P60026-Cards for Connection

Specifications by SG Jacket 441-353
Page 1 of 8 U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs
Reviewed by Requisition 6-00222/261466
BID OPENING: Bids shall be opened virtually at 11 am Eastern Time (ET), on 10/6/2026, 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 please email Steve Gaumer at
sgaumer@gpo.gov. For contract administration after award, contact Steve Gaumer at 202-512-0446.
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. 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 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.
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)).
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.
QUANTITY: FIXED PRICE - INDEFINITE QUANTITY CONTRACT FOR SETS OF CONNECTION
CARDS W/ BOX.

Page 2 of 8 Jacket 441-353
QUOTATIONS: This is a fixed-price contract. The offeror submitting a response shall bid the maximum
quantity, inclusive of all costs (including non-reimbursable mail or freight, if applicable), that shall be
delivered to the Government per the specification requirements for a total of $133,200.00.
Quotations shall include the cost of all materials and operations for the total quantity ordered. Quotations
shall be prepared in conformance with the Schedule of Prices.
DETERMINATION OF AWARD: Award shall be made to the responsible offeror submitting a bid,
whose bid specifies the most copies to be delivered to the Government for an all-inclusive, fixed-price
total of $133,200.00. Offerors submitting responses to this solicitation shall submit a total quantity - for
the fixed price. In the event of a tie quantity, award shall be determined by the lowest, total per-unit price
after application of prompt payment discount and Buy American Act factoring (if applicable). In the event
there is still a tie, the contract will be awarded in accordance with the GPO Printing Procurement
Regulations, Chapter XII. Additionally, the bid shall include separate unit pricing for each additional 100
copies (sets).
SCHEDULE OF PRICES:
QUANTITY Price
Total copies (sets): __________ = $133,200.00.
A cost must be submitted for each additional per 100 copies (sets).
Additional per 100 copies (sets) $____ ___
If author's alterations are made during the proofing stage, the total quantity may be decreased in
accordance with the contractor's submitted additional rate to offset the cost of the author's alterations.
SUBMISSION OF QUOTES: Potential offerors shall email bid to bids@gpo.gov with the fixed price of
$133,200.00 plus the quantity that their company will produce for the fixed price. Additionally, a cost
must be submitted for each additional 100 copies (sets).
PRODUCT: Sets of Connection Cards w/ box. Typesetting required.
TITLE: P60026-Cards for Connection
QUANTITY: TBD
TRIM SIZE:
Cards - 2-1/2 x 3-1/2" (with round corners).
Deck Box (flat) - approx. 7-5/32 x 6-7/32", (constructed to fit a 56-set playing deck) - 2-1/2 x 3-1/2 x
13/16"
PAGES:
56 Cards - Face and Back
Box - Face only
GOVERNMENT TO FURNISH: via email and GPO File Sharing after award.
One (1) Purchase Order
One (1) PDF file for Cards. Contractor required to make minor edits to the supplied pdf file after email
proofs sent. Costs must be included in bid.
One (1) PDF file for Box. Contractor to adjust card box file as necessary for proper fit.
One (1) Word document for SOP to Hines distribution center. See attachment.
One (1) PDF file of packing slip and carton label.

Page 3 of 8 Jacket 441-353
Contractor to download from GPO.gov:
GPO Form 892C (R. 12/17) Proofs.
GPO Form 917 (Certificate of Selection).
GPO Form 2678 (Departmental Random Copies-Blue Labels).
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.
PROOFS:
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 tun.hla@va.gov, and cc: sgaumer@gpo.gov. Contractor must call GPO Contract Compliance
Section at (202) 512-0520 immediately upon E-Mailing proof and immediately upon receiving the
returned proof (or OK E-Mail) back from the Department. Proof 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 PRODUCTION SAMPLES
Prior to the commencement of production of the contract production quantity, the contractor shall
submit one (1) sample (set) w/ box via traceable means to: Starkeya Combs, 1700 N. Wheeling Street,
MIRECC- BLDG A-328B, Aurora CO 80045 (720) 723-4862. Sample will be tested for conformance of
materials and for construction. Sample must be constructed as specified using the form, materials,
equipment, and methods of production, which will be used in producing the final product. All samples
shall be manufactured at the facilities in which the contract production quantities are to be
manufactured.
Samples will be inspected and tested and must comply with the specifications in all respects. The
container and accompanying documentation shall be marked PREPRODUCTION SAMPLES and shall
include the GPO jacket, and purchase order. 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.

Page 4 of 8 Jacket 441-353
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 sample is disapproved by the Government, the Government, at its option, may require the
contractor to submit additional samples for inspection and test, in the 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
(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 the contractor's risk.
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.
Contractor must also notify the ordering agency/GPO with tracking information on the same day that the
proof ships/delivers via e-mail sent to tun.hla@va.gov, and cc: sgaumer@gpo.gov. The subject line of
this message shall be "PROOF Notice for Jacket# 441-353, Req# 6-00222-261466".
All samples shall be manufactured at the facilities in which the contract production quantities are to be
manufactured.
CONTRACTOR MUST NOT PRINT FULL ORDER QUANTITY PRIOR TO RECEIVING
APPROVAL OF PRIOR TO PRODUCTION SAMPLES. 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.
CARDS:
Casino, White, Linen, 310 gsm.
BOXES:
JCP Code* L70, White, Coated One-Side Cover (C1S), 12 pt.

