ASVAB Exploring Career Guide (DD Form 1304-5WB)

Specifications by EB Jacket 432-953
Page 1 of 8 DLA
Reviewed by Requisition 5-321315W-940564
BID OPENING: Bids shall be opened virtually at 1pm Eastern Time (ET), on April 20, 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 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 8.
For information regarding the solicitation requirements prior to award and for contract administration
after award, contact Eric Battle at ebattle@gpo.gov or 312-353-3916 ext. 5.
ADDITIONAL EMAILED BID SUBMISSION PROVISIONS: The Government will not be
responsible for any failure attributable to the transmission or receipt of the e-mailed 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.
(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.
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 (revised 9-19).
GPO Contract Terms (GPO Publication 310.2) - https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/forms-and-
standardsfiles-for-vendors/contractterms2018.pdf.
SUBCONTRACTING: Accordingly, Contract Clause 6, "Subcontracts," the provisions of GPO
Contract Terms (GPO Publication 310.2, effective December 1, 1987 (Rev. 01-18) are modified to
permit subcontracting of the binding operations only.
NOTE: Any operations or functions that will be subcontracted for the performance of this contract must
be disclosed prior to award. As part of the responsibility, the Government may evaluate the capability of

Page 2 of 8 Jacket 432-953
any subcontractor(s) to be utilized in the performance of this contract.
PREDOMINANT PRODUCTION FUNCTION: The predominant production function is offset
printing. This function may NOT be subcontracted. Contractors who subcontract this function will be
declared not responsible.
GPO QATAP (GPO Publication 310.1) - https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/forms-and-
standards-files-for-vendors/qatap-rev-09-19.pdf.
PRODUCT: Saddle-Stitch Career Guidebooks with glued in NCR form
TITLE: ASVAB Exploring Career Guide (DD Form 1304-5WB)
QUANTITY: 500,002 (includes 200 Departmental Random "Blue Label" Copies) plus 50 QARCS. Plus
50 QARCs and two (2) sets of Digital Deliverables
TRIM SIZE: Book Constructed size: 17 x 11"; folded to 8-1/2 x 11"
FYI Form: 16 x 10-1/2" flat, folded to 8 x 10-1/2" included is a 34" stub
PAGES: 32 pages plus separate wraparound cover.
GOVERNMENT TO FURNISH: via email and GPO File Sharing Site after award.
One (1) Purchase Order
One (1) Zip File containing all production files.
One (1) InDesign File, Links, Text, High Resolution Print PDF.
GPO Form 892 (R. 12/17) Proofs
GPO Form 2678 (departmental random copies-blue label).
GPO Form 917 (Certificate of Selection).
GPO Form 915 (Business Reply Label).
GPO Form 2686 QARC Random copies sampling & shipping instructions.
Contractor to 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.
Minimum 175-line screens required.
PROOFS:

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E-MAIL PROOFS (indicate margins): CONTRACTOR MUST NOT PRINT PRIOR TO RECEIVING
AN "OK TO PRINT". One set of E-Mailed Electronic Page Proofs. 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.
E-Mailed proofs (marked with Jacket/Req. Number plus return name and E-Mail address) directly to the
Agency at Jerad.Vogt@dla.mil and ebattle@gpo.gov. Contractor must call GPO Contract Compliance
Section at (202) 512-0520 immediately upon E-Mailing proofs and immediately upon receiving the
returned proofs (or OK E-Mail) back from the Department. Proofs will be withheld not more than (3)
workdays from receipt at the Department to receipt in the contractor's plant.
AFTER EMAIL PROOFS APPROVAL
Prior to the commencement of production of the contract production quantity, the contractor shall
submit samples to: HQ USMEPCOM, ATTN: J-3 (Jaime Clayton), 2834 Green Bay Road, North
Chicago, IL 60064-3091. Two (2) samples will be tested for conformance of material(s). Two (2)
samples will be tested for usage on the specified equipment and/or for construction. The container and
accompanying documentation shall be marked PREPRODUCTION SAMPLES and shall include the
GPO jacket, purchase order, and Req. No. The samples must be submitted in sufficient time to allow
Government testing of the samples and production and shipment in accordance with the shipping
schedule.
The printer must furnish the government with 2 final master CDROM sets in original formats and digital
deliverables (after any editorial or production changes have been completed). Send these to HQ
USMEPCOM, Attn: J-3 (Ms. Clayton), 2834 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064-3091. Prior to
bindery and shipping, 10 approval copies must be received NLT 5 days prior to actual bindery and
shipping. Mail approval copies to HQ USMEPCOM, Attn: J-3 (Ms. Clayton), 2834 Green Bay Road,
North Chicago, IL 60064-3091.
Approval must be given before shipping begins. The Government will approve, conditionally approve,
or disapprove the samples within (3) 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 therefor.
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 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 shall automatically extend the shipping schedule in
accordance with Contract Clause 12, "Notice of Compliance with Schedules," of GPO Contract Terms

