ATTCH K.pdf

Contract Terms

Quality Assurance Through

Attributes Program for

Printing and Binding

Prospective suppliers should carefully read this publication as the applicable attributes stated herein become an integral part of printing and binding contracts with the U.S. Government Printing Office when so cited in specifications.

This copy should be retained for reference.

GPO Publication 310.1 Effective May 1979

(Revised August 2002)

GPO Contract Terms

Quality Assurance Through Attributes Program

For Printing and Binding

Publication 310.1 is available as follows:

Prospective Bidders—

* Free single copies are available from the GPO Central Office Bid Room and all Regional

Printing Procurement Offices.

* Bulk Copies are available from the Superintendent of Documents.

U.S. Government Agency Personnel—

* Copies are available from your GPO Customer Services Representative or Regional Printing

Procurement Office through your agency's printing officer.

U.S. Government Printing Office Personnel—

* Individual copies are available from the Quality Assurance Section.

* Bulk copies are available from GPO Stores Division, Stock No. 51573–6.

Comments and suggestions from users of Contract Terms, Pub. 310.1, are invited. All such corre spondence should be addressed as follows:

U.S. Government Printing Office North Capitol and H Sts., N.W.

Chief, Quality Assurance Section Contract Management Branch Washington, DC 20401

Questions of applicability to individual contracts should be addressed to the respective Contracting Officer.

Table of Contents

Page Foreword: QATAP—An Informational Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v

Definitions

Determination of Product Quality

Determining Acceptability

Categories of Attributes

Tolerance Table for Printing Attributes

Tolerance Table for Paper Attribute

Government Furnished Material

Printing Attributes

P–1. Hickies and Spots

P–2. Extraneous Marks

P–3. Moire

P–4. Register

P–5. Text and Illustration Image Position

P–6. Newton's Rings

P–7. Type Quality and Uniformity

P–8. Halftone Match

P–9. Solid or Screen Tints Color Match

P–10. Process Color Match

P–11. Rub Resistance of Printed Image

Finishing Attributes

F–1. Trim Size

F–2. Misplacement and Misalignment of Cover Image

F–3. Cover Position

F–4. Folding Position and Skewness

F–5. Perfect-Bound Book Durability

F–6. Loose Cover, Pages, and Binding

F–7. Excess Glue

F–8. Damaged Pages

F–9. Damaged Edges

F–10. Warpage of Case-Bound Books

F–11. Damaged Covers

F–12. Missing Pages

F–13. Upside Down Cover

F–14. Upside Down Pages

F–15. Blank Pages—Other Than Specified

F–16. Wrong Pagination

F–17. Loss of Information

F–18. A Serious Shift in Process Color Match

Guide for Equitable Reductions

Appendix A—Discount Table for Critical Defects

Appendix B—Discount Table for Major Defects

Appendix C—Printing and Binding Problem Index

The U.S. Government Printing Office

Quality Assurance Through Attributes Program (QATAP)

THIS FOREWORD IS NOT PART OF THE CONTRACT.

IT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.

QATAP—An Informational Overview

The quality of printing and binding contracted for by the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) is addressed in three GPO documents.

First and foremost are the specifications for the specific contract being performed; these should be read and followed exactly. If there ever is a conflict between the specifications and the other two documents, the specifications take precedence. Next, GPO Contract Terms (Publication 310.2) is a part of every GPO contract by reference. Article 1 deals with quality requirements in a general manner. Third is QATAP, Printing and Binding, Contract Terms (GPO Pub. 310.1), which specifies the contractual requirements of the Quality Assurance Through Attributes Program (QATAP). Most contracts incor porate it by reference.

The purposes of QATAP are:

— to provide for the precise expression, prior to production, of quality requirements for printing and related products; and

— to provide for the objective determination of conformity to these requirements once the product has been produced or received.

The Quality Attributes

QATAP is based on the use of quality attributes, which are measurable properties including tolerances of a printed piece which define its compliance with requirements. Quality attributes vary with each quality level.

The program has 30 attributes. Examples are trim size, measured in inches or centimeters; type density, measured in percent reflectance; and hickies and spots, measured by size and number present. The complete list of attributes is as follows:

P–l Hickies and Spots

P–2 Extraneous Marks

P–3 Moire

P–4 Register

P–5 Text and Illustration Image Position

P–6 Newton's Ring

P–7 Type Quality and Uniformity

P–8 Halftone Match

P–9 Solid or Screen Tints Color Match

P–10 Process Color Match

P–11 Rub Resistance of Printed Image vi

F–l Trim Size

F–2 Misplacement and Misalignment of Cover Image

F–3 Cover Position

F–4 Folding Position and Skewness

F–5 Perfect-Bound Book Durability

F–6 Loose Cover, Pages, and Binding

F–7 Excess Glue

F–8 Damaged Pages

F–9 Damaged Edges

F–10 Warpage of Case-Bound Books (Cover and Text)

F–11 Damaged Covers

F–12 Missing Pages

F–13 Upside Down Cover

F–14 Upside Down Pages

F–15 Blank Pages (Other than Specified)

F–16 Wrong Pagination

F–17 Loss of Information

F–18 Serious Shift in Process Color

Paper (Subdivided into characteristics; e.g. color, opacity, smoothness.)

