80-26-01 Federal Benefit Guide Book

Specifications by MV, Reviewed by JB Jacket 452-142 through 452-146 & 441-443
Page 1 of 10 REQ: 6-00254 through 6-00258 & 6-01035
BID OPENING: Bids shall be opened virtually at 11:00 AM, Eastern Time (ET), on October 30, 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 submit email bids to bids@gpo.gov for this solicitation. No other method
of bid submission will be accepted at this time.
The Jacket number (452-142S) and bid opening date (October 30, 2026) must be specified in the subject line of
the emailed bid submission. Bids received after the bid opening time/date specified above will not be considered
for award.
ISSUE DATE:
FOR ANY QU EOScTtoIbOeNr S2 6B,E 2F0O2R6.E AWARD CONCERNING THESE SPECIFICATIONS, EMAIL Maxianne
Villalon at mvillalon@gpo.gov.
SPECIFICATIONS
U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO)
Purchase Division
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)).
PRODUCT: This specification is for proofing, printing, binding, packing, and shipping of perfect-bound books by
the dates specified.
TITLE: 80-26-01 Federal Benefit Guide Book
QUALITY LEVEL: III Quality Assurance Through Attributes (GPO Pub 310.1, effective May 1979 (Rev. 09-19)
applies.
QUANTITY: 394,102 total copies (includes 2 copies for GPO using the agreed additional rate). See Page 8.
Jacket 452-142, Req. 6-00254/261438: 300 copies
- Rider to Jacket 452-142 (GPO FDLP): 1 copy
- Rider to Jacket 452-142 (Library of Congress): 1 copy
Jacket 452-143, Req. 6-00256/261450: 150 copies
Jacket 452-144, Req. 6-00255/261449: 37,850 copies
Jacket 452-145, Req. 6-00257/261451: 240,800 copies
Jacket 452-146, Req. 6-00258/261452: 110,000 copies
Jacket 441-443, Req. 6-01035: 5,000 copies
TRIM SIZE: 5-1/4 x 8-1/4"
PAGES: 112 pages plus separate cover

Jackets 452-142 through 452-146 & 441-443 Page 2 of 10
PRINTING: Cover and text pages print face and back, head-to-head, in black ink. Copy for Covers 1 through 4
includes type, line matter, illustrations, grayscale photos, and a QR code. Covers 1 and 2 have uncommon bleeds.
Cover 4 contains a return address and is set up as a mailing page, printing head to side with Cover 3. Contractor to
also print on spine: copy includes type, line matter, and an agency logo. The contractor may adjust the spine's width
as needed to fit copy.
DIGITAL OR OFFSET PRINTING IS ALLOWED.
At contractor's option, the product may be produced via conventional offset or digital printing provided that Quality
Level 3 standards are maintained. Final output must be a minimum of 150 line screen and at a minimum resolution
of 2400 x 2400 dpi x 1 bit or 600 x 600 dpi x 8 bit depth technology. Digital device must have a RIP that provides
an option for high quality color matching such as Device Links Technology and/or ICC Profiles. NOTE: Contractor
must produce the entire job either conventional offset or digital printing; split production methods are not acceptable
without prior approval.
GPO Sales books only: Contractor will print GPO sales instructions and an ISBN number and bar code on Cover 4,
furnished as a separate file.
For Sale Line instructions:
The 13-digit ISBN Number should be placed under the "For Sale By..." line, at the bottom of the back side of the
first printed page in the book. If necessary, Government may furnish the "For Sale By..." copy via e-mail after
contract award.
ISBN Barcode instructions:
The ISBN barcode must be printed in black ink at the bottom-right corner or bottom-center of Cover 4. The ISBN
number must be printed in Human-Readable interpretation and bar coded using 3 of 9 (code 39) Bar Code System,
non-contact reading in accordance with ISO-2108:2005. See Exhibit A.
BINDING: Perfect bind on the 8-1/4" side. Score and fold at bind with grain running parallel to spine to prevent
cracking, with an additional score 1/4" from bind on front and back covers. Trim 3 sides. Paper covers are trimmed
flush, wrapped around, and glued on.
GOVERNMENT TO FURNISH:
- An Adobe Acrobat PDF file containing covers and text pages, a PDF for bar code, a VA packing slip and
VA carton label, MS Excel Spreadsheets for distribution addresses, and Purchase Order. Contractor may
request ALL distribution lists by contacting Maxianne Villalon at mvillalon@gpo.gov.
-
NOTE: The print file will be available no later than November 6, 2026.
Electronic Media: Files supplied - Adobe PDFs created using Adobe InDesign CC, all fonts are embedded, all
bleeds are included, and graphics are linked.
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 your contract administrator.
The contractor shall create/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. When required by the Government, the contractor shall make minor revisions to the
electronic files. Prior to making any revisions, the contractor shall copy the furnished files and make all changes to
the copy unless otherwise indicated.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Contractor must have the ability to edit PDF files (when furnished by the Government).