Page 4 of 8 Jacket 432-953
(GPO Publication 310.2, effective December 1, 1987 (Rev. 01-18)). Manufacture of the final product
prior to approval of the sample submitted is at risk of the contractor. 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. All samples shall be manufactured at the facilities in which the contract production
quantities are to be manufactured.
Proofs will NOT be returned. Contractor to accept approval via email.
THE CONTRACTOR MUST NOT PRINT PRIOR TO RECEIPT OF AN "OK TO PRINT".
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-standards-pdf-
files/vol_13.PDF.
Book Cover: L50, Matte-Coated Cover, Basis Size 20 X 26" Basis Weight 80lb
Book Text: JCP Code* A240, Matte-Coated Text, Basis Size 25 X 38" Basis Weight 70lb
FYI Form: JCP Code* O80, Carbonless Bond; White and Colors, Basis Size 17 X 22" Basis Weight 20lb
Form: Part 1: White Carbonless Bond, Spot CB, grammage 75 g/m2 (basis weight: 20 lbs. per 500 sheets,
17 x 22"), equal to JCP Code O-80, with exception to weight.
Form: Part 2: White Carbonless Bond, Spot CF, grammage 75 g/m2 (basis weight: 20 lbs. per 500 sheets,
17 x 22"), equal to JCP Code O-80, with exception to weight.
Grain must run parallel to spine. Cracks and wrinkles are unacceptable. See also "Binding" herein.
All paper and materials used in each copy must be of a uniform shade. All paper and materials used in
printing and binding this publication must come from the same lot.
White bond paper that matches the carbonless paper in color as close as possible. This would have the
files ASVAB_FYI_front.ai and ASVAB_FYI_percentile.ai printed front and back.
Form: Part 3: White Bond, grammage 75 g/m2 (basis weight: 20 lbs. per 500 sheets, 17 x 22"), equal to
JCP Code G-10. Contractor to match shade of white to carbonless as closely as possible.
PRINTING: Must be printed on a press capable of printing all ink colors in a single pass through the
press (minimum of four printing units).
DIGITAL PRINTING IS NOT ACCEPTABLE
Cover: Covers 1 thru 4 print face and back (head to head) type/rule matter, photos, illustrations, and
screens/solids in 4-color process with some type reversing out to appear white. All covers bleed. After
printing, apply a clear, non-yellowing matte aqueous coating over the entire surface of covers 1-4 and
spine to prevent scratching and smearing.
Text: Prints type/rule matter, photos, illustrations, and screens/solids head-to-head in 4-color process with
some type reversing out to appear white. Text pages have uncommon bleed throughout. Solid areas must
appear completely even and free of any variation, picking, or pinholes. Coverage MUST appear solid and
uniform.
FYI Form: The form is a 3-part set; sets will be joined by a 34" stub at the right and firm glued at the left.
3-part form should be located between the last page and cover.

Page 5 of 8 Jacket 432-953
Part 1 is the page that faces up when the document is open, and the test side faces up. Part 1 prints on
carbonless bond, face only in 4-color process, no bleeds. Three spot carbonless areas, CB, to be on the
back of "ASVAB_FY_test.ai" (part 1). Dimensions for the carbonless areas are 9/16 x 6-1/2" in 3 strips.
See sample for placement.
Part 2: Prints on carbonless bond, face only in 4-color process, bleeds at the bottom. Three spot carbonless
areas, CF, to be on the front of "ASVAB_FY_score.ai" (part 2). Dimensions for the carbonless area are
9/16 x 6-1/2" in 3 strips. See sample for placement; must register to part 1 exactly. Transfer to be black in
color. NOTE: Image transfer must be dark and clear. Each part in a set must be legible, and characters
clearly read, when written with pencil or pen. Images to be permanent. Transfer to last at least two years.
Part 3: Prints on white bond (not NCR), that matches the carbonless paper in color as close as possible,
face and back in 4-color process, bleeds on the back head, foot, and right. Files are named
"ASVAB_FYI_front.ai" for the outside cover (back) and "ASVAB_FYI_percentile.ai" for the inside
(face).
Any banding, roller marks, or variation in density within solid areas is not acceptable. Offsetting is not
acceptable.
If the contractor has any questions, concerns, or notices any discrepancies between the furnished material
(including the artwork) and the specifications, IMMEDIATELY contact Eric Battle at ebattle@gpo.gov
or 312-353-3916 ext. 5.
INK: 4-color process - Plus aqueous
MARGINS: Inadequate gripper. Follow electronic files. The contractor is responsible for establishing
margins, for the final trim size selected, to ensure no loss of printed information. Maintain uniform
margins for the page numbers within 3/8" to 12" from the page's edge; the contractor shall adjust for creep
(as necessary) to maintain uniform margins throughout.
BINDING:
Book Saddle-wire stitch in two places along the 11" side and trim 3 sides. Score covers along the spine;
ensure that scored and coated covers do not crack or split at the spine.
Form: Form sets contain 34" perforated glue stub along the 10-1/2" right dimension (when part 1 is facing
up) and must be firmly glued along the 10-1/2" left dimension. The glue and stub must keep the 3 parts
intact.
Fold form in half, to 8 x 10-1/2" with Part 3 to the outside. Follow construction guides furnished.
3-part form should be located between the last page and cover.
The form must be inserted and adhered with a small amount of fugitive glue diameter, cannot be inserted
loose. NOTE: Do not use excessive glue that it will bleed through pages.
PACKING / LABELING:
Pack 50 books (with adhered forms) per carton. Note: Contractor is responsible for packaging product
snug with no room for movement and damage. If necessary, cartons must be packaged with adequate filler
material to protect contents during shipping and storage.
Special care must be taken to ensure the book pages are not damaged during packing and transit.