Evaluation Standards

For all but four of the numbered attributes and some paper characteristics, evaluation is made on an absolute basis, with defects assessed on deviation from explicit or implicit nominal values, rather than on comparisons to a specified physical object called the specified standard. For example, if the trim size is specified as 8 by 10 inches, these are the nominal values from which deviations are measured.

Tolerances specify how far the product may deviate from the nominal and still be acceptable.

Specified standards are preidentified reference items (e.g., OK'd press sheets or furnished copy) with which sample items are compared to measure conformance for attributes P–7 through P–10 and some paper characteristics (e.g., paper color and formation). Another example, process color match (P–10) may be evaluated by comparing the printed illustration with an OK'd press sheet. In this instance the OK'd press sheet would have been listed in the job specifications as the specified standard for attrib ute P–10.

Thus, the evaluation for attributes P–7 through P–10, and some paper characteristics are made relative to a specified standard while the other attributes and paper characteristics are evaluated on an absolute basis.

Product Quality Levels (PQL's)

For each attribute, QATAP indicates either a specified standard or a nominal value along with toler ances that specify the range of acceptability. In either case, any necessary measuring instruments are listed.

Obviously, no single set of tolerances can apply to all products; for instance, tighter conformity is necessary on prestige products than on general information handouts or interoffice forms. Therefore, five Product Quality Levels (PQL's) have been established in QATAP, based primarily on the intended end use of the product.

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These levels range from Best Quality (Level I) through Functional Quality (Level V), allowing succes sively more deviation from design characteristics and furnished reproducibles.

The PQL for each individual printing or binding job is selected by the customer agency, sometimes with GPO's assistance. The PQL is chosen based on the fidelity of reproduction required, the desired aesthetic appearance, and the intended durability of the final product.

Listed below are brief, general descriptions of the five quality levels; the exact definition of each level consists of the tolerances and standards listed in QATAP Contract Terms, Printing and Binding, (GPO Pub. 310.1).

Level I

Descriptive Terms—Best quality, highest quality, tightest tolerances.

Fidelity of Reproduction—The information transmitted requires maximum fidelity to the furnished reproducibles in detail, color, and resolution.

Quality of Materials and Workmanship—These products typically involve the highest quality materi als, reproducibles, production methods, and workmanship. Finishing must be held to the highest standards of accuracy, durability, and appearance.

Typical Physical Description—At this level products are generally multicolor or process color work.

Illustrations may be very fine line drawings, multicolor illustrations, or up to 300-line screen halftones.

Examples of Tolerances—0.5 row of dots for multicolor halftone registration (see attribute P–4); one broken character per page for type quality (see P–7); and one-sixteenth of an inch for trim size (see F–l).

Note:—The tolerance examples shown for each PQL are the starting points at which demerits are assigned for printing attributes and defects for finishing attributes.

—As explained below, defects for printing attributes are based on demerits.

— As explained below, defects for printing, finishing and paper attributes are counted toward an acceptable quality level, which is used to determine acceptance or rejection.

— Some imperfections may by themselves render a product unacceptable.

— This note applies to examples of tolerances at all levels.

Examples—Art books, medical journals, and meat grading charts.

Level II

Descriptive Terms—Better quality, prestige quality, library quality.

Fidelity of Reproduction—Close fidelity to furnished reproducibles is required.

Quality of Materials and Workmanship—These products typically involve high quality materials, reproducibles, production methods, and workmanship.

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Typical Physical Description—Overall appearance is of primary importance. Products in this level generally have singlecolor or multicolor subject matter. Finishing must be held to high standards of accuracy, durability, and appearance.

Examples of Tolerances—One row of dots for multicolor halftone registration (see attribute P–4); one broken character per page for type quality (see P–7); and three-thirtyseconds of an inch for trim size (see F–1). See note regarding tolerance examples in Level I.

Examples—Yearbooks, recruiting materials, and illustrated professional papers.

Level III

Descriptive Terms—Good quality, above average quality.

Fidelity of Reproduction—Illustrations must transmit precise information even though fidelity to minutest detail is not required.

Quality of Materials and Workmanship—Typically involves above average quality materials, repro ducibles, production methods, and workmanship.

Typical Physical Description—Generally requires clean, sharp printing of single- or multi-color work (general process color work) and halftone reproductions up to 150-line screen. Finishing must be held to above average standards of accuracy, durability, and appearance.

Examples of Tolerances—One row of dots for multicolor halftone registration (see attribute P–4); two broken characters per page for type quality (see P–7); and one-eighth of an inch for trim size (see F–1).

See note regarding tolerance examples in Level I.

Examples—Annual reports, general process color work, court decisions, budget reports, catalogs, text-books.

Level IV

Descriptive Terms—Basic quality, informational quality, utility quality.

Fidelity of Reproduction—Average fidelity and resolution to original copy or film is required.

Quality of Materials and Workmanship—Requires average quality materials, reproducibles, production methods, and workmanship.

Typical Physical Description—Products that provide general information, usually black and white or line color (nonprocess) and occasional halftone reproductions. Utility is important, as well as basic, clean appearance. Finishing must be of an accuracy, durability, and appearance that does not impair the function of the product.

Examples of Tolerances—Multicolor halftone registration is not applicable (see attribute P–4); six broken characters per page for type quality (see P–7); and three-sixteenths of an inch for trim size (see

F–1).

See note regarding tolerance examples in Level I.

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Examples—Telephone directories, indexes, project reports (technical manuals without process color and with only occasional halftones).

