W & I Offline Newsletters

Program 2429-S Page 1 of 15
Written by: MP
Reviewed by: LLP
INVITATION FOR BID
U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
Government Publishing & Printing Procurement
GENERAL TERMS, CONDITIONS, AND SPECIFICATIONS
For the Procurement of
W & I Offline Newsletters
as requisitioned from the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) by the
Department of Treasury/IRS
Single Award
TERM OF CONTRACT
The term of this contract is for the period beginning Date of Award through September 30, 2027, plus up to
four (4) optional 12-month extension periods (October 1, 2027 through September 30, 2028; October 1, 2028
through September 30, 2029; October 1, 2029 through September 30 2030; and October 1, 2030 through
September 30, 2031) that may be added in accordance with the "Option to Extend the Term of the Contract"
clause in "Section 1" of this contract.
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 Program Number, company name, 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.
BID OPENING
Bids shall be opened virtually at 11:00 a.m., prevailing Eastern Time (ET), on September 23, 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.
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
These specifications have been revised; therefore, all bidders are cautioned to familiarize themselves with all
provisions of these specifications before bidding.
Abstracts of contract prices are available at: https://www.gpo.gov/how-to-work-with-us/vendors/contract-pricing.
For information of a technical nature, contact Malaysia Peele at mpeele@gpo.gov or (202) 512-2458.

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Program 2429-S (09/27)
SECTION 1. - GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
GPO CONTRACT TERMS
Any contract which results from this Invitation for Bid will be subject to the applicable provisions, clauses, and
supplemental specifications of GPO Contract Terms (GPO Publication 310.2, effective December 1, 1987 (Rev.
01-18)) and GPO Contract Terms, Quality Assurance Through Attributes Program for Printing and Binding (GPO
Publication 310.1, effective May 1979 (Rev. 09-19)).
GPO CONTRACT TERMS (GPO PUBLICATION 310.2)
https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/forms-and-standards-files-for-vendors/contractterms2018.pdf.
GPO QATAP (GPO PUBLICATION 310.1)
https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/forms-and-standards-files-for-vendors/qatap-rev-09-19.pdf.
SUBCONTRACTING
The predominant production function will be printing. Any contractor who cannot perform the predominant
production function will be declared non-responsible.
GPO IMPRINT REQUIREMENTS: The GPO imprint requirement, GPO Contract Terms, Supplemental
Specifications, No. 9, is waived.
QUALITY ASSURANCE LEVELS AND STANDARDS
The following levels and standards shall apply to these specifications:
Product Quality Levels:
(a) Printing (page related) Attributes - Level III
(b) Finishing (item related) Attributes - Level III.
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 Average Type Dimension in Publication
P-9. Solid and Screen Tint Color Match Pantone Matching System
Prior to award, contractor may be required to provide information related to specific equipment that will be used
for production.
EXTENSION OF CONTRACT TERM
At the request of the Government, the term of any contract resulting from this solicitation may be extended for
such period of time as may be mutually agreeable to the GPO and the contractor.
OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT
The Government has the option to extend the term of this contract for a period of 12 months by written notice to