Jackets 452-142 through 452-146 & 441-443 Page 3 of 10
- Contractor is not to request that electronic files provided be converted to a different format. If contractor
wishes to convert files to a different format, the final output must be of the same or higher quality and at no
additional cost to the Government.
- The contractor is cautioned that furnished fonts are the 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.
- Identification markings such as register marks, commercial identification marks of any kind, etc., except form
number and revision date, carried in the electronic files, must not print on the finished product.
- When PostScript Files are not furnished - prior to making revisions, the contractor shall copy the furnished files
and make all changes to the copy.
- Upon completion of this order, the contractor must furnish final production native application files (digital
deliverable) and one "press quality" PDF file with the furnished media. Storage media must be MAC/PC
compatible.
The digital deliverables must be an exact representation of the final product and shall be returned on the same type of
storage media as was originally furnished. 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.
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.
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 March 2019.
COVER: JCP L50, White Matte Cover, Vellum-Finish, Basis Weight 65 lb., 20 by 26 inches, 500 sheets.
TEXT: JCP A60, White Uncoated Text, Basis Weight: 50 lb., 25 by 38 inches, 500 sheets.
INK: Black.
MARGINS: Adequate margins.
PROOFS: Contractor to email an Adobe Acrobat PDF proof to Tun.Hla@va.gov and mvillalon@gpo.gov on or
before November 9, 2026.
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 and image position.
Contractor must call 202-615-7388 or email Tun.Hla@va.gov to confirm receipt of proof, which will be evaluated within
THREE (3) workdays upon receipt.
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 for disapproval.
NOTE: The day the email is sent is not the first workday.
PACKING/LABELING: Pack books suitably per box as destination quantities dictate. Pack suitably in cartons using
supplied VA packing slip. Shipping containers must not exceed 30 lbs. when fully packed. Use only new corrugated or
solid fiberboard containers with minimum bursting strength of 275 psi.
Must mark all VA cartons with VA labels as noted from file provided. Each label must accurately state what is included
in each package/carton. Contractor may duplicate common information when printing labels and then customize for
each specific carton.