Level V

Descriptive Terms—Functional quality, lowest usable quality, greatest tolerances.

Fidelity of Reproduction—Considered of adequate quality provided there is no information loss.

Quality of Materials and Workmanship—Considered of adequate quality provided there is no infor mation loss and the finishing does not impair the function of the product. These products may be reproduced from any readable copy.

Typical Physical Description—One color type and line work only.

Examples of Tolerances—Multicolor halftone register is not applicable (see attribute P–4); broken characters are not applicable (see P–7); and greater than one-fourth inch for trim size (see F–1).

See note regarding tolerance examples in Level I.

Examples—Interoffice forms, line-only information handouts.

Mixing Product Quality Levels

The foregoing implies a unique PQL for each product. Actually, in some instances it may be desirable to mix quality levels. For example, a bound volume for which heavy use is anticipated may require Level II conformity to attributes related to life and durability, but only Level III conformity to attrib utes dealing with the quality of the printed image.

Definition of Defects

For each attribute and PQL, QATAP provides tolerances which are the allowable deviation from nomi nal values or specified standards.

For some of the attributes (e.g., number of flexes to loosen a page), different amounts of deviation from the specified values have vastly different effects on the usability of the finished product. Thus, two different types of defects (major and critical) have been defined.

The major defect, is based on a deviation from specifications or standards which normally would be noticed by the customer; e.g., excessively low type density.

Critical defects are those which render a product extremely difficult to use, or even unusable; e.g., loss of information is always assessed as a critical defect.

Thus, for attributes P–1 through P–11, F-18, and the paper attribute, QATAP assesses only major defects, except when loss of information occurs. For attributes F–1 through F–17, major or critical defects can be assessed.

Inspection by Attributes

Each attribute of each item inspected (individual book, pamphlet etc.) is classified as acceptable, defec tive at the major level, or defective at the critical level. Therefore, each item can have more than one defect.

(See QATAP Contract Terms, for Printing and Binding (GPO Pub. 310.1).

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Specifically, for each printing attribute, P–1 through P–11, demerits are assessed to each page meas ured. Then the item is assessed a major defect for that attribute if the average demerit level (ADL) per page for that attribute exceeds 4.0.

If the ADL does not exceed 4.0, but if one or more pages is so obviously defective that it significantly impairs the quality of the entire copy, then a single major defect (Conspicuous Single Page Defect) will be assigned for that printing attribute. Examples are: a large hickey at the focal point of an illustration, P–1; a single page with extremely light (but legible) type, P–7; large ink or oil spots, P–1; large off-color spots in process color illustrations, P–10.

For the finishing attributes, F–1 through F–18, no ADL is used to determine defects, nor does the Conspicuous Single Page Defect provision apply. Instead, for each finishing attribute, the individual item is inspected and if necessary, assessed a major defect or a critical defect in accordance with the applicable tolerance table.

QATAP provides for the evaluation of paper characteristics by inspection and testing in accordance with the standards in Part 2, Government Paper Specification Standards. Demerits are assessed for each characteristic that deviates from nominal values or specified standards. Then, if the sum of the demerits for that item is 31 or more, the item is assessed a major defect under QATAP.

In summary, each individual item can be inspected for all applicable attributes and then assessed a specific number of major or critical defects; e.g., seven major defects and one critical defect.

Acceptance Sampling

There is an inherent variability in every group of manufactured items. One could inspect every item in the lot, but the cost would be prohibitive.

Therefore, determining the acceptability of an entire job, which may contain thousands of individual items, is somewhat more complicated than the inspection of a single item as described above.

One alternative to 100 percent inspection is a formal process called acceptance sampling which can be employed in many cases to determine the acceptability of an entire job.

Acceptance sampling involves the use of statistics applied to the results of inspecting each item in a representative sample taken from an entire job or shipment, hereafter called a lot. ANSI/ASQC Z 1.4 Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes (ANSI/ASQC Z 1.4 version in effect as of date of bid opening) prescribes the sample size appropriate for varying lot sizes under various circumstances. A full description of the acceptance sampling process is contained in Government Printing Office, Technical Report No. 27, Acceptance Sampling.

Acceptable Quality Levels (AQL's)

After selecting and inspecting a representative sample, the question is whether to accept or reject the entire lot based on those results.

Under QATAP, a contractor is not allowed to knowingly ship any defective products. However, in many circumstances, a customer may tolerate a limited, predefined percentage of defective items in a ship-xi ment that have not been caught by the contractor's quality system. It is the job of QATAP, Printing and Binding, Contract Terms (GPO Pub. 310.1) and ANSI/ASQC Z 1.4 Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes, to define this risk.

Therefore, in order to determine acceptance or rejection of the entire lot, an Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) must be established. The AQL specifies the maximum defects per 100 units (as a process aver-age) considered satisfactory for that lot.

The purpose of sampling and inspection is to determine statistically whether the AQL has been exceeded. Typical AQL's for Government contracts are 1.0 defects per 100 items for critical defects, and 6.5 defects per 100 items for total defects, i.e., major defects plus critical defects.

Acceptability or Rejection of the Lot

After sampling and inspection, the appropriate tables in publication ANSI/ASQC Z 1.4 Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes, are checked to determine for the sample size being used the number of defects that will render the lot acceptable or rejectable, i.e., the number of defects in the sample that correspond to the AQL.

