
depth. Attending this meeting will be Government representatives to establish coordination of all required
operations. A representative of all subcontractors involved must also be present, as well as representatives
from each involved production area for the primary contractor.
QUALITY SYSTEMS AUDIT: Following the post-award conference, and after a review of the contractor's
written quality system plan/procedures, the Government may conduct an in-depth audit of all contractor's
quality control methods, quality systems and quality plans in a formal walk-through. This audit would
require the contractor to plan, in advance, all quality related functions, which would be required to complete
the contract. Should subcontractors be involved, a complete audit of their quality system may also be
performed.
Failure to maintain the quality systems in accordance with the contractor's plan approved by the
Government may result in the Government's termination of the contract for default. Performance of all
elements and functions of the Quality Systems shall not relieve the contractor of responsibility for meeting
all requirements in this contract.
GOVERNMENT ON-SITE REPRESENTATIVES: Two (2) or more Government representatives may be
present at the contractor's/subcontractor(s)' production facility to provide oversight, surveillance, and
coordination, for the duration of each shift, to monitor the production, reviewing quality, labeling of shipping
containers, and packaging of containers.
These representatives do not have contractual authority and cannot make changes in the specifications or
contract terms but are to bring any and all defects they see to the contractor's QC official. It is the
responsibility of the contractor to identify points of contact for the Government Representatives. These
representatives shall have full and unrestricted access to all production areas where the NASS Survey 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 an enclosed, secure area adjacent to the production operations.

Page 3 of 24 Jacket 440-979
NOTE: The Government Representatives may affix stickers to the cartons and /or pallets for internal
NASS 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 not apply to the acceptance of the materials on that
pallet.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS, QUANTITIES, AND SPECIFICATIONS
All the requirements of these specifications apply equally to all items unless otherwise indicated.
NOTE: Questionnaires SHALL be produced using Offset Lithographic processes. Flexographic printing is
NOT acceptable. If questionnaires are produced on a web press, it must be a heat set or equivalent process.
The Pantone ink used for the questionnaires SHALL NOT contain any black pigment. In addition, the use
of automated color/density QC on press (i.e., closed loop color control system) must be used for printing
the Questionnaires.
Item No. Form Number Quantity Specifications
QUESTIONNAIRES
Format: 8-1/2 x 11"; 8 page self-covered; prints head-to-head,
1,475,000
1A NACS-01 face and back (no blanks). See instructions for folding under
Folding Requirements herein.
Inks: (1A) Black and Pantone 354 (green)
Stock: White Opacified Offset Book, basis weight: 50 lbs. per 500
sheets, 25 x 38", equal to JCP Code A80.
Binding: Saddle-wire stitch in two (2) places on 11" dimension and
trim three (3) sides. After stitching, fold to 8-1/2 x 11 using one parallel
fold with page 1 9title) out.
NOTE: Contractor must stagger the saddle-stitches every other
book to facilitate packing. Staggered stitches must not overlap.
Stitches must be at least 1" from the head and foot of product.
LETTERS
Format: 8-1/2 x 11"; Single sheet, Prints one (1)-side.. See
825,000
4A NACS-01(L1) instructions for folding under Folding Requirements herein.
Ink: Black
650,000
4B NACS-01(L2) Stock: White Opacified Offset Book, basis weight: 40 lbs. per 500
sheets, 25 x 38", equal to JCP Code A80.
Binding: Fold to 8-1/2 x 5-1/2" using one parallel fold, letterhead
printing out.
RETURN ENVELOPES
5A NACS-A8 1,475,000 Format: 9-1/4 x 5-7/8" plus flap.
-Items 5A, prints face and back before manufacture, Type and
security tint inside envelope including on the inside, a
message to show through the open window plus balance of
inside (not to appear through open window) to have a
scrambled pantograph of contractor's own design, before
manufacture.
Ink: Black
Stock: White Wove or Writing, basis weight: 24 lbs. per 500
sheets, 17 x 22" with a minimum bursting strength of 24 lbs.
per square inch, equal to JCP Code V20.
Covered Window: Die cut 7/8 x 4-1/2" with four (4) round
corners. Location of the window, 1-3/8" from the right edge
and 1-7/8" from the flap fold of the envelope.

