2027 Census of Agriculture

Location:	Federal
Posted:	Sep 1, 2026
Due:	Sep 4, 2026
Agency:	U.S. Government Publishing Office
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	89 - Subsistence (Food)
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

Program/Jacket Number: 441-203
Title: 2027 Census of Agriculture
Bid Opening Date: September 4, 2026
Contract Type: One-Time Bid
Scope: 2027 Census of Agriculture, cover the production of an 8 page questionnaire and (three) 24 page questionnaires. Additional items include - four 4 instruction sheets (4-page), seven letters (face and back), (seven) return envelopes and 14 outgoing envelopes assembled into 15 different mailing package configurations. Production require such operations as printing in single and two-colors, envelope printing and construction, binding, gathering items into sets, inserting into outgoing envelopes, packing, and distribution. In addition, 10 envelopes to be produced with no package assembly required.
Quantity: 45363000
Ship/Deliver Date: August 17, 2027
Files: 441203 Specs

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Specifications by SG

Page 1 of 28

Reviewed by GPO

Jacket 441-203

Census Requisition 6-00265

BID OPENING: Bids shall be opened virtually at 11am, Eastern Time (ET), on September 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.

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 must fill out, sign/initial, as applicable,

and return pages 27 & 28.

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 attributed 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 email, 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 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.

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 2027 Census of Agriculture, cover the production of an 8 page questionnaire and

(three) 24 page questionnaires. Additional items include - four 4 instruction sheets (4-page), seven letters (face and

back), (seven) return envelopes and 14 outgoing envelopes assembled into 15 different mailing package configurations

utilizing the items listed on pages 3-5 herein. Production require such operations as printing in single and two-colors,

envelope printing and construction, binding, gathering items into sets, inserting into outgoing envelopes, packing, and

distribution. In addition, 10 envelopes to be produced with no package assembly required.

Page 2 of 28

Jacket 441-203

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

NOTE: After removal of the stitches, all questionnaires (no stitching on item 1C) 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, onpage23) 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 Census 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.

NOTE: The Government Representatives may affix stickers to the cartons and /or pallets for internal

Census 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.

Page 3 of 28

Jacket 441-203

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

QUESTIONNAIRES

27-A100

27-A101

Quantity Specifications

7,569,000

32,000

Format: 8-1/2 x 11”; 24 page self-covered; prints head to head,

face and back (no blanks). See instructions for folding under

Folding Requirements herein, on page 6.

Inks: (1A, 1B & 1D) 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. Single leaves connected with lip (i.e., binding

stub) to left or right side of stitches are not allowed.

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.

27-A101(PR)SP 63,000

27-A400

INSTRUCTION SHEETS

27-A01(I)

27-A01(H)(I)

Format: 8-1/2 x 11; 8 page self-covered; prints head-to-head,

1,624,000 face and back (no blanks). See instructions for folding under

Folding Requirements herein, on page 6.

Inks: (1C) Black and Pantone Process Cyan U

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. Single leaves connected with lip (i.e., binding

stub) to left or right side of stitches are not allowed.

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.

6,973,000

37,000

Format: 17 x 14” (Item 3D: 8-1/2 x 14); Single sheet, Prints two

(2)-sides, head-to-head. Folds to 8-1/2 x 4-2/3”

Ink: Black

Stock: White Opacified Offset Book, basis weight: 40 lbs. per 500

sheets, 25 x 38", equal to JCP Code A80.

27-A01(PR)SP(I) 61,000

27-A400(I)

LETTERS

1,623,000

Page 4 of 28

27-A01(L1)

27-A01(L3)

27-A01(L4)

27-A01(L1A)

27-A01(L5)

27-A1(PR)L1

27-A1(PR)L3

RETURN ENVELOPES

27-A8

27-A8(H)

27-A8(S)

27-A8(PR)

27-A8(NML)

27-A8(BL)

27-A8(A)

OUTGOING ENVELOPES

27-A7.1

27-A7.2

27-A7.3

27-A7 (GR)

27-A7(NML)

27-A7(BL)

27-A7(UAA)

27-A7.1(PR)

27-A7.2(PR)

Jacket 441-203

3,298,000

2,104,000

1,965,000

Format: 8-1/2 x 11”; Single sheet, Prints two (2)-sides, head to

head. See instructions for folding under Folding Requirements

herein,1 see pages 6-7

Ink: Black

Stock: White Opacified Offset Book, basis weight: 40 lbs. per 500

sheets, 25 x 38", equal to JCP Code A80.

60,000

1,730,000

27,000

39,000

6,973,000

21,000

1,620,000

61,000

73,000

80,000

50,000

Format: 9-1/4 x 5-7/8” plus flap.

-Items 5A, 5B, 5C, 5 D , 5 E and 5G 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.

-Item 5F prints one (1) side only on the back before manufacture, a

message to show through the window (the message “Make sure

the barcode shows…”).

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.

Open 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. DO NOT COVER WINDOW.

3,038,000

1,979,000

3,447,000

71,000

74,000

80,000

55,000

27,000

34,000

Format: 6-1/16 x 10”, plus flap.

-Items 6A, 6D, 6E, 6G, and 6H: Print one (1) side only (outside

of envelope prior to construction) in Black ink only. After

manufacture, image appears on the side opposite the seams (front of

envelope).

-Items 6B, 6C, and 6I: 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 manufacture, image appears on the

side opposite the seams (front of envelope).

-Item 6F - Blank. No printing required.

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.

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.

Page 5 of 28

27-A7.1(P)

211,000

27-A7.2/3(P) 229,000

27-A7(BL)P

7,000

27-A7.1(MU) 15,000

27-A7.2/3(MU) 13,000

Jacket 441-203

Format: 9 x 11-3/4”, plus flap.

-Item 6J: Prints one (1) side only (outside of envelope prior to

construction) in Black ink only. After manufacture, image appears

on the side opposite the seams (front of envelope).

-Item 6K: Prints one (1) side only (outside of envelope prior to

construction) in Black and Pantone 199 (Red) (One (1) typeline

prints in red ink). After manufacture, image appears on the side

opposite the seams (front of envelope).

-Item 6L: Blank. No printing required

Stock: Kraft (bleached white) envelopes, basis weight: 24 lbs. per

500 sheets, 17 x 22" with a minimum bursting strength of 38 lbs. per

square inch, equal to JCP Code V10.

Covered windows: Die cut 4-1/2 x 2-3/4” with four (4) round

corners. Location of the window 2” from the top and 1-3/8” from

the right edge of envelope.

Format: 9-1/2 x 12”, plus flap

Stock: Kraft (bleached white) envelopes, basis weight: 28 lbs. per

500 sheets, 17 x 22" with a minimum bursting strength of 44 lbs. per

square inch, equal to JCP Code V10.

-Item 6M: Print one (1) side only (outside of envelope prior to

construction) in Black ink only. After manufacture, image appears

on the side opposite the seams (front of envelope).

-Item 6N: 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 manufacture, image appears on the side

opposite the seams (front of envelope).

No windows required.

*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 Census 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 Census 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 thru 1D (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 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

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2027 Census of Agriculture

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