In a typical situation, a product that exceeds the AQL of 1.0 for critical defects or 6.5 for total defects is not deemed acceptable, and the Government has the option of having the lot replaced or the defects corrected, if possible.

In a limited number of cases, where circumstances do not allow reprinting and use “as is” is necessary, QATAP provides the Government the option of accepting the lot with an equitable reduction in the contract price. QATAP, Printing and Binding, Contract Terms, provides discount tables to determine such reductions.

Intent of QATAP

While QATAP allows acceptance of a defective lot under an equitable reduction in contract price, in all cases it is the intent of the Government that all of the items meet the quality specified in the contract.

Furthermore, the goal of QATAP is not only enforcement of quality standards through inspection, but also that contractors establish quality control systems that assure production of a product that meets the standards set forth in the contract.

Referenced Documents

Copies of the referenced documents can be obtained as follows:

*GPO Contract Terms—(GPO Pub. 310.2) and

*QATAP, Printing and Binding, Contract Terms (GPO Pub. 310.1) Free single copies are available to prospective bidders from the GPO Central Office Bid Room and all Regional Printing Procurement Offices.

Bulk quantities are available from the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, DC 20402, telephone (202) 512–1800.

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*Government Paper Specification Standards

Subscriptions are available from the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, DC 20402, tele phone (202) 512–1800.

*Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes (ANSI/ASQC Z 1.4)

Copies of ANSI/ASQC Z 1.4 are available from the American National Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036; telephone (212) 642–4900; fax (212) 302–1286.

*Technical Report No. 26, The GPO Quality Attributes Program—An Update and Technical Report No.

27, Acceptance Sampling

Free single copies are available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Quality Assurance Section (Stop PPSQ), Washington, DC 20401, telephone (202) 512–0542.

Note: For all publications, U.S. Government agency personnel should contact their GPO customer serv ice representative or regional printing procurement office through their agency's printing officer.

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QATAP SUMMARY

* There are 30 measurable attributes.

* The attributes are evaluated against nominal values or specified standards.

* There are five Product Quality Levels (PQL's), I-Best, through V-Functional.

* For the printing attributes:

Demerits are assigned if specified tolerances are exceeded.

When an individual copy has an Average Demerit Level (ADL) of more than 4.0 (4 per page), the copy is assessed a major defect.

When the ADL is 4.0 or less, if a conspicuous single page defect is present, a single major defect can be assessed to the appropriate printing attribute.

* For the other attributes (excluding paper):

Major and critical defects can be assessed.

* For the paper attribute:

Demerits are assessed in accordance with Government Paper Specification Standards.

If the demerits equal 31 or more, a major defect is assessed.

* Loss of Information for any reason is assessed a critical defect.

* Total Defects are the sum of major and critical defects in the entire sample inspected.

* The Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) is the maximum number of defects per 100 units the govern ment will tolerate the risk of accepting at the contract price.

A typical AQL is 1.0 for critical defects and 6.5 for total defects.

* Acceptance Sampling, an alternative to inspecting every unit in the lot, can be used to determine if the entire lot meets the AQL.

The appropriate sample size for determining a representative sample is derived by using ANSI/ASQC Z 1.4, Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes (version in effect as of date of bid opening).

* If the defects exceed either or both AQL's:

The government has the option of having the lot replaced or corrected if possible, or accepting the lot with an equitable reduction in the contract price.

(END OF INFORMATIONAL FOREWORD)

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QUALITY ASSURANCE THROUGH ATTRIBUTES PROGRAM 1

Quality Assurance Through Attributes Program

(QATAP)

1. DEFINITIONS

1–1. Quality Attribute—A quality attribute is a property of a printed product which affects its quality.

Examples are trim size, image position, type quality, and paper.

1–2. Lot or Batch—A lot or batch is a quantity of copies of a publication from which a sample is drawn. A lot or batch consists of copies which are produced under essentially the same conditions and at essentially the same time.

1–3. Critical Defect—A critical defect is a serious deviation from specifications. Critical defects are designated in the tolerance tables for finishing attributes.

1–4. Major Defect—A major defect is a deviation from specifications which is less serious than a crit ical defect. Major defects are designated in the tolerance tables for printing attributes, finishing attributes and the paper attribute.

1–5. Total Defects—Total defects are the sum of all critical and all major defects (e.g., 3 critical defects + 2 major defects = 5 total defects).

1–6. Acceptable Quality Levels (AQL’s)—The AQL's are the maximum number of defects per 100 copies that the Government will accept at the contract price. Unless otherwise specified, the AQL’s are

1.0 for critical defects and 6.5 for total defects.

1–7. Product Quality Levels (PQL’s)—The PQL’s specify the degree of quality required in the final product. QATAP contains five PQL’s ranging from Level I (Best) to Level V (Functional). Generally, tolerances for attributes vary with the PQL.

1–8. Inspection Levels—The inspection levels are the means used to determine the relationship between the lot or batch size and the minimum sample size. Inspection Levels will be specified in accordance with page 9 of “ANSI/ASQC Z 1.4, Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes” (version in effect as of date of bid opening). Copies of ANSI/ASQC Z 1.4 are available from the American National Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036; telephone

(212) 642–4900; fax (212) 302–1286.