Page 4 of 24 Jacket 440-979
OUTGOING ENVELOPES
825,000
6A NACS-A7.1 Format: 6-1/16 x 10", plus flap.
-Items 6A: Print one (1) side only (outside of envelope
prior to construction) in Black ink only. After
manufacturing, image appears on the side opposite the
seams (front of envelope).
-Items 6B: Print one (1) side only (outside of envelope
prior to construction) in Black and Pantone 199 (Red)
(One (1) typeline prints in red ink). After manufacturing,
image appears on the side opposite the seams (front of
envelope).
Stock: White Wove or Writing, basis weight: 24 lbs. per
500 sheets, 17 x 22" with a minimum bursting strength of
650,000
6B NACS-A7.2 24 lbs. per square inch, equal to JCP Code V20.
Open window: Die cut 4-3/4 x 2-1/2" with four (4) round
corners. Location of the window 1-3/8" from the right edge
and 2-1/8" from the flap fold of the envelope. DO NOT
COVER WINDOW.
*For each item - Plus 1%, Minus NONE - (Billing adjustment due to quantity change will be made at the
contractor's "additional" rate. See "OFFERS" herein. Shortages WILL NOT be accepted; therefore, the
contractor is cautioned that they will be required to make-up any shortages at no additional cost to the
Government.) The above quantities are exclusive of all Prior to Production Samples and NASS Quality
Assurance Random Copies, which the contractor MUST produce.
MARGINS: Follow trim marks provided in the furnished electronic media. Identification markings such as
register marks, ring folios, rubber-stamped jacket numbers, commercial identification marks of any kind,
etc., except, form number, and revision date, must not print on finished product.
PRINTING AND FINISHING REQUIREMENTS
Contamination of products with a material that is harmful, or may be perceived by recipients as harmful,
poses a potentially significant risk to the success of the NASS operations. Therefore, the use of any powders
in printing and finishing processes is not permitted. The contractor also 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,
and shall ensure all such measures are addressed in the contractor's Production and QC Plans.
BAR CODES (For Items 1A (Questionnaires)): Each page will have a bar code on the bottom right side of
the page (provided in the electronic files) The bar code will be an Interleaved 2 of 5 bar code with the CPI
set at 9.5 at a ratio of 2.9:1. The bar code contains a 5- digit form number, 2-digit page number and a check

Page 5 of 24 Jacket 440-979
digit. A text version of the information will appear on the bottom right side of the page adjacent to left side
of the bar code.
FOLDING REQUIREMENTS
Items 1A (Questionnaires):
Item Form No. Quantity to be 8-1/2x11" Quantity to be folded to 8-
(unfolded) 1/2x 5-1/2"*
1A NACS-01 0 1,475,000
*After stitching, fold to 8-1/2x 5-1/2" using one parallel fold with Page 1 (title) out.
Items 4A and 4B (Letters):
Item Form No. Quantity to be 8-1/2x11" Quantity to be folded to
(unfolded) 8-1/2 x 5-1/2"*
4A NACS-01(L1) 0 825,000
4B NACS-01(L2) 0 650,000
*Fold to 8-1/2 x 5-1/2" using one parallel fold, letterhead printing out.
ENVELOPE PRINTING AND CONSTRUCTION
Item 5A (Return Envelopes): All printing (e.g. print contrast ratio, Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMB), Facing
Identification Marks (FIM), etc.) shall comply with all applicable USPS Regulations and Business Reply mail
requirements and must qualify for High Volume Qualified Business Reply Mail (QBRM) mailing status.
Refer to the latest version of the USPS Domestic Mail Manual; USPS Publication 25, Designing Letter and
Reply Mail, November 2018; and the USPS Quick Service Guide 507a, Business Reply Mail Layout
Guidelines (S507.9.8); and USPS Notice 67 USPS July 2009 (transparent template). Envelope printing shall
be in accordance with the requirements for the style envelope ordered and shall conform to the mail piece
design supplied by the Census Bureau and approved by the USPS. Text print quality shall conform to all
USPS print quality requirements, for example reflectance, background print contrast ratio (PCR), character
PCR, voids, and skew.
