432271_IFB.pdf

Specifications by CG Jacket 432-271 Page 1 of 8 U.S. Department of Agriculture Reviewed by SG/MN Requisition 5-00093

BID OPENING: Bids shall be opened virtually at 11 am Eastern Time (ET), on March 5, 2025, 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.

For information regarding the solicitation requirements prior to award or for contact administration after award, contact Carrie Guasto at cguasto@gpo.gov or 202-512-0866.

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)).

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

PRODUCT: Various Pamphlets

TITLE: CNP Crediting Tip Sheets – English/Spanish

QUANTITY: 2,275,028 total pamphlets consisting of 14 items. (includes 200 Departmental Random "Blue Label" Copies for each item) plus 50 QARCs for each item. See “Description” and “Distribution” herein.

Page 2 of 8 Jacket 432-271

TRIM SIZE:

Flat: 17 x 11” Folded: 8.5 x 11”

PAGES:

Items 1 and 8: 4 pages Balance: 8 pages, self-cover

GOVERNMENT TO FURNISH: via email and GPO FileSharing.

One (1) Purchase Order.

One (1) PDF file for each item.

Contractor to download the following forms from gpo.gov:

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).

GPO Form 905, R. 7-15 (Labeling and Marking Specifications)

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:

One (1) set of e-mailed PDF proofs for EACH item. Contractor to submit one "Press Quality" PDF "soft" proof (for content only) for each item using the same Raster Image Processor (RIP) that will be used to produce the final printed product. PDF proofs will be evaluated for text flow, image position, and color breaks. Proofs will not be used for color match.

E-Mail proofs (marked with Jacket/Req. Number plus return name and e-mail address) directly to the ordering Agency at karen.lewis@usda.gov and cc: cguasto@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 approval e-mail) from the Department.

Proofs will be withheld not more than (3) workdays from receipt at the Department to receipt in the contractor's plant.

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AND

Three (3) sets of digital color content proofs for EACH ITEM. Direct to plate must be used to produce the final product with a minimum of 2400 x 2400 dpi. Proofs must be created using the same Raster Image Processor (RIP) that will be used to produce the product. Proofs shall be collated with all elements in proper position (not pasted up), imaged face and back, trimmed and folded to the finished size of the product.

PLUS

Two (2) sets of inkjet proofs for EACH ITEM that are G7 profiled and use pigment-based inks. A proofing RIP that provides an option for high quality color matching (such as Device Links Technology and/or ICC Profiles Technology), and meets or exceeds industry tolerance to ISO 12647-7 Standard for Graphic Technology (as of 3/19/09, and future amendments) must be utilized plus GRACoL 2006 Coated #1 specifications (CGATS TR006) must be achieved. Output must be a minimum of 720 x 720 dpi on a GRACoL or SWOP certified proofing media. Proofs must contain the following color control strip to be evaluated for accuracy: IDEAlliance ISO 12647-7 Control Strip 2009 or 2013(i1).

Proofs must contain color control bars (such as Brunner, GATF, GRETAG, or RIT) for each color of ink on the sheet. Control bars must be placed parallel to the press's ink rollers and must show areas consisting of minimum 1/8 x 1/8" solid color patches; tint patches of 25, 50 and 75%; dot gain scale; and gray balance patches for process color (if applicable). These areas must be repeated consecutively across the sheet.

The make and model number of the proofing system utilized shall be furnished with the proofs. These proofs must contain all elements, be in press configuration, and indicate margins. Proofs will be used for color match on press. Direct to plate must be used to produce the final product with a minimum of 2400 x 2400 dpi.

Send hard copy proofs (all residential addresses, to be provided upon award) as follows via traceable means directly to:

One (1) set of content proofs AND one (1) set of inkjet proofs for EACH ITEM to: Upper Marlboro MD 20772 One (1) set of content proofs AND one (1) set of inkjet proofs for EACH ITEM to: Arlington VA 22205 One (1) set of content proof for EACH ITEM to: Leesburg VA 20176 (no inkjet proofs to this address)

Upon shipment of proofs, contractor must immediately provide tracking information to:

karen.lewis@usda.gov and cguasto@gpo.gov.

Contractor must also call GPO Contract Compliance Section at 202-512-0520, or e-mail information to compliance@gpo.gov immediately upon sending/delivering proofs and immediately upon notification that the proofs are available for pickup at the department.

Proofs will be withheld not more than three (3) workdays from receipt in the department to when they are made available for pickup at the department.

PROOFS WILL NOT BE RETURNED. CONTRACTOR MUST RECEIVE APPROVAL VIA EMAIL.

CONTRACTOR MUST NOT PRINT PRIOR TO RECEIVING AN "OK TO PRINT".

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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-for-vendors/vol_13.pdf.

Text: JCP Code A240, White, Matte-Coated Text, Basis Size 25 x 38", 80 lbs.

PRINTING:

DIGITAL PRINTING IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.

