FSA/ARC/PLC POSTCARDS

Location:	Federal
Posted:	Apr 27, 2026
Due:	May 4, 2026
Agency:	U.S. Government Publishing Office
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	17 - Aircraft Launching, Landing, and Ground Handling Equipment
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

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460-670 (6-10002)

Specifications by: TN

Reviewed by: W L

Page 1 of 7

U.S. Government Publishing Office

Government Publishing & Print Procurement

General Terms, Conditions, and Specifications

For the procurement of

FSA/ARC/PLC POSTCARDS

as requisitioned from the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) by the

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

BID OPENING: Bids shall be opened virtually at 11:00 AM, Eastern Time (ET), on May 4, 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.

For information regarding the solicitation requirements prior to award, please contact Theresa Nagel 757-490-7940

Ext. 3 or tnagel@gpo.gov.

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.

Bidders are to fill out, sign/initial, as applicable, Page 7.

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.

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 email, fill out and return one

completed copy of all applicable pages (pgs. 9) that include the Jacket Number, Bid Price, Additional Rate,

Discounts, Amendments, Bid Acceptance Period, and Bidder’s Name and Signature, including signing where

indicated. Valid electronic signatures will be accepted in accordance with the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act,

§ 2. Electronic signatures must be verifiable of the person authorized by the company to sign bids.

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

with these specifications. The price for additional quantities (additional rates) must be based on a continuing run,

exclusive of all basic or preliminary charges, (i.e., running rate not including makeready) and will not be a factor

for determination of award. Bids must be received by the exact date and time specified. Late bids will not be

considered

460-670 (6-10002)

Specifications by: TN

Reviewed by: W L

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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 is printing. Bidder who must subcontract

predominant production function will be declared non-responsible.

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

P-7. Type Quality and Uniformity

P-10. Process Color Match

Specified Standard

Average Type Dimension

Supplied Electronic Media

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

Government reserves the right to conduct an on-site pre-award survey at the contractor's/subcontractor's

facility or to require other evidence of technical, production, managerial, financial, and similar abilities to

perform, prior to the award of a contract. As part of the financial determination, the contractor in line for

award may be required to provide one or more of the following financial documents:

1) Most recent profit and loss statement

2) Most recent balance sheet

3) Statement of cash flows

4) Current official bank statement

5) Current lines of credit (with amounts available)

6) Letter of commitment from paper supplier(s)

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.

NOTE: Prior to award the apparent low vendor must be able to show ability to produce the product in

question and may be asked to supply samples of similar items.

460-670 (6-10002)

Specifications by: TN

Reviewed by: W L

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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

Vendors are expected to submit invoices within 30 days of job shipping/delivery.

MODS: If any additional costs are incurred during the production of this job due to Government action

(i.e. AAs), contractor is REQUIRED to submit written request to the Printing Specialist for written

approval BEFORE proceeding.

Only a warranted GPO Contracting Officer acting within their appointed limits, has the authority to issue

modifications or otherwise change the terms and conditions of this contract. If an individual other than

the GPO Contracting Officer attempts to make changes to the terms and conditions of this contract, you

shall not proceed with the change and shall immediately notify the GPO Contracting Officer.

Proceeding with any work not authorized by the GPO Contracting Officer will be at the Contractor’s

own risk.

PRIVACY ACT NOTIFICATION: This procurement action requires the contractor to do one or more of the

following: design, develop, or operate a system of records on individuals to accomplish an agency function in

accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, Public Law 93-579, December 31, 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) and

applicable agency regulations. Violation of the Act may involve the imposition of criminal penalties.

-------------------------------------PRIVACY ACT-------------------------------

(a) The contractor agrees:

(1) to comply with the Privacy Act of l974 and the rules and regulations issued pursuant to the Act in the

design, development, or operation of any system of records on individuals in order to accomplish an agency

function when the contract specifically identifies (i) the system or systems of records and (ii) the work to be

performed by the contractor in terms of any one or combination of the following: (A) design, (B) development,

or (C) operation;

(2) to include the solicitation notification contained in this contract in every solicitation and resulting

subcontract and in every subcontract awarded without a solicitation when the statement of work in the proposed

subcontract requires the design, development, or operation of a system of records on individuals to accomplish

an agency function; and

(3) to include this clause, including this paragraph (3), in all subcontracts awarded pursuant to this contract

which require the design, development, or operation of such a system of records.

(b) In the event of violations of the Act, a civil action may be brought against the agency involved where the

violation concerns the design, development, or operation of a system of records on individuals to accomplish

an agency function, and criminal penalties may be imposed upon the officers or employees of the agency where

the violation concerns the operation of a system of records on individuals to accomplish an agency function.

For purposes of the Act when the contract is for the operation of a system of records on individuals to

accomplish an agency function, the contractor and any employee of the contractor is considered to be an

employee of the agency.

(1) "Operation of a system of records" means performance of any of the activities associated with

maintaining the system of records including the collection, use, and dissemination of records.