Security tint on all Return Envelopes shall not show through the envelope nor interfere with USPS equipment
reading the postal and FIM/OCR/bar code read areas, but shall ensure complete opacity, and prevent show
through of any material contained therein. The Contractor shall not print tint on the inside flap and in the area
that falls directly behind the postal and FIM bar codes clear zone area after construction.
Item 5A (Return Envelopes): Envelopes are to be open side, with side seams and sides of flap must angle a
minimum of 20 degrees. Envelopes must be sufficiently high cut to prevent the flap adhesive from contacting the
envelope contents, minimum flap depth 1-3/8", maximum flap depth 1-7/8".
Items 6A and 6B (Outgoing Envelopes): Envelopes are to be open side, with high-cut diagonal seams and web-
fed pointed flap (preferred) or side seams with square flap having sides of flap angling a minimum of 20
degrees. Envelopes must be sufficiently high cut to prevent the flap adhesive from contacting the envelope
contents, minimum flap depth 1-7/8", maximum 2-1/8".
Windows: For items, 5A and 6A thru 6B, the long dimension of the windows shall be parallel to the long
dimension of envelope. EXACT SIZE AND PLACEMENT IS CRITICAL TO THE TO THE LABELING

Page 6 of 24 Jacket 440-979
AND BAR CODE SCANNING OPERATIONS.
Covered windows: The contractor shall use transparent polystyrene or suitable transparent material, securely
glued on all four (4) edges to the inside of the envelope.
Flap Adhesive (All Envelopes): (The flap adhesive must be in accordance with Commercial Item Description
(CID) A-A1446C). All sealing flap adhesives shall be the water-activated types of such a consistency to prevent
premature sealing of the flap and curling of the envelope after drying. Adhesive shall be uniformly applied and
have a minimum thickness of 0.0006" and shall be applied along the length of the flap, extending almost to the flap
edge, with not more than 1/2" unapplied space at each end of the flap. 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. 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 (All Envelopes): The seam adhesive shall 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-sealed seams must be no less
than 3/16". The seam adhesive shall be applied so that it is continuous. All adhesive shall be clean and free
from offensive odor and ingredients that would discolor the paper.
GOVERNMENT TO FURNISH (GFM): Items 1A (Questionnaires), 5A and 6A thru 6B (Envelopes) - File
Transfer on Microsoft Office 365 - base OneForm Designer Plus (Amgraf, Inc.) Software 8.4 then saved and
submitted using Adobe Acrobat XI in Portable Document Format (PDF) generated by Adobe Acrobat XI. Items
4A and 4B (Letters) - PDF files created on Microsoft Word for Microsoft 365 MSO (16.0.13801.20772) 64-bit.
All printer fonts will be embedded within the PDF files.
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 must have the following on hand:
* The latest version of the: USPS Domestic Mail Manual
* The latest version of the USPS Publication 25, Designing Letter and Reply Mail, November 2018
* The latest version of the USPS, Quick Service Guide 507a; Business Reply Mail Layout
Guidelines (S507.9.8).
* The latest version of the USPS Notice 67 USPS July 2009 (transparent template)
* Gage-Line Optical Comparator 6x (Gage-Line Company) or equivalent.
* Hand Held Barcode Reader 4600G or equivalent, verify IMB on 5C
* Time/Date Stamp Machine
Government Representatives at every location where any production operations will occur, including all
subcontractor locations, must be furnished the following:
* Office space with a desk and 2 (two) worktables, telephone capable of receiving and making
outside telephone calls including long distance capability. The contractor will be reimbursed for any
charges toll 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).
* Unlimited access to Internet access or high- speed (T1, Broadband) Internet access and a printer.
* For Press Sheet Inspections, the contractor/subcontractor(s) shall make available a space with
standard lighting conditions for the Government Representatives to review product samples (i.e.,
PIA/GATF 5000K).
Electronic Prepress: 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, median damage to data corruption that might interfere with proper file imaging must be reported to the
contract administrator. Contractor must notify the Government as soon as necessary in order 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. Output must be
generated on high-resolution image processors with minimum 2400 dpi & minimum 150-line screen.

Page 7 of 24 Jacket 440-979
NOTE: Unless waived by the Government, contractor will be required to print a small symbol within the trim area
on each signature; which will be honed off after color standards are established and approved during the press
sheet inspection.