Jackets 452-142 through 452-146 & 441-443 Page 4 of 10
NOTE: GPO Sales books only. ISBN Book and EAN Bar Code Markings: The specifications on the Book and
EAN bar code symbology required on publications using the International Standard Book Number System are in
accordance with the requirements established in the UPC Symbol Specifications Manual, January 1986. Position
the bar code according to the furnished instructions.
When printed, the Book and EAN symbol is to be positioned at the bottom of Cover 4 (the back cover or jacket).
The ISBN, preceded by the letters ISBN, is to appear in human-readable form, 9 point or larger font, above the
barcode.
Noncompliance with the packing and marking instruction will be cause for the Government to take corrective action in
accordance with GPO Pub. 310.2, Contract Terms, revised January 2018.
PALLETIZING: All motor freight shipments require pallets. Palletize in accordance with GPO Pub. 310.2, Contract
Terms, revised January 2018.
SCHEDULE:
* Furnished material will be available for pick up on or before November 6, 2026.
* Deliver all soft proofs (PDF) on or before November 9, 2026.
* Deliver all copies listed on Page 5 on or before December 4, 2026.
See Distribution for entire shipping and delivery schedule.
DISTRIBUTION: Contractor must notify the ordering agency on the same day that the product ships/delivers via e- mail
sent to: Tun.Hla@va.gov, mvillalon@gpo.gov, and compliance@gpo.gov. The subject line of this message shall be
"Distribution Notice for Strapped Jacket 452-142, Req. 6-00254-261438" or the Jacket/Requisition Numbers for the
delivery represented. 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.
All shipments must be made via traceable means.
All expenses incidental to picking up and returning materials, and furnishing samples must be borne by the
contractor. Also, refer to Articles 5 and 6, Supplemental Specifications, GPO Contract Terms, Publication 310.2,
revised January 2018.
DELIVER THE FOLLOWING F.O.B. DESTINATION on or before December 4, 2026:
Jacket 452-142, Req. 6-00254/261438
Department of Veterans Affairs
Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs
Attn: Demetre Morris (202-341-7729)
810 Vermont Avenue NW
9th Floor, Room 912E
Washington, DC 20420
----------------------------------------300 copies
Jacket 452-143, Req. 6-00256/261450:
Office of General Counsel (02)
Attn: Kevin Stephens (202-341-9466)
810 Vermont Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20420
----------------------------------------150 copies
See Mailing/Distribution Spreadsheet for Jacket 452-144, Req. 6-00255/261449:
----------------------------------------37,850 copies

Jackets 452-142 through 452-146 & 441-443 Page 5 of 10
See Mailing/Distribution Spreadsheet for Jacket 452-145, Req. 6-00257/261451:
----------------------------------------240,800 copies
See Mailing/Distribution Spreadsheet for Jacket 452-146, Req. 6-00258/261452:
----------------------------------------110,000 copies including 200 Blue Label copies to the Hines, IL address
NOTE: The three (3) orders below are billed using the Additional Rate. Use separate line items on the GPO
invoice.
Jacket 441-443, Req. 6-01035:
USGPO - Laurel Publications Distribution Center
c/o - Receiving - SALES- 051-000-00286-5
Attn: laurelpdc2@gpo.gov (202-512-2010 x33401)
8660 Cherry Lane, Ste #32
Laurel, MD 20707-4950
------------------------------5,000 copies (Mark GPO Sales 051-000-00286-5 on all cartons)
1 copy 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
Item No. _0988_
1 copy 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
DEPARTMENTAL RANDOM COPIES (BLUE LABEL): All orders must be divided into equal sublots
in accordance with the chart below. A random copy must be selected from each sublot. Do not choose copies
from the same general area in each sublot. The contractor will be required to certify that the copies were selected
as directed using GPO Form 917 - Certificate of Selection of Random Copies which can be located on GPO.gov.
The random copies constitute a part of the total quantity ordered, and no additional charge will be allowed.
Quantity Number of
Ordered Sublots
500 - 3,200 50
3,201 - 10,000 80
10,001 - 35,000 125
35,001 and over 200
These randomly selected copies must be packed separately and identified by a special label, GPO Form 2678
- Departmental Random Copies (Blue Label), which must be printed on blue paper and affixed to each affected
container. This form can be downloaded from GPO.gov.
A copy of the specification and a signed Certificate of Selection of Random Copies must be included.
A copy of the signed Certificate of Selection of Random Copies must accompany the invoice sent to U.S.
Government Publishing Office, Financial Management Service, for payment. Failure to furnish the certificate may
result in delaying the invoice.