Page 6 of 8 Jacket 432-953
Protect corners to prevent damage.
Place the words "ASVAB Exploring Careers, DD Form 1304-5WB, July 2025" on each shipping
container.
Mark each carton with Title and quantity within each carton.
Noncompliance with the packing and marking instructions will be cause for the Government to take
corrective action in accordance with GPO Pub. 310.2. Label in accordance with GPO Contract Terms.
Pack suitable in shipping containers not to exceed 45 lbs. when fully packed.
Use only new corrugated or solid fiberboard containers with minimum bursting strength of 275 p.s.i.
QUALITY ASSURANCE LEVELS AND STANDARDS: The following levels and standards shall
apply to these specifications:
Product Quality Levels:
(a) Printing Attributes -- Level II.
(b) Finishing Attributes -- Level II.
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 Approved Proofs / Furnished Electronic Files
P-10. Process Color Match Approved Proofs / Furnished Electronic Files
QUALITY ASSURANCE RANDOM COPIES: The contractor will be required to-execute-a statement
furnished by GPO certifying that copies were selected as directed. 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: Deliver F.O.B. Destination
Contractor must notify the ordering agency on the same day that the product ships/delivers via e-mail sent
to Jerad.Vogt@dla.mii and cc: ebattle@gpo.gov. The subject line of this message shall be "Distribution
Notice for Jacket 432-953, Requisition 5-321315W-940564". 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.
Deliver 500,000 copies (includes 200 Departmental Random "Blue Label" Copies) via traceable means
to: Army Publication Distribution Center. 1655 Woodson Road St. Louis, MO 63114-6181. ATTN:
Receiving (309-903-1106)
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

Page 7 of 8 Jacket 432-953
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
Deliver 1 copy via traceable means to: BAC (C&I) 1523-01, U.S. Government Publishing Office
Federal Depository Library Program, Mail Stop: FDLP 44 H St., NW, Loading Dock Washington, DC
20401. Marked Item No: 0314A29
Deliver 1 copy via traceable means to: BAC (By-Law) 1525-01, Library of Congress U.S. Serials and
Government Documents Section U.S. Anglo Division. 101 Independence Avenue, SE, Stop 4276
Washington, DC 20540-4276 Marked: Depository File Copies.
All expenses incidental to returning materials, submitting proofs, and furnishing samples must be borne
by the contractor.
SCHEDULE: Purchase Order and GFM will be available via email/GPO's FileSharing site after award.
Deliver to arrive at destinations by June 12, 2026. See "Distribution" herein.
If production schedule allows delivery prior to June 12, 2026, is acceptable.
TIME CRITICAL: Notify ebattle@gpo.gov of the delivery status in the morning 2 days prior to the first
shipment to meet the at destination delivery date. 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. Shipments must be made by a carrier that will guarantee delivery at destination within
the specified schedule. Carrier's "targets" in lieu of "guaranteed" deliveries will not be acceptable.
OFFERS: Offers must include the cost of all materials and operations for the total quantity ordered in
accordance with these specifications. In addition, a price must be submitted for each additional 1000
copies. The price for additional quantities must be based on a continuing run, exclusive of all basic or
preliminary charges and will not be a factor for determination of award.
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 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)
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 the time specified by
the Government may result in the Contracting Officer not having adequate information to reach an
affirmative determination of responsibility.
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.

Page 8 of 8 Jacket 432-953
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.
JACKET NUMBER: BID PRICE: ___________________ ADDITIONAL/M
Jacket 432-953 $__________________ $__________________
NOTE: INDIVIDUAL ADDED RATE TO BE PROVIDED PER THE ITEM QUANTITY AND
TRIME SIZE (see herein).
DISCOUNTS: Discounts are offered for payment as follows: _________Percent, _______calendar days.
See Article 12 "Discount" of solicitation Provision 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)

Page 9 of 8 Jacket 432-953
(Signature) (Date)
(Telephone Number) (Email)
Contracting Officer Review: ____________Date: __________ Certifier: ___________Date:
____________
(Initials) (Initials)