1–9. Specified Standards—The specified standards are the criteria on which printing attributes P–7, P–8, P–9, and P–10 are evaluated. For example, process color match (P–10) might be evaluated by comparing a printed illustration with an “OK’d press sheet.” In this example, the “OK’d press sheet" would be listed in the specifications as the specified standard for printing attribute P–10.

Standards will be specified for the following attributes:

P–7 Type Quality and Uniformity

P–8 Halftone Match

P–9 Solid or Screen Tints Color Match

P–10 Process Color Match

1–10. Average Demerit Levels (ADL's)—ADL's are one of the means used to classify defects for print ing attributes.

2 QUALITY ASSURANCE THROUGH ATTRIBUTES PROGRAM

1–11. Standard Viewing Conditions—Standard viewing conditions are those defined in ISO 3664–2000, Viewing conditions—Graphic technology and photography.

2. DETERMINATION OF PRODUCT QUALITY

a. QATAP establishes attributes for quality and it defines tolerances for those attributes for five qual ity levels of printing. When attributes deviate from the allowable tolerances, the deviations will be classified as either major or critical defects pursuant to the applicable tolerance table.

b. Attributes which are not identified as quality attributes under QATAP (e.g., stitching position) will be evaluated in accordance with the article entitled “Quality” in U.S. Government Printing Office Contract Terms (Pub. 310.2).

3. DETERMINING ACCEPTABILITY—Because inspection of all copies of a publication is usually impractical, the Government will utilize statistical sampling to determine quality. When the Government determines that both the number of critical defects and the number of total defects in the lot or batch do not exceed their respective AQL’s, the lot or batch will be accepted at the contract price.

ANSI/ASQC Z 1.4, Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes, will be used to make this determination.

If the defects exceed either or both AQL’s, the Government will have the option of having the lot or batch replaced, having the defects corrected, or accepting the lot or batch with an equitable reduction in the contract price. The discount tables contained in Appendices A & B will be used as a guide by the Contracting Officer to determine reductions. Failure to agree to such reduction of price shall be a dispute concerning a question of fact within the meaning of the article entitled “Disputes” of GPO Contract Terms (Publication 310.2). In all cases it is the intent of the Government that the products meet the quality required in the specifications.

4. CATEGORIES OF ATTRIBUTES—Quality attributes are divided into three categories which consist of printing attributes, finishing attributes, and the paper attribute.

4–1. Printing Attributes—For each copy that is inspected, the Government will evaluate each applicable printing attribute by separately inspecting:

a. outside covers (i.e., the spine and covers 1 & 4)

b. text (i.e., pages and covers 2 & 3)

ADL’s will be determined as follows:

(i) Outside covers will be inspected and evaluated as one unit. The unit will be assessed demer its (i.e., 4, 20, 100) pursuant to the demerit table for each printing attribute that deviates from specifications. The demerits which are assessed constitute the ADL for outside covers for that printing attribute for that copy.

(ii) The text will be evaluated by inspecting pages (each page is an individual unit), cover 2, and cover 3 as individual units. Each unit will be assessed demerits (i.e., 4, 20, 100) pursuant to the demerit table for each printing attribute that deviates from specifications.

The demerits which are assessed will be summed, and each sum will be divided by the number of individual units that were inspected for that printing attribute. The quotient constitutes the ADL for text for that printing attribute for that copy.

(iii) In each copy the ADL’s for each printing attribute will be classified as follows:

CATEGORIES OF ATTRIBUTES 3

Tolerance Table for Printing Attributes

Classification ADL’s of Defect

4 or less for both outside covers and text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .None.

More than 4 for either or both outside covers and text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Major.

Conspicuous Single Page Defects—When one or more pages have been assessed demerits for a printing attribute but the ADL does not exceed 4, a single major defect will be assessed for that printing attrib ute if one or more pages is so conspicuously defective that it significantly impairs the quality of the entire copy. Examples include a large hickey at the focal point of an illustration, a single page with extremely light (but legible) type, large ink spots, large oil spots, and large off-color spots in illustra tions.

4–2. Finishing Attributes—The Government will evaluate finishing attributes by inspecting individ ual copies of publications. When each copy is inspected, each applicable finishing attribute that deviates from specifications will be classified as either a critical or major defect in accordance with the tolerance table for that attribute.

4–3. Paper Attribute—The Government will evaluate the paper attribute by inspecting and testing paper characteristics in individual copies of publications. The paper characteristics will be tested in accordance with the current edition of “Government Paper Specification Standards” which is published by the Joint Committee on Printing. When each copy is inspected, paper that deviates from specifica tions will be assessed a major defect.

Tolerance Table for the Paper Attribute

Classification Sum of Demerits of Defect

Less than 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .None.

31 or more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Major.

5. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED MATERIAL (GFM)—Defects will not be assessed for deviations from specifications which are caused by GFM if the contractor notifies the Government prior to production that the GFM is not satisfactory.

P–1. HICKIES AND SPOTS 5

Printing Attributes

P–1. Hickies and Spots

Definition: Hickies and spots are small deformities, specks, or other imperfections on a page, cover, or spine, which result from the printing or reproduction process.

Examples: Ink spatter, hickies caused by dirty blanket, spots due to paper picking.

Instruments: 1. Visual evaluation

2. Magnifier with scale graduated in increments of .1 mm or .005 inch

Procedure: 1. Evaluate hickies, off-color spots, and ink spots in accordance with the following table:

Diameter Count lessthan1mm(.04in.)

1 to but not including 2 mm (.08 in.)