ITEMS 1 THRU 7: QTY 225,002 EACH (plus QARCs)

Item 1: FNS 931 Crediting Fruits in the CNP Tip Sheet Item 2: FNS 932 Crediting Vegetables in CNP Tip Sheet Item 3: FNS 933 Crediting Meats/Meat Alternates in CNP Tip Sheet Item 4: FNS 934 Crediting Fluid Milk in CNP Tip Sheet Item 5: FNS 935A Crediting Grains in CNP Tip Sheet Item 6: FNS 935B Crediting Grains in CNP Tip Sheet Pt 2 Item 7: FNS 935C Crediting Grains in CNP Tip Sheet Pt 3

ITEMS 8 THRU 14: QTY 100,002 EACH (plus QARCS)

Item 8: FNS 931-S Consejos para la acreditacion de frutas Item 9: FNS 932-S Consejos para la acreditacion de vegetales Item 10: FNS 933-S Consejos para la acreditacion de carnes/sustitutos de carne Item 11: FNS 934-S Consejos para la acreditacion de leche liquida Item 12: FNS 935A-S Consejos para la acreditacion de granos Pt. 1 Item 13: FNS 935B-S Consejos para la acreditacion de granos Pt. 2 Item 14: FNS 935C-S Consejos para la acreditacion de granos Pt. 3

All pamphlets print face and back (head to head) with type/rule matter, photos, illustrations, agency logo, tints, solids, plus some type reversing out to appear white. Uncommon bleed throughout. After printing coat entire surface of face and back of each page with a clear, non-yellowing, matte aqueous coating.

Facing pages may print to and must align across the bind.

If the contractor has any questions, concerns, or notices any discrepancies between the furnished material (including the artwork) and the specifications, IMMEDIATELY contact Carrie Guasto at cguasto@gpo.gov or 202-512-0866.

INK:

4-color process + matte aqueous coating.

MARGINS:

Inadequate gripper. Follow electronic files.

Contractor to extend bleed as necessary.

BINDING:

Cracks or wrinkles are not acceptable. Grain must run parallel to spine.

Items 1 and 8: Trim 4 sides. Fold to 8.5 x 11" Balance: Wrap-around paper covers, saddle stitch in 2 places on 11" side. Trim flush 3 sides.

PACKING / LABELING:

Shrink film wrap each item separately in units of 25 per pack.

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Pack each item separately in suitable cartons and shipping containers to avoid damage during transit – NTE 45 lbs.

Mark all cartons with the following information:

TITLE:

JKT #:

REQUISITION #:

ITEM NAME:

ITEM/FNS #:

NUMBER OF BOXES:_________EX. Box 1 of 4, Box 2 of 4...

DO NOT COMINGLE ITEMS ON SHIPPING PALLETS. ITEMS MUST BE KEPT SEPARATE.

PALLETS MUST BE ADEQUATELY WRAPPED TO PREVENT CARTONS FROM SEPARATING.

Identify pallets/shipping containers with GPO Jacket, name of publication, and FNS number (FNS XXX). Per GPO requirements, pallets must not exceed 2,000 lbs and 55" high.

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 Proof/Furnished Electronic Files P-10. Process Color Match Approved Proof/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

A MINIMUM OF FIVE (5) DAYS PRIOR TO DELIVERY: Contractor must contact the GPO Warehouse for a delivery appointment at 202-512-1401, laurelpdc2@gpo.gov and notify USDA FNS of scheduled appointment by emailing Sandy.Davila@usda.gov, Gionne.JohnsonJones@usda.gov, and cc:

cguasto@gpo.gov.

The GPO Warehouse requires all delivery appointments to be scheduled in advance by contractor or the delivery may be rejected.

GPO Warehouse Receiving Hours: 7:30am to 3:00pm ET, Mon-Fri (except Federal holidays)

Page 6 of 8 Jacket 432-271

Any LTL or TL delivery must contact using info above for appointments.

Standard load information should be included: Item number, # of pieces, # of cartons, # of pallets, etc.

Contractor must notify the ordering agency on the same day that the product ships/delivers via e-mail sent to karen.lewis@usda.gov and cc: cguasto@gpo.gov The subject line of this message shall be Distribution Notice for Jacket 432-271, Requisition No. 5-00093. 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 2,275,000 total copies (225,000 each of Items 1 thru 7 and 100,000 each of Items 8 thru 14) (includes 200 Department Random "Blue Label" copies of each item) via traceable means to: USGPO - Laurel Publications Distribution Center TEAM NUTRITION - (TEAM NUTRITION MUST BE IN BOLD AND CAPS) C/O: RECEIVING - USDA FNS-XXX (Label according to content), 8660 Cherry Lane, Ste #32, Laurel MD 20707, Phone: 202-512-1401, Email: laurelpdc2@gpo.gov.

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

Deliver 50 QARCs for EACH ITEM to: US GPO, Publishing Support Services Stop CSPS, Quality Control for Published Products, 732 North Capitol Street NW, Washington DC 20077-5496.

Deliver one (1) copy for EACH ITEM via traceable means to: BAC (By-Law) 1525-01, Library of Congress, U.S. Anglo Division, U.S. Government Documents Section, 101 Independence Avenue, SE, Stop 4276, Washington DC 20540-4276, Marked: Depository File Copies. NOTE: All shipments to this destination must be via FedEx, UPS, or United States Postal Service (USPS).

Deliver one (1) copy FOR EACH ITEM via traceable means to: BAC (C+I) 1523-01, U.S. Government Publishing Office, Federal Depositary Library Program, Mail Stop: FDLP, 44 H Street, NW, Loading Dock, Washington DC 20401. Marked Item No: 0074A02.

(all samples deliver to residential addresses, to be provided upon award) Deliver one (1) sample of EACH ITEM via traceable means to: Upper Marlboro MD 20772

Deliver one (1) sample of EACH ITEM via traceable means to: Arlington VA 22205

Deliver one (1) sample of EACH ITEM via traceable means to: Clarksville TN 37042

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/GPOs FileSharing no later than March 11, 2025.

Deliver to arrive at destinations by March 26, 2025. See “Distribution” herein.

If production schedule allows, delivery prior to March 26, 2025 is 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, Page 7 of 8 Jacket 432-271 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.

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JACKET NUMBER: BID PRICE: ___________________ ADDITIONAL/M

Jacket 432-271 $__________________ $__________________

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)