PROOFS: All packages containing proofs must be marked "Attn: Geraldene Cochrane and Tammy Kirkley"
and contain a brightly colored sticker stating "Proofs - Do Not Delay."
All Items - Four (4) sets of digital color content proofs. Direct to plate must be used to produce the final
product with a minimum of 2400x2400 dpi.Proofs must be created using the same Raster Image Processor
(RIP) that will be used to produce the product. Proofs shall be collated with all elements in proper position (not
pasted up), imaged face and back, trimmed, and folded to the finished size of the product. NOTE: Proofs for
envelopes must indicate die- cutting, gum/adhesive areas, seams, windows, flaps and security tints. Proofs for
envelopes must also show un- constructed outline of envelope, including flap.
AND
Item 1A (Questionnaires) Only - Four (4) sets of inkjet proofs that are G7 profiled and use pigment-based inks.
A proofing RIP that provides an option for high quality color matching (such as Device Links Technology
and/or ICC Profiles Technology), and meets or exceeds industry tolerance to ISO 12647-7 Standard for Graphic
Technology (as of 3/19/09, and future amendments) must be utilized plus GRACoL 2006 Coated #1
specifications (CGATS TR006) must be achieved. Output must be a minimum of 720 x 720 dpi on a GRACoL
or SWOP certified proofing media. Proofs must contain the following color control strip to be evaluated for
accuracy: IDEAlliance ISO 12647-7 Control Strip 2009 or 2013(i1).
Proofs must contain color control bars (such as Brunner, GATF, GRETAG, or RIT) for each color of ink on
the sheet. Control bars must be placed parallel to the press's ink rollers and must show areas consisting of
minimum 1/8 x 1/8" solid color patches; tint patches of 25, 50 and 75%; dot gain scale; and gray balance
patches for process color (if applicable). These areas must be repeated consecutively across the sheet.
The make and model number of the proofing system utilized shall be furnished with the proofs. These proofs
must contain all elements, be in press configuration, and indicate margins. Proofs will be used for color match
on press. Direct to plate must be used to produce the final product with a minimum of 2400 x 2400 dpi.
AND
Ten (10) (8 1/2 x 11") sheets of each type of paper stock for each item the contractor intends to use in the final
production.
If any contractor's errors are serious enough in the opinion of the GPO to require revised proofs, the revised proofs
are to be provided at no expense to the Government. No extra time can be allowed for these additional
proofs. Such operations must be accomplished within the original production schedule allotted in the
specifications.
The contractor must not print prior to receipt of an "O.K. to print."
Proof Submission and Approval:
Submit four (4) sets of content proofs of all items, four (4) G7 Inkjet proofs for 1A Questionnaires only, and
ten (10) sheets of each type of paper stock samples along with the return shipping label to the Census Bureau,
1201 E 10th Street, Building 61 Bay D, Jeffersonville, IN 487130, Attn: Tammy Kirtley (812-218-2210).
Outside of package must be marked "PROOFS - URGENT DELIVERY" on a florescent label. Inside delivery
required prior to 3:30 pm. Contractor must ship via traceable means. Furnished proof label must be filled in by
the contractor and used on all proof packages.
Contractor SHALL call GPO Contract Compliance at 202-512-0520, or e-mail information to
compliance@gpo.gov , immediately upon sending/delivering proofs and immediately upon notification that the
proofs are available for pickup at the department. If any contractor's errors are serious enough in the opinion of the
GPO to require revised proofs, the revised proofs are to be provided at no expense to the Government. No extra
time will be allowed for these additional proofs. Such operations must be accomplished within the original
production schedule allotted in the specifications.
PAPER SAMPLES FOR QUESTIONNAIRE ONLY: Prior to commencement of any production of the
contract production quantity and for each paper manufacturing run, the contractor shall submit to the Government,
not less than 50 blank paper samples in original, unaltered condition to be used in the production of the contract

Page 8 of 24 Jacket 440-979
requirements for Items 1A (White Opacified Offset Book, basis weight 50 lbs. per 500 sheets, 25 x 38", equal to
JCP Code A80). Each sample shall be approximately 8-1/2 x 11" and must be of the kind and quality required
by the specifications.