2 through 3 mm (.12 in.)

greater than 3 mm (.12 in)

Demerit Table for Hickies and/or Spots

Product Quality Demerits

Levels 4 20 100

Level I 5 to and including 14 counts ................................. X

15 to and including 29 counts ................................ X greater than 29 counts ..................................... X

Level II 10 to and including 19 counts ................................ X

20 to and including 39 counts ................................ X greater than 39 counts ..................................... X

Level III 20 to and including 29 counts ................................ X

30 to and including 49 counts ................................ X greater than 49 counts ..................................... X

Level IV 30 to and including 39 counts ................................ X greater than 39 counts ..................................... X

Level V Not applicable to Level V

6 QUALITY ASSURANCE THROUGH ATTRIBUTES PROGRAM

P–2. Extraneous Marks

Definitions and Examples: Extraneous marks are undesirable marks which are not hickies or spots.

Examples are lines due to plate scratches, scumming, tinting, wheel marks, oil marks, and ink bleed-through. Showthrough is not evaluated under this attribute. The two categories of deviations for extraneous marks are:

Category 1: These are marks which are readable on a densitometer and which cover an area mea uring more than 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) in their smallest dimension. Examples are scum ming, set off, and smearing.

Category 2: These are marks that do not fall in Category 1. Examples are roller marks, gear marks, lines due to scratches on negative or plate, and ink bleed-through.

Category 2 marks are classified according to seriousness as follows:

a. Light Marks—Light marks are marks which are visible under standard viewing conditions and which slightly detract from the appearance of a page. Examples are visible marks measuring less than .010 square inch (6.5 square millimeters) in total area.

b. Medium Marks—Medium marks are marks that moderately detract from the appearance of a page. Examples are visible marks measuring between .010 and .020 square inch (between 6.5 and 12.9 square millimeters) in total area.

c. Heavy Marks—Heavy marks are marks that seriously detract from the appearance of a page.

Examples are marks greater than .020 square inch (12.9 square millimeters) in total area.

Marks caused by foreign matter such as oil will always be classified as heavy marks.

Instruments: 1. Visual Evaluation

2. Reflection Densitometer

3. Magnifier with scale graduated in increments of .005 inch (.1 millimeter)

Procedures:

Category 1

a. Use a reflection densitometer with the filter giving the highest reading.

b. Measure the three areas of greatest density in the mark. Compute the average and assign demerits on the average.

Category 2

a. Visually inspect the marks under standard viewing conditions.

b. Classify the marks based on the above criteria.

c. Measure area of mark only if there is a dispute regarding the classification.

P–2. EXTRANEOUS MARKS 7

Demerit Assessment Assess demerits on the more defective of the two categories. A maximum of 100 demerits will be assessed per page.

Demerit Table for Extraneous Marks (Category 1)

Level I Visible to but not including 0.01 density ......................... X

0.01 through and including 0.02 density ......................... X greater than 0.02 density .................................... X

Level II 0.01 to but not including 0.02 density .......................... X

0.02 through and including 0.03 density ......................... X greater than 0.03 density .................................... X

Level III 0.02 to but not including 0.03 density .......................... X

0.03 through and including 0.04 density ......................... X greater than 0.04 density .................................... X

Level IV 0.03 to but not including 0.04 density .......................... X

0.04 through and including 0.05 density ......................... X greater than 0.05 density .................................... X

Level V Not applicable to Level V

Demerit Table for Extraneous Marks (Category 2)

Level I Light Marks .............................................. X

Medium Marks ............................................ X

Heavy Marks ............................................. X

Level II Light Marks .............................................. X

Level III Light Marks .............................................. X

Level IV Light Marks .............................................. X

8 QUALITY ASSURANCE THROUGH ATTRIBUTES PROGRAM

P–3. Moire

Definitions: 1. Moire is defined as objectionable patterns which are created when halftone screens are printed over one another at incorrect screen angles. Moire may also appear when rescreening a single color halftone or screening an original halftone which contains patterned objects (e.g., fabrics).

2. Avoidable moire is moire that is due to poor production methods rather than the inherent limitations of the process (e.g., 15 degree yellow screen angle, rescreened halftones).

Instruments: 1. Visual Evaluation

2. Screen Angle Gauge

Procedures: 1. Visually examine halftone under standard viewing conditions.

2. Determine the deviation of each color from the desired screen angle by means of a screen angle gauge.

Demerit Table for Moire

Level I Any avoidable moire ........................................ X

Level II Avoidable moire through and including .5̊ ........................ X greater than .5̊ .......................................... X

Level III Avoidable moire through and including .5̊ ........................ X

.5̊ through and including 1.0̊ ................................ X greater than 1.0̊ ......................................... X

Level IV .5̊ to but not including 1.0̊ ................................. X

1.0̊ through and including 1.5̊ ............................... X greater than 1.5̊ ......................................... X

P–4. REGISTER 9

P–4. Register

Definition: Register is the alignment of two or more image components. The two categories of register are:

1. Multicolor Halftone Register (Internal and/or Border)

2. Linework Register (solid colors)

Instruments: 1. Visual Evaluation

2. Magnifier with scale graduated in increments of .1 mm or .005 inch

Procedures: 1. Multicolor Halftone Register (Internal and/or Border) Establish the measuring base by determining two colors in register within 0.5 row. Sum the rows of misreg ister for all colors. Enter the sum on the demerit table to assign demerits. If three or more colors are used and no two colors register within 1 row, assign 100 demer its to that page. If more than one illustration appears on a page, assess demerits only on the most defective illustration. A maximum of 100 demerits will be assessed per page.