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Program 2429-S (09/27)
the contractor not later than 30 days before the contract expires. If the Government exercises this option, the
extended contract shall be considered to include this clause, except, the total duration of the contract may not
exceed five (5) years (September30, 2031) as a result of, and including, any extension(s) added under this clause.
Further extension may be negotiated under the "Extension of Contract Term" clause. See also "Economic Price
Adjustment" for authorized pricing adjustment(s).
ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT
The pricing under this contract shall be adjusted in accordance with this clause, provided that in no event will any
pricing adjustment be made that would exceed the maximum permissible under any law in effect at the time of the
adjustment. There will be no adjustment for orders placed during the first period specified below. Pricing will
thereafter be eligible for adjustment during the second and any succeeding performance period(s). For each
performance period after the first, a percentage figure will be calculated as described below and that figure will be
the economic price adjustment for that entire next period. Pricing adjustments under this clause are not applicable
to reimbursable postage or transportation costs, or to paper, if paper prices are subject to adjustment by separate
clause elsewhere in this contract.
For the purpose of this clause, performance under this contract will be divided into successive periods. The first
period will extend Date of Award to September 30, 2027, and the second and any succeeding period(s) will
extend for 12 months from the end of the last preceding period, except that the length of the final period may
vary. The first day of the second and any succeeding period(s) will be the effective date of the economic price
adjustment for that period.
Pricing adjustments in accordance with this clause will be based on changes in the seasonally adjusted "Consumer
Price Index For All Urban Consumers - Commodities Less Food" (Index) published monthly in the CPI Detailed
Report by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The economic price adjustment will be the percentage difference between Index averages as specified in this
paragraph. An index called the variable index will be calculated by averaging the monthly Indexes from the
12-month interval ending three (3) months prior to the beginning of the period being considered for adjustment.
This average is then compared to the average of the monthly Indexes for the 12-month interval ending
June 30, 2026, called the base index. The percentage change (plus or minus) of the variable index from the base
index will be the economic price adjustment for the period being considered for adjustment.
The Government will notify the contractor by contract modification specifying the percentage increase or
decrease to be applied to invoices for orders placed during the period indicated. The contractor shall apply the
percentage increase or decrease against the total price of the invoice less reimbursable postage or transportation
costs and separately adjusted paper prices. Payment discounts shall be applied after the invoice price is adjusted.
PREAWARD SURVEY
In order to determine the responsibility of the prime contractor or any subcontractor, the Government reserves the
right to conduct an on-site preaward survey at the contractor's/subcontractor's facility or to require other evidence
of technical, production, managerial, financial, and similar abilities to perform, prior to the award of a contract.
As part of the financial determination, the contractor in line for award may be required to provide one or more of
the following financial documents:
1) Most recent profit and loss statement
2) Most recent balance sheet
3) Statement of cash flows
4) Current official bank statement
5) Current lines of credit (with amounts available)
6) Letter of commitment from paper supplier(s)
7) Letter of commitment from any subcontractor

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Program 2429-S (09/27)
The documents will be reviewed to validate that adequate financial resources are available to perform the contract
requirements. Documents submitted will be kept confidential and used only for the determination of
responsibility by the Government. Failure to provide the requested information in the time specified by the
Government may result in the Contracting Officer not having adequate information to reach an affirmative
determination of responsibility.
ASSIGNMENT OF JACKETS, PURCHASE AND PRINT ORDERS
A GPO jacket number will be assigned and a purchase order issued to the contractor to cover work performed.
The purchase order will be supplemented by an individual print order for each job placed with the contractor. The
print order, when issued, will indicate the quantity to be produced and any other information pertinent to the
particular order.
ORDERING
Items to be furnished under the contract shall be ordered by the issuance of print orders by the Government.
Orders may be issued under the contract from Date of Award through September30, 2027, plus for such
additional period(s) as the contract is extended. All print orders issued hereunder are subject to the terms and
conditions of the contract. The contract shall control in the event of conflict with any print order. A print order
shall be "issued" upon notification by the Government for purposes of the contract when it is electronically
transmitted or otherwise physically furnished to the contractor in conformance with the schedule.
REQUIREMENTS
This is a requirement contract for the items and for the period specified herein. Shipment/delivery of items or
performance of work shall be made only as authorized by orders issued in accordance with the clause entitled
"Ordering". The quantities of items specified herein are estimates only and are not purchased hereby. Except as
may be otherwise provided in this contract, if the Government's requirements for the items set forth herein do not
result in orders in the amounts or quantities described as "estimated", it shall not constitute the basis for an
equitable price adjustment under this contract.
Except as otherwise provided in this contract, the Government shall order from the contractor(s) all the items set
forth which are required to be purchased by the Government activity identified on page 1.
The Government shall not be required to purchase from the contractor(s), requirements in excess of the limit on
total orders under this contract, if any.
Orders issued during the effective period of this contract and not completed within that time shall be completed
by the contractor(s) within the time specified in the order, and the rights and obligations of the contractor(s) and
the Government respecting those orders shall be governed by the terms of this contract to the same extent as if
completed during the effective period of this contract.
If shipment/delivery of any quantity of an item covered by the contract is required by reason of urgency prior to
the earliest date that shipment/delivery may be specified under this contract, and if the contractor(s) will not
accept an order providing for the accelerated shipment/delivery, the Government may procure this requirement
from another source.
The Government may issue orders which provide for shipment/delivery to or performance at multiple
destinations.
Subject to any limitations elsewhere in this contract, the contractor shall furnish to the Government all items set
forth herein which are called for by print orders issued in accordance with the "Ordering" clause of this contract.