Jackets 452-142 through 452-146 & 441-443 Page 6 of 10
QUALITY ASSURANCE THROUGH ATTRIBUTES: The bidder agrees that any contract resulting from bidder's
offer under these specifications shall be subject to the terms and conditions of GPO Pub. 310.1 "Quality Assurance
Through Attributes - Contract Terms" in effect on the date of issuance of the invitation for bid.
All GPO publications referenced in these specifications are available on the internet via the GPO website,
https://contractorconnection.gpo.gov.
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 Specified Standard
P-7 Type Quality and Uniformity Electronic File
P-8 Halftone Match (single and double impressions) File Output
NOTE: Prior to award, contractor may be required to provide information related to specific equipment that will be
used for production.
OFFERS: Offers must include the cost of all materials and operations for each item listed in accordance with these
specifications. In addition to a quantity for the price called for in these specifications, a price must also be submitted
for each 1,000 printed copies at the same time as the initial order. The price for additional quantities must be
exclusive of all basic or preliminary costs.
BID SUBMISSION: Bidders MUST submit email bids to bids@gpo.gov for this solicitation. No other method of
bid submission will be accepted at this time.
The Jacket number 452-142S and bid opening date (October 30, 2026) must be specified in the subject line of the
emailed bid submission. Bids received after the bid opening time/date specified above will not be considered for
award.
NOTE: Bidders are to fill out, sign/initial, and return pages 8-9.
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.
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

Jackets 452-142 through 452-146 & 441-443 Page 7 of 10
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. Instructions 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.
NOTE: Contractors are expected to submit invoices within 30 days of job shipping/delivery.
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.
COMPLIANCE REPORTING: Contractors are to report information regarding each order for compliance
reporting purposes and include date of delivery (or shipment if applicable) for delivery schedules in accordance
with the contract requirements by emailing compliance@gpo.gov. Personnel receiving the email will be unable to
respond to questions of a technical nature.

Jackets 452-142 through 452-146 & 441-443 Page 8 of 10
CONTRACTOR NAME: _____________________________________________________________________
SHIPMENT(S): Shipments will be made from: City __________________________, State ________________
The city(ies) indicated above will be used for evaluation of transportation charges when shipment f.o.b. contractor's
city is specified. If no shipping point is indicated above, it will be deemed that the bidder has selected the city and
state shown below in the address block, and the bid will be evaluated, and the contract awarded on that basis. If
shipment is not made from evaluation point, the contractor will be responsible for any additional shipping costs
incurred.
Jacket: 452-142 (300 copies) Bid Price $ __________
*Jacket 441-443 (GPO Sales, 5,000 copies) Bid Price $ __________
*Jacket 452-142 (GPO FDLP, 2 copies) Bid Price $ __________
Jacket: 452-143 (150 copies) Bid Price $ __________
Jacket: 452-144 (37,850 copies) Bid Price $ __________
Jacket: 452-145 (240,800 copies) Bid Price $ __________
Jacket: 452-146 (110,000 copies) Bid Price $ __________
Additional rate per 1,000 books: $
*Additional rate per book GPO Sales/FDLP: $_______________
* GPO FDLP and Sales copies are to be priced at the agreed additional rate.
_________
(Initials)
(COMPLETE AND SUBMIT THIS PAGE WITH YOUR BID)

Jackets 452-142 through 452-146 & 441-443 Page 9 of 10
DISCOUNTS: Discounts are offered for payment as follows: __________ Percent, _________calendar days.
See Article 12 "Discounts" of Solicitation Provisions in GPO Contract Terms (Publication 310.2).
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.
AMENDMENT(S): Bidder hereby acknowledges amendment(s) number(ed) ____________________________
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 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.
Failure to sign the signature block below may result in the bid being declared non-responsive.
Bidder ___________________________________________________________________________________
(Contractor Name) (GPO Contractor's Code)
__________________________________________________________________________________________
(Street Address)
___________________________________________________________________________________________
(City - State - Zip Code)
By _________________________________________________________________________________________
(Printed Name, Signature, and Title of Person Authorized to Sign this Bid) (Date)
___________________________________________________________________________________________
(Person to be Contacted) (Telephone Number) (Email)
*******************************************************************************************
THIS SECTION FOR GPO USE ONLY
Certified by: __________ Date:__________ Contracting Officer:__________ Date:___________
(Initials) (Initials)
(COMPLETE AND SUBMIT THIS PAGE WITH YOUR BID)

EXHIBIT A