2. Linework Register (Solid Colors and Specialty Screens) Establish the measuring base by determining two colors in register within 0.10 mm. Using a magnifier with a graduated scale, measure in millimeters the misregister for each color. Sum the measurements of misregister for all colors. Enter sum on the demerit table to assign demerits. If no two colors are in register within 0.10 mm, select as the measuring base the color which will result in the smallest number of demerits.

Demerit Table for Multicolor Halftone Register

Product Quality Demerits

Levels 4 20 100

Level I .5 to but not including 1 row ................................. X 1 through and including 2 rows ................................ X greater than 2 rows ........................................ X

Level II 1 to but not including 2 rows ................................. X 2 through and including 3 rows ................................ X greater than 3 rows ........................................ X

Level III 1 to but not including 2 rows ................................. X 2 through and including 4 rows ................................ X greater than 4 rows ........................................ X

Not applicable to Level IV

10 QUALITY ASSURANCE THROUGH ATTRIBUTES PROGRAM

Demerit Table for Solids and Linework

Level I .10 mm (.004 in.) to but not including .20 mm (.008 in.) ............ X

.20 mm (.008 in.) through and including .30 mm (.012 in.) ........... X greater than .30 mm (.012 in.) ................................ X

Level II .10 mm (.004 in.) to but not including .20 mm (.008 in.) ............ X

.20 mm (.008 in.) through and including .30 mm (.012 in.) ........... X greater than .30 mm (.012 in.) ................................ X

Level III .20 mm (.008 in.) to but not including .30 mm (.012 in.) ............ X

.30 mm (.012 in.) through and including .40 mm (.016 in.) ........... X greater than .40 mm (.016 in.) ................................ X

Level IV .40 mm (.016 in.) to but not including .50 mm (.020 in.) ............ X

.50 mm (.020 in.) through and including .60 mm (.024 in.) ........... X greater than .60 mm (.024 in.) ................................ X

P–5. TEXT AND ILLUSTRATION IMAGE POSITION 11

P–5. Text and Illustration Image Position

Definitions: The two categories of deviations for image position are:

1. Misplacement —Misplacement is the linear displacement of the image between the specified and actual position.

2. Skewness—Skewness is the angular displacement of the image in relation to the edges of the page.

Examples: Unintentional bleeds, incorrect placement of text, and improper alignment of two-page spreads.

Instruments: 1. Visual

2. Ruler graduated to 1/64 and .010 inches (or .1 mm)

Procedures: 1. Misplacement By means of a ruler, determine vertical and horizontal deviations of the printed image position from the specified position. Assess demerits on the greater devia tion.

2. Exceptions:

a. Image Bleeds If either a specified image bleed does not occur or an unspecified image bleed does occur, assess 100 demerits for Levels I, II and III and 20 demerits for Level IV.

b. Facing Pages When the vertical deviations of facing pages are in opposite directions from the specified position, sum the measurements of the two deviations. Using the demerit table for misplacement, assess demerits based on the combination of the two pages.

For example, in a level III book, one margin is 3/32 inch high and the facing page margin is 2/32 inch low. Assess a total of 20 demerits to the two pages combined based on the sum of 5/32 inch.

c. Saddle Stitched Publications Allowances will be made for normal trade practices for margins of saddle stitched publications.

3. Skewness Measure the distance from the printed image to the edge of the page at two points on the same edge, exactly five inches (127 millimeters) apart (see illustration).

Calculate the difference in the two measurements (D1-D2) and assess demerits based on this difference. If a five-inch (127 millimeters) distance is not available, extend the edges of the copy and the image to five inches (127 millimeters).

4. Demerit Assessment Assess demerits for each category. A maximum of 200 demerits will be assessed per page.

12 QUALITY ASSURANCE THROUGH ATTRIBUTES PROGRAM

1. Demerit Table for Misplacement

Level I 1/32 in. (.8 mm) to but not including 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) ............. X

1/16 in. (1.6 mm) through and including 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) ........... X greater than 1/8 in. (3.2 mm.) ................................ X

Level II 1/32 in. (.8 mm) to but not including 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) ............. X

1/16 in. (1.6 mm) through and including 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) ........... X greater than 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) ................................ X

Level III 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) to but not including 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) ............. X

1/8 in. (3.2 mm) through and including 3/16 in. (4.8 mm) ........... X greater than 3/16 in. (4.8 mm) ............................... X

1/8 in. (3.2 mm) to but not including 3/16 in. (4.8 mm) ............. X

3/16 in. (4.8 mm) through and including 1⁄4 in. (6.4 mm) ............ X greater than 1⁄4 in. (6.4 mm) ................................. X

P–5. TEXT AND ILLUSTRATION IMAGE POSITION 13

2. Demerit Table for Skewness

DemeritsProduct Quality (D1–D2 at 5” distance)

Levels 4 20 100

Level I .02 in. (.5 mm) to but not including .04 in. (1.0 mm) ............... X .04 in. (1.0 mm) through and including .09 in. (2.3 mm) ............. X greater than .09 in. (2.3 mm) ................................. X