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Program 2429-S (09/27)
ADDITIONAL EMAILED BID SUBMISSION PROVISIONS
The Government will not be responsible for any failure attributable to the transmission or receipt of the emailed
bid including, but not limited to, the following:
1. Illegibility of bid.
2. Emails over 75 MB may not be received by GPO due to size limitations for receiving emails.
3. The bidder's email provider may have different size limitations for sending email; however, bidders are
advised not to exceed GPO's stated limit.
4. When the email bid is received by GPO, it will remain unopened until the specified bid opening time.
Government personnel will not validate receipt of the emailed bid prior to bid opening. GPO will use the
prevailing time (specified as the local time zone) and the exact time that the email is received by GPO's
email server as the official time stamp for bid receipt at the specified location.
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 receiving payment.
Instruction for using this method can be found at the following web address:
http://winapps.access.gpo.gov/fms/vouchers/barcode/instructions.html.
Invoices may also be mailed to: U.S. Government Publishing Office, Office of Financial Management, Attn:
Comptroller, Stop: FMCE, Washington, DC 20401.
Contractor's billing invoice must be itemized in accordance with the items in the "Schedule of Prices."
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/agency/billing-and-payment.
In addition, the contractor is required to email a copy of the billing documents (and any supplementary billing
information) to the IRS Media and Publications Analyst indicated on the Print Order. Failure to do so may result in
non-payment.

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Program 2429-S (09/27)
SECTION 2. - SPECIFICATIONS
SCOPE
These specifications cover the production of various saddle-stitched pamphlets requiring such operations as
electronic prepress, printing, binding, packing, and distribution.
TITLE
W & I Offline Newsletters
FREQUENCY OF ORDERS
Approximately 8 - 12 orders per year from each of 8-11 locations - usually issued on a monthly basis.
QUANTITY
Approximately 100 to 1,400 copies per order.
NUMBER OF PAGES
Approximately 8 to 12 pages per order.
TRIM SIZE
8-1/2 x 11"
EXHIBIT
Exhibit "A" (see page 15) is representative of the distribution list(s) which will be furnished under this contract;
however, it cannot be guaranteed that future orders will correspond exactly to this exhibit.
GOVERNMENT TO FURNISH
Electronic media will be furnished as follows:
Platform: Windows
Storage Media: FTP, E-mail, GPO Publish or GPO File Share.
Software: Adobe Acrobat Pro (most current version).
All platform system and software upgrades (for specified applications) which may occur during the term of the
contract must be supported by the contractor.
Fonts will be embedded in the majority of furnished PDF files; however, an occasional order will include files in
which some fonts will not be embedded and must be furnished by the contractor.
The contractor is cautioned that furnished fonts are 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: GPO Imprint information does NOT print on these orders.
Color ID is RGB, CMYK, Black, and/or Pantone/Spot colors. If necessary, contractor to convert all colors to

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Program 2429-S (09/27)
CMYK.
Addresses for distribution will be furnished electronically in a Microsoft Excel file format.
GPO Form 952 (Desktop Publishing - Disk Information) will be furnished.
Identification markings such as register marks, commercial identification marks of any kind, etc., except GPO
imprint, form number, and revision date, carried on copy or in electronic files, must not print on finished product.
CONTRACTOR TO FURNISH
All materials and operations, other than those listed under "Government to Furnish," necessary to produce the
product(s) in accordance with these specifications.
ELECTRONIC PREPRESS
Prior to image processing, the contractor shall perform a basic check (preflight) of the furnished media and
publishing files to assure correct output of the required reproduction image. Any errors, media damage, or data
corruption that might interfere with proper file image processing must be reported to the ordering agency as
specified on the print order.
The contractor shall create or alter any necessary trapping, set proper screen angles and screen frequency, and
define file output selection for the imaging device being utilized. Furnished files must be imaged as necessary to
meet the assigned quality level.
High level digital printing (175 line screen for all CMYK, 1200+ dpi for the balance) output required.
When required by the Government, the contractor shall make minor revisions to the electronic files. It is
anticipated that the Government will make all major revisions.
Prior to making revisions, the contractor shall copy the furnished files and make all changes to the copy. Upon
completion of each order, the contractor must furnish final production native application files (digital
deliverables) with the furnished material. The digital deliverables must be an exact representation of the final
printed product and shall be returned on the same type of storage media as was originally furnished, unless
otherwise specified. The Government will not accept as digital deliverables PostScript files, Adobe Acrobat
Portable Document Format (PDF) files, or any proprietary file formats other than those supplied, unless specified
by the Government. (The Government will accept Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (PDF) files as
digital deliverables when furnished by the Government.)
PROOFS
When required, contractor to submit one "Press Quality" PDF soft proof (for content only) using the same Raster
Image Processor (RIP) that will be used to produce the final printed product. PDF proof will be evaluated for text
flow, image position, and color breaks. Proof will not be used for color match. Contractor must call or email the
Army to confirm receipt, phone number and email address to be provided at the time of award.
Contractor MUST supply a proof sign-off sheet and a return airbill. Also please include a reminder that the
agency can only keep proofs 2 days.
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 this reproofing;
such operations must be accomplished within the original production schedule allotted in the specifications.
The contractor must not print prior to receipt of an "OK to Print."

