Choose VA Postcard Campaign

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the printing, addressing with variable imaging, binding, and mailing of postcards for the "ChooseVA Postcard Campaign." The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) is procuring these services.

• Production and mailing of 3,880,000 total postcards (3,060,500 Male version, 819,500 Female version).

• Postcards to be printed on both sides in Four Color Process, including full color photos, solids, line art, and a QR Code with variable imaging on one side.

• Dull Aqueous Coating on both sides, with knockout areas for the variable imaged address and QR Code.

• Variable Data Imaging is required for names, addresses, city, state, and zip code, populated from furnished Microsoft Excel files.

• Contractor must maintain 100% accountability for imaging and mailing accuracy, ensuring no missing, duplicate, or mis-imaged pieces.

• Contractor must safeguard Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and notify the Government of any loss.

• A Security Control Plan must be maintained and approved by the Government.

• Contractor must be able to edit PDF files and not request format conversions.

• Furnished fonts are the property of the Government and must be eliminated from the contractor's archive after contract completion.

• Identification markings must not print on the finished product.

• Contractor must perform a basic preflight of furnished media and publishing files.

• Paper stock must be JCP Code L60, Silk/Dull Coated Cover, White, Basis Size 20 X 26", 80 lbs.

• Ink: Four Color Process plus a Dull Aqueous Coating, with variable imaging in Black.

• Bleeds on the left edge of the addressed side.

• Contractor to submit one Press Quality PDF soft proof (for content only) on or before May 7, 2026, encrypted due to PII.

• Contractor must not print prior to receiving an "OK TO PRINT."

• Postcards must be packaged as per USPS guidelines for postcard mailing requirements.

• Contract type is not explicitly stated but implied to be a firm-fixed-price contract based on "Invitation for Bid" and "Purchase Order."

• Award will be made and Purchase Order issued by May 5, 2026.

• Period of performance is tied to the mailing schedule, concluding by June 26, 2026.

• Bids must be emailed to bids@gpo.gov.

• The Jacket Number (450-971) and bid opening date (April 30, 2026) must be specified in the subject line.

• Bids received after the bid opening date and time will not be considered.

• Bid opening is virtual at 11:00 am ET on April 30, 2026. Request a Teams link via email to bids@gpo.gov one hour prior.

• Pre-award survey may be conducted to determine contractor responsibility.

• Financial documents may be required for pre-award survey.

• No specific set-aside is mentioned.

• Government to furnish: Adobe Acrobat file (fonts included, CMYK) for print files. Password protected Excel files for the mailing list will be furnished directly from the customer agency after award.

• Mailing costs will be covered using the VA 1090 Permit. Contractor must notify the customer and GPO of the Post Office being used for mailing.

• Contractor must use CASS certified software for address hygiene and PAVE certified software for presort accuracy.

• Contractor must utilize USPS NCOA Link and Fast Forward program.

• A report of address corrections and undeliverables must be sent to matthew.sigurdson@va.gov.

• Bid acceptance period is 60 calendar days.

• Discounts are offered for payment as detailed in Article 12 of GPO Contract Terms.

• Questions concerning specifications can be directed to Tom Bacon at (214)767-0451, x8.