Level II .02 in. (.5 mm) to but not including .04 in. (1.0 mm) ............... X .04 in. (1.0 mm) through and including .09 in. (2.3 mm) ............. X greater than .09 in. (2.3 mm) ................................. X

Level III .02 in. (.5 mm) to but not including .09 in. (2.3 mm) ............... X .09 in. (2.3 mm) through and including .18 in. (4.6 mm) ............. X greater than .18 in. (4.6 mm) ................................. X

Level IV .04 in. (1.0mm) to but not including .09 in. (2.3 mm) ............... X .09 in. (2.3 mm) through and including .18 in. (4.6 mm) ............. X greater than .18 in. (4.6 mm) ................................. X

Level V Not applicable to Level V

Approximate Equivalent Degrees of Skewness

Degrees of

Skewness

.02 ....................................... 1/4˚

.04 ....................................... 1/2˚

.09 ....................................... 1˚

.13 ....................................... 1-1/2˚

.18 ....................................... 2˚

.26 ....................................... 3˚

14 QUALITY ASSURANCE THROUGH ATTRIBUTES PROGRAM

P–6. Newton’s Rings

Definition: Newton’s rings are irregular circles which are caused by interference (e.g., tape, dirt, etc.) with good contact or by poor contact printing technique.

Examples: Printed halftones and screen tints that have a bleached and/or mottled appearance.

Instruments: Visual

Procedures: 1. Determine the presence of Newton’s rings in a single or multicolor halftone by making a visual comparison under standard viewing conditions between the origi nal camera copy and the sample being inspected.

2. Determine the presence of Newton’s rings in single color or multicolor screen tints by a visual examination of the sample under standard viewing conditions without the use of camera copy.

Demerit Table for Newton’s Rings

Product Quality Demerits

Levels 4 20 100

Level I Any visible Newton’s rings ................................... X

Level II Any visible Newton’s rings ................................... X

Level III Any visible Newton’s rings ................................... X

Level IV Any visible Newton’s rings ................................... X

P–7. TYPE QUALITY AND UNIFORMITY 15

P–7. Type Quality and Uniformity

Evaluation: Type will be evaluated in four ways:

1. Minimum Type Density (maximum % reflectance).

2. Variation in Type Density (% reflectance) between facing pages, within a page, or from an “OK’d press sheet.”

3. Deviation in Type Dimension from the specified standard.

4. Broken characters.

Instruments: 1. Visual

2. Print Contrast Meter (% reflectance convertible to density)

3. 8x type size finder

4. 50x microscope with reticle calibrated to .001"

Procedures: 1. Minimum Type Density (maximum % reflectance).

Inspect each page visually to locate minimum type density (maximum % reflectance).

Make dry readings of the three lightest characters with a print contrast meter.

Compute the average of the readings and assess demerits based on it.

2. Variation in Type Density (% reflectance) between facing pages, within a page, or from an “OK’d press sheet.”

Compare measurements for each individual page inspected against a % reflectance reading for its facing page, against each other for variation within a page, or against those of an “OK’d press sheet.”

3. Type Dimension Evaluate type dimension by comparing measurements of the finished publication with the specified standard. Use the 50x microscope or print contrast meter to measure type dimensions. Tolerances are based on the maximum deviation from the specified standard.

4. Broken Characters Count the number of broken characters on each page.

5. Demerit Assessment Assess demerits on all of the four categories. A maximum of 400 demerits will be assessed per page.

These tolerances will also be used for the line widths and ink density of line illus trations.

Exception: Evaluation 1 “Minimum Type Density (maximum % reflectance)” and evaluation 2 “Variation in Type Density (% reflectance) between facing pages, within a page, or from an ‘OK’d press sheet” will not apply to type printed with colored ink (i.e., a type other than black). Instead, type printed with colored ink will be evaluated for visible density variation (1) between facing pages (2) within a page (3) between the page and the specified standard listed for attribute P–9 “Solids or Screen Tints Color Match.”

Each page containing any of these variations will be assessed 100 demerits at Levels I and II, and 20 demerits at Levels III and IV.

16 QUALITY ASSURANCE THROUGH ATTRIBUTES PROGRAM

1. Demerit Table for Minimum Type Density or Maximum Percent Reflectance

Level I Gloss Coated Paper

5% reflectance to 10% ................................. X

11% reflectance to 15% ................................. X

16% reflectance or greater ............................... X

Matte Finish, Coated Paper

7% reflectance to 10% ................................. X

11% reflectance to 15% ................................. X

16% reflectance or greater ............................... X

Level II Gloss Coated Paper

6% reflectance to 12% ................................. X

13% reflectance to 17% ................................. X

18% reflectance or greater ............................... X

8% reflectance to 12% ................................. X

13% reflectance to 17% ................................. X

18% reflectance or greater ............................... X

Uncoated Paper

11% reflectance to 13% ................................. X

14% reflectance to 18% ................................. X

19% reflectance or greater ............................... X

Level III Gloss Coated Paper

7% reflectance to 13% ................................. X

9% reflectance to 13% .................................. X

Uncoated Paper

13% reflectance to 14% ................................. X

15% reflectance to 19% ................................. X

20% reflectance or greater ............................... X

Level IV Gloss Coated Paper

9% reflectance to 14% .................................. X

11% reflectance to 14% ................................. X

P-7. TYPE QUALITY AND UNIFORMITY 17

1. Demerit…