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Program 2429-S (09/27)
STOCK/PAPER
The specifications of all paper furnished must be in accordance with those listed herein or listed for the
corresponding JCP Code numbers in the "Government Paper Specification Standards No. 13" dated September
2019.
Government Paper Specification Standards No. 13 - https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/forms-and-
standards-files-for-vendors/vol_13.pdf.
Color of paper furnished shall be of a uniform shade and a close match by visual inspection of the JCP and/or
attached color sample(s). The Contracting Officer reserves the right to reject shipments of any order printed on
paper the color of which, in his opinion, materially differs from that of the color sample(s).
White Gloss-Coated Text, Basis Weight: 70 lbs per 500 sheets, 25 x 38", equal to JCP Code A180.
All cover stock must have the grain parallel to the spine.
PRINTING
Pamphlets print full color matter via 4-color process. Print head-to-head.
Facing pages (center spread) will occasionally print to and must align across the bind.
The GPO imprint is waived and must not print on the finished product.
Pamphlets must be printed via offset printing on a minimum 4-color press with one single pass. Digital printing
and inkjet printing are not acceptable.
MARGINS
Follow file setup. No bleeds will be required.
BINDING
Saddle-stitch in 2 places on the 11" left bind dimension. Trim 3 sides. Grain must run parallel to spine, score on
fold to prevent cracking.
PACKING AND LABELING
Shrink-wrap as indicated on the individual print order, anticipate the majority of orders will shrink wrap in units of
100 newsletters. All shipments must be packed in UNIFORM quantities per carton*. *Contractor must NOT deviate
from the specified quantity.
All cartons must be packed solid with a maximum weight of 32 lbs per carton. Pack solid in corrugated or solid
fiber shipping containers, bursting strength: 200p.s.i, minimum. Carton bottoms may be glued, stapled, or sealed
with polyester tape (2 to 3 inches width, not reinforced), minimum 12kNm (65 lbs./inch) traverse tensile strength.
If stapled, the cartons may only be stapled on the bottom and/or side; no staples are to be used on top. Cartons are
to be sealed at the top with paper or polyester tape (2 to 3 inches width, not reinforced). Contractor will determine
exact dimensions of carton in accordance with folded and/or trim size and weight of the product produced. Cartons
must not exceed 17-1/2" (L) x 11-1/2" (W) x 9" (D) in exterior dimensions. NOTE: Packing peanuts/beads are not
acceptable carton fillers.
*In some cases where, there may be one carton with an odd quantity due to the quantity packed per carton not
dividing equally in the quantity ordered. The label for that single carton MUST be labeled accurately with the
carton quantity (see "CARTON LABELING" for electronically correcting label quantity).