NOTE: Sampling shall be conducted in accordance with the current edition of the standard method described
in TAPPI T-400, Sampling and Accepting a Single Lot of Paper, Paperboard, Containerboard, or Related
Product.
A covering document shall accompany each sample set and must include the following information: A) the
GPO Jacket Number; B) the mill or manufacturing run number; C) the manufacturer's test data obtained at regular
intervals throughout the manufacturing run (for ALL properties in this specification including CIELAB
measurements, a three- dimensional coloring measurement system); D) a description of the paper; and E) a
statement certifying that sampling was conducted in accordance with TAPPI T-400. The cover document, which
includes the information required control, and quality assurance.
INK DRAW-DOWNS FOR PANTONE 354 (Green) Prior to commencement of any production of the
contract production quantity and for each ink manufacturing run, the contractor shall furnish not less than five
(5) ink draw- downs on the 8-1/2 x 11" paper stock required for Item 1A (Questionnaire). The contractor shall
also furnish the manufacturer's CIELAB data from the lot of ink they are using on a cover sheet identifying
the Purchase Order and Jacket Number.
SUBMIT PAPER AND INK DRAW-DOWNS SAMPLES TO: U.S. Government Publishing Office,
QCPP, Attn: John Carey, 202-512-0542, Room C613, Stop CSPS, 732 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington,
DC 20401. The container and accompanying documentation shall be marked PAPER SAMPLES and shall
include the GPO Purchase Order and Jacket Numbers.
The Government will approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove these samples within three (5) workdays of
the receipt thereof. Approval or conditional approval shall not relieve the contractor from complying
with the specifications and all other terms and conditions of the contract. A conditional approval shall state any
further action required by the contractor. A notice of disapproval shall state the reasons 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 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. 6-01)).
Manufacture of the prior to production samples and final product prior to approval of the samples submitted is at
the contractor's risk. Samples will not be returned to the contractor. All costs, including the costs of all samples,
shall be included in the contract price for the production quantity.
Following approval of the paper, ink, and proofs, contractor must notify GPO at least three (3) workdays prior to
press run of the prior to production samples. The contractor must not produce prior to production samples prior to
receipt of an "OK to print for proofs, paper and ink samples."
PRIOR TO PRODUCTION SAMPLES: After approval of the paper and ink samples and proofs, the
contractor shall submit not less than 150 printed samples of Items 1A (saddle-wire stitched, trimmed, and
folded to final size) PLUS 10 printed samples each of Items 4A, 4B, 5A , 6A, and 6B (die-cut and constructed in
accordance with the specifications). All samples must be printed and must be of the size, kind, and quality that

Page 9 of 24 Jacket 440-979
the contractor will furnish, and must comply with these specifications. These samples MUST be produced on
the exact equipment and in the facility proposed to be used for the final production run. Samples will be
inspected and tested and must comply with the specifications as to construction, kind, and quality of materials.
In addition, samples of Items 1A will be tested on the specified scanner.
Submit all Prior to Production Samples for Items 1A, 4A,4B,5A, 6A, and 6B to: Census Bureau, 1201 E 10th
Street, Building 61 Bay D, Jeffersonville, IN 487130, Attn: Tammy Kirtley (812-218-2210).
The containers and accompanying documentation are to be marked "PRIOR TO PRODUCTION SAMPLES"
and are to include the GPO Purchase Order and Jacket Numbers. The samples must be submitted in sufficient
time to allow seven (5) workdays for Government testing of the samples, followed by production and shipment in
accordance with the shipping schedule.
NOTE: The contractor is to deliver all samples via traceable means.
The Government will approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove these samples within five (5) workdays.
Approval or conditional approval will not relieve the contractor from complying with the specifications, and all of
the other terms and conditions of the contract. A conditional approval shall state any further action required
by the contractor. A notice of disapproval will state the reasons, therefore.
If the Government disapproves of the samples, the Government may require the contractor to submit
additional samples for inspection under the time, 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 that the 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 CO shall automatically extend the shipping schedule in accordance with article 12
"Notice of Compliance with Schedules" of contract clauses in GPO Contract Terms (GPO Publication 310.2,
effective December 1, 1987 (Rev. 6-01)).