460-670 (6-10002)

Specifications by: TN

Reviewed by: W L

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(2) "Record" means any item, collection or grouping of information about an individual that is maintained by

an agency, including, but not limited to, his education, financial transactions, medical history, and criminal or

employment history and that contains his name, or the identifying number, symbol, or other identifying

particular assigned to the individual, such as a finger or voice print or a photograph.

(3) "System of records" on individuals means a group of any records under the control of any agency from

which information is retrieved by the name of the individual or by some identifying number, symbol, or other

identifying particular assigned to the individual.

PREDOMINANT PRODUCTION FUNCTION: The predominant production function is printing. This

function may NOT be subcontracted. Contractors who subcontract this function will be declared non-

responsible.

TIME CRITICAL: This is a time-critical order. For the purpose of this contract, the provision in GPO

Contract Terms Pub. 310.2 (Rev. 6-01) for schedule extensions does not apply. No automatic extensions of

schedules will be made. All interested contractors must commit to the original schedule.

PRODUCT: FSA/ARC/PLC POSTCARDS

TITLE: FSA/ARC/PLC LETTERS

QUANTITY: 3,753,960 approximate address records

SIZES: 4 x 6”

GOVERNMENT TO FURNISH (GFM): Receive via email/Agency site/Contractor FTP after award.

One (1) Purchase order. Contractor will be required to download the artwork files from a link to the USDA

CloudVault or at agency option, files to be uploaded to Contractor FTP. Multiple agency files will be provided

for production. Contractor must convert any color to black/grayscale, rotate pages as needed, and add blanks

as need to maintain proper pagination.

Contractor can download the "Labeling and Marking Specifications" form (GPO Form 905, R. 7-15) from

gpo.gov, fill in appropriate blanks, and attach to shipping containers.

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

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

specifications.

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

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

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

must be reported to the contract administrator.

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

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

necessary to meet the assigned quality level.

Government will make all minor and major revisions as required. GPO imprint is waived and must not

print on the finished product.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Mailing consists of one face and back postcard that prints 4-color process type and line matter with

illustrations, bleeds uncommon. Contractor responsible for creating bleeds. Match sample. Face contains

agency paid mailing permit.

460-670 (6-10002)

Specifications by: TN

Reviewed by: W L

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Note: Each postcard will have data varying in length consisting of a return address with approximately 4

lines of black type and a TO: address with approximately 4 lines varying address in black type.

Must be imaged directly on the pieces using laser imaging or high-quality ink jet imaging (minimum 240 x

240 dpi). Personalization (see template) for variable data. Contractor must take care that the image is clear

and sharp, appropriate to the space, and is in compliance with all Postal Service regulations for address

standardization and must meet the Postal Service regulations. Contractor is responsible for any file

conversions to meet these requirements. Contractor must check this prior to any production of the pieces.

LIST PROCESSING:

Extensive file manipulation is required. For example, on each of the PDF records a name and address are

currently in the address block. The contractor must export out that data in order to process it through postal

software and then re-import it with the corrected address, intelligent mail barcode, etc., maintaining proper

accuracy and integrity of the file.

All copies mailed must conform to the appropriate regulations in the U.S. Postal Service manuals for

"Domestic Mail" and "International Mail" as applicable. The contractor is responsible for completing all

forms required by Postal Service for this type and class of mail and complying with all Postal Service

regulations.

The contractor will be responsible to provide all materials and operations, including but not exclusive to

addressing, sorting, bundling, packaging, and documentation forms necessary to comply with all U.S. Postal

Service regulations to achieve the lowest First-Class Mail rate. Addresses/records are not in Zip code

sequence.

The contractor will be required to accurately complete all appropriate mailing statements required by the

U.S. Postal Service.

The contractor must prepare mailings to maximize presort discounts and comply with USPS mailing

requirements for automation compatible mail in effect at the time of mailing.

The contractor must pass entire address file against a USPS Code Accuracy Support System (CASS) certified

software address hygiene program. Contractor's software must also be Presort Accuracy Validation and

Evaluation (PAVE) certified. Contractor is responsible for meeting USPS move requirements by passing file

against the National Change of Address Link (NCOA Link) file using a USPS Full Service Provider.

The contractor's mail processing software must correct addresses with the most current information from

USPS databases. To provide the highest level of readability for the post office, the software must standardize

abbreviations and fonts and add ZIP+4 codes and barcodes. Contractor's software must be CASS certified

through NCOA at least three times per year.

Contractor will ensure that USPS screening for deliverability is performed prior to mailing. This address

verification includes a check against the National Change of Address (NCOA) Mailing list. Any addresses

found to be undeliverable will be identified during USPS screening. Outbound mail found to be deliverable is

sorted by the contractor according to USPS specifications in order to obtain the best applicable postage rates.

All possible methods to determine if the mailing addresses are accurate must be utilized. Any addresses that

are determined to be undeliverable must be pulled from the file and a spreadsheet with those addresses found

either to be undeliverable or changes of address must be forwarded to: samuell.johnson@usda.gov and cc:

tnagel@gpo.gov.

After all mail list processing is completed, a piece must be mailed to each destination. Contractor must

maintain 100% accountability in the accuracy of imaging and mailing of all pieces throughout run. The

This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.

FSA/ARC/PLC POSTCARDS

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