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Program 2429-S (09/27)
CARTON LABELING: Contractor must reproduce shipping carton label at 100% on white paper from furnished
PDF file, fill in appropriate fields and securely attach one label to each carton. NOTE: Carton labels contain
barcodes; therefore, dot matrix printing is NOT acceptable.
On cartons shipped via small package carrier (SPC), affix the SPC label on top of carton on the end nearest to IRS
label. On small package carrier (SPC) boxes/envelopes, the IRS label is to be affixed to the top of each package
and the SPC shipping label to the reverse side of the package (this includes advance distributions and IRS samples).
Correct labeling of shipping cartons, in strict accordance with the requirements of these specifications, is essential
to the identification, distribution and warehousing activities of the IRS. Use of any other label is prohibited and may
be cause for rejection of reimbursement for any expenses incurred to correct use of improper labels.
The following must be updated ELECTRONICALLY by the contractor, when not entered by IRS on the PDF label
using Adobe Acrobat. DO NOT MAKE HAND-WRITTEN UPDATES TO THE LABEL UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES.
--Carton # of #
--From Address
--To Address
--Carton Quantity
If requested, the contractor must send an electronic PDF proof of label prior to reproducing.
FAILURE OF THE CONTRACTOR TO COMPLETE THE PDF LABEL ELECTRONICALLY WILL RESULT
IN THE SHIPMENT BEING REJECTED AND RE-LABELED AT THE CONTRACTOR'S EXPENSE.
If a "0" is pre-filled in on the furnished PDF label, then contractor MUST change the "0" to reflect actual quantity
inside cartons. Contractor must ensure that all cartons have the same quantity. The carton count field in the PDF
file is directly linked to the barcode field; therefore, the contractor must press "enter" or "tab" after entering the
quantity in order for the quantity to be reflected in the barcode. All changes to the carton count field MUST be
made in the electronic label (not hand filled in) to whatever the true carton quantity is so that it is reflected on the
label in both the quantity and barcode fields. NOTE: In the case of one carton with an odd quantity due to the
quantity packed per carton not dividing equally into the quantity ordered, the label for that single carton must also
be updated electronically to reflect the true quantity per carton.
Automated "Carton # of #" fields: To print the correct number of labels for each address with sequential carton
numbers, input in the total number of cartons and press "Print Labels" button. Warning: Once the print button is
pressed, printing cannot be canceled. Be sure all information is correct prior to printing labels.
PACKAGING AND PACKING PROBLEMS: In addition to other inspection procedures detailed elsewhere in
these specifications, the contractor is responsible for correcting all packaging and packing problems (i.e. mislabeled
cartons, IRS carton labels not being used or securely attached, cartons not being packed solid, incorrect pallets, or
pallets not being layered correctly). The delivery will either be returned to the contractor to be corrected or the
contractor may be billed by GPO for the amount that accrued in fixing the problem by an outside vendor.
"Mislabeling" means any error on the carton label, which incorrectly states or identifies the title of the form; the
form identification number; or the quantity of forms actually contained in the carton, or has any missing information,
or is not securely attached.

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Program 2429-S (09/27)
LABELING AND MARKING
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.
PACKING LIST: CONTRACTOR MUST PROVIDE A PACKING LIST OR OTHER SUITABLE DOCUMENT TO
ACCOMPANY EACH SHIPMENT (EXCLUDING ONLY THE ENVELOPES AND PACKAGES MAILED WITH A
DEPARTMENTAL PERMIT IMPRINT).
Packing list shall be sealed in a waterproof envelope, secured to the outside of the number one container, and for
truckload shipments, be placed near the tailgate of the trailer. The packing list must show, at a minimum, the
following data for each order included in the shipment:
1) Name and address of consignor and of consignee.
2) Departmental requisition/print order number.
3) Description of material shipped, including:
a. publication number and title, if applicable, and date
b. quantity per container and total quantity
c. number of containers
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 the specifications. The print order will indicate the
number required, if any. When ordered, the contractor must divide the entire order into equal sub-lots 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.
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 copy of the print order must be included.
A U.S. Postal Service approved Certificate of Mailing, identified by GPO program, jacket, and print order
numbers must be furnished with billing as evidence of mailing.
INSPECTION SAMPLES
One copy of each order must be sent to the IRS Media and Publications Analyst at the address indicated on the Print
Order. The inspection samples for all issues printed during the month can be sent in one package. These samples
need to be packed with chip board front and back with shrink wrapped to prevent damage during shipping.
These samples are in addition to the quantity listed on each print order and each distribution list. These samples
cannot be deducted from the total quantity ordered. The package or envelope containing the samples shall be
marked as Inspection Samples and identified by the GPO jacket number, program number, print order number, title,
and include a copy of the print order on which they were ordered. The contractor will comply with the shipping
schedule regardless of this requirement and will be notified of the test results only if there are deficiencies.
DISTRIBUTION
Deliver f.o.b. contractor's city as indicated on the individual print order. Complete addresses and quantities will
be furnished with each print order.
F.O.B. CONTRACTOR'S CITY
All consignments weighing less than 750 pounds must be shipped GROUND (unless otherwise indicated on the