Page 5 of 8 Jacket 441-353
DIGITAL PRINTING IS NOT ACCEPTABLE
Cards print face and back (head-to-head) with type/rule matter, photos, solids and illustrations in 4-color
process. Three (3) cards print with solids and type matter reversing out to appear white and contain bleeds.
Deck Box - Print face only in 4-color process with type/rule matter and agency logo. No bleeds. After
printing, coat the entire surface of the face of each box with a clear, non-yellowing, gloss UV coating to
prevent scratching and smearing. Die cut, score and glue box. Construction to be a standard playing card
box with two open ends and tuck flaps. Note: Cracking on the folds will not be acceptable and may result
in rejection of the order. NOTE: See attachment for die lines.
Trim 4-sides and round all corners. Gather the 56 cards in sequence as follows: "PLEASE SHARE THIS
CARD WITH A VETERAN CARD", then "Hearts" (Ace, 2 THRU 10, Jack, Queen, and King),
"Diamonds", "Spades", and "Clubs" (all following the same sequence as the Hearts), "BIG Joker: How to
use these cards:" AND "LITTLE Joker: This deck of playing cards...." .
Insert assembled card deck into the box and close flaps to create a complete set.
WARRANTY: Contract Clause 15, "Warranty", of GPO Contract Terms (GPO Publication 310.2,
effective December 1, 1987 (Rev. 01-18)) is amended for the solicitation to the effect that the warranty
period is EXTENDED from 120 days to one calendar year from the date the check is tendered as final
payment. All other provisions remain the same.
INK:
Cards & Box - 4-color process
Box - Gloss UV coating
MARGINS:
Box - Adequate gripper
Cards - 3 cards Inadequate gripper / Balance - Adequate gripper
BINDING: See "Description".
PACKING / LABELING:
Shrink wrap in units of 25. Pack suitable per carton and shipping container.
See attached Word document for SOP to Hines distribution center.
Contractor MUST fill out the VA 7596 template for outer label & inner packing slips and submit to
Hines' contact for PRE-APPROVAL. Once any errors are corrected and approval is received, vendor
must provide prior advance notice for tracking of shipment. If all requirements are not followed, then
delivery of product may be refused by the VA Service.
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.
Contractor MUST use supplied VA packing slip/Carton label.

Page 6 of 8 Jacket 441-353
No loose items in cartons are permitted. Include sufficient inner packaging in submitted price. Ensure
sufficient inner packaging to ensure no damage occurs during shipping.
At the Government's option, any items damaged during production or shipping may be required to be re-
fulfilled in an expedited manner, including expedited handling, expedited production, and expedited
shipping. Or, contractor may be required to waive the cost of any items received in damaged condition.
Mark/label each shipping container with the Requisition No., Jacket number, and title, corresponding to
contents.
PALLETIZING: Contractor will be required to furnish pallets, for bulk shipments, in shipping
containers, when the containers fill two or more layers on the pallet. Palletize in accordance with GPO
Pub. 310.2.
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 Approved Priors / Furnished Electronic Files
P-10. Process Color Match Approved Priors / Furnished Electronic Files
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 tun.hla@va.gov, and cc: sgaumer@gpo.gov. The subject line of this message shall be "Distribution
Notice for Jacket 441-353, Requisition 6-00222/261466". The notice must provide all applicable tracking
numbers, shipping methods, and Title. Contractor must be able to provide copies of all deliveries, mailing,
and shipping receipts upon agency request.
Deliver TBD Sets of Connection Cards w/ box (includes 200 Departmental Random "Blue Label"
Copies) via traceable means to: Department of Veterans Affairs, SDC/EDOS - Suicide Prevention,
Bldg. 37, Door 14, 1st Avenue one Block N. of Cermak, Hines, IL 60141, 708-786-7763.
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 furnish
the certificate may result in delay in processing the voucher. NOTE: Form is also available at
https://www.gpo.gov/docs/default-source/forms-and-standards-files-for-vendors/form917.pdf?sfvrsn=2
SCHEDULE: Purchase order and GFM will be available no later than 10/9/26 via email.
Delivery to arrive by November 19, 2026.
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 100 copies

Page 7 of 8 Jacket 441-353
(sets). 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.
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.

Page 8 of 8 Jacket 441-353
JACKET NUMBER: 441-353
BID PRICE: ADDITIONAL SETS/C
Total copies (sets): _____________ $_______________ $______________
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)
(Signature) (Date)
(Telephone Number) (Email)
Contracting Officer Review: ___________Date: ___________ Certifier: _________Date: ___________
(Initials) (Initials)