Manufacture of the final product prior to approval of the samples submitted is at the contractor's risk. Samples
will not be returned to the contractor. All costs, including the costs of all samples shall be included in the
contract price for the production quantity.
PRESS SHEET INSPECTIONS (Prior to Production Samples for Items 1A (Questionnaires), 4A and
4B (Letters ), 5A, 6A, 6B (Envelopes), AND Final Production of ALL items): Final make ready
press sheets may be inspected and approved at the contractor's plant for the purpose of establishing
specified standards for use during the actual press run. Upon approval of the sheets, contractor is charged
with maintaining those standards throughout the press run (within QATAP tolerances when applicable) and with
discarding all make ready sheets that preceded approval. See GPO Publication 315.3 (Guidelines for
Contractors Holding Press Sheet Inspections) issued June 2003. 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 control bars for each color of ink on the sheet. Control bars must be placed parallel to the
press' 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 (such as, BRUNNER, GATF, GRETAG, or RIT); and gray balance patches for
process color (if applicable). These areas must be repeated across the entire press sheet.
BINDING INSPECTIONS (Prior to Production Samples for Item 1A AND Final Production of ALL
items): Binding operations (trimming, stitching, and folding,) will be inspected and approved at contractor's
plant for quality conformance.

Page 10 of 24 Jacket 440-979
CONVERSION/CONSTRUCTION OF ENVELOPE INSPECTION (For Prior to Production Samples
AND
Final Production of ALL items: The conversion/construction of the envelopes will be inspected at the
contractor's (or subcontractor's) plant to ensure that the envelopes are in conformance with these
specifications.
GATHERING/ASSEMBLY AND INSERTION INSPECTION: The gathering, assembly, and insertion of
ALL mailing packages will be inspected at the contractor's (or subcontractor's) plant to ensure that the
envelopes are in conformance with these specifications.
PRESS SHEET, BINDING, ENVELOPE CONVERSION/CONSTRUCTION, AND
GATHERING/ ASSEMBLY, AND INSERTING INSPECTIONS: Government representatives have
the option to attend inspections for all production phases, including subcontractor operations. Prior to
conducting press sheet, binding, envelope conversion/construction, and gathering/assembly/inserting
inspections, the contractor shall provide the Government with at least three (3) workdays (between the
hours 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., prevailing Eastern Time, Monday through Friday). The contractor shall not
begin printing, finishing, envelope conversion or assembly inspections, without an OK'd Sheet/Form for
each item, unless otherwise agreed upon before the production run. The contractor shall not begin any new
phase of production until the Government inspects and gives approval. The Government reserves the right
to waive any inspection.
NOTE: When these supplies are not ready at the time specified by the contractor for inspection or test, or
an unreasonable amount of time, is taken to produce satisfactory press sheets, imaged sheets, finished products,
etc. (i.e., more than 2 hours) the CO will charge the contractor for any additional cost of the inspection or test.
The CO will also charge the contractor for any additional cost of the inspection or test when prior inspection makes
re-inspection or retest necessary.
GATHERING/ASSEMBLING AND INSERTING SEQUENCE: Strict attention is required when
gathering individual component items, taking care that the specified items are inserted in the appropriate
package type. The top half of page 1 of the questionnaire must face the open window and be visible through
the window of the outgoing envelopes. Items must be gathered in sequence indicated below, with the 8-
1/2" folded edge of the letter, the questionnaire and the flap fold of the return envelope inserted adjacent to
the bottom fold of the outgoing envelope. Top half of the letter must face the seam side (back after
construction) of the outgoing envelope. The folded edge of the return envelope should be placed toward the
bottom of the outgoing envelope. Form number on questionnaire address area must show through the
window of the outgoing envelope. All items inserted into envelopes must be jogged to the bottom and right
side of the envelope.
NOTE: Sealing of the outgoing envelopes must not affect the adhesive on the return envelopes nor cause
damage to the inserted items (e.g., rippling due to excessive moisture).
PACKAGE ASSEMBLY:
INITIAL MAILOUT PACKAGE . SEAL ALL
Package Quantity
Designation Sealed
Components Inserted into
Initial NACS-01 NACS-01(L1) NACS-A8 NACS-A7.1 825,000
(Item 1A) (Item 4A) (Item 5A) (Item 6A)