1. The GPO procures between 600 and 1,000 print-related projects a day through private sector vendors across the country. What kinds of print-related projects does it procure?

One of GPO's essential missions is to provide the agencies and organizations that make up the three branches of the federal government with expert information and communications products and services. We procure all forms of digital information products (such as web site hosting), as well as printing services. Click here to find a list of the types of projects we routinely procure.

2. How can our readers work with the GPO? Where should they start?

The first step is for prospective contractors to register online at http://www.contractorconnect.gpo.gov/

We have provided online access to procurement opportunities at www.gpo.gov under "GPO VENDORS," and then by clicking on "Bid Opportunities." We recently launched Quick Quote, a new online small purchase system. Contractors accessing Quick Quote can view specifications and submit their quotes online. All bids are publicly posted at each GPO office across the country. There is no charge for any of these services.

The bidding process is as follows: The GPO faxes or mails solicitations to contractors on a computer-generated bid list. It posts sealed bids and term contract opportunities on the internet. All bids are publicly posted at each GPO office around the country. Vendors can fax (if the specifications permit) or mail their bids to the office sending the quotation request. Bids are publicly opened, evaluated by the contracting officer and then awarded.

3. What criteria does the GPO use to choose printers in the private sector?

Since the GPO purchases such a wide variety of products and services on a competitive basis, we have opportunities for vendors of all different sizes and capabilities. After receiving bids in response to a solicitation, the contracting officer evaluates the bidder's technical ability to meet the terms of the contract. If they are a new vendor, or if the contracting officer has questions about their ability, GPO may perform a pre-award survey. During this process, GPO will inspect the plant, checking everything from production to packing, including a review of the vendor's financial capability.

4. What qualities does the GPO look for in printers when awarding contracts?

First, we look for vendors that have the technical capability and production capacity to meet the terms of the contract. In addition, we also look for contractors with past performance records that demonstrate the contractor can deliver on-time performance of products that meet or exceed the contract's quality standards.

5. Some printers feel that working with the GPO is tedious and complicated. What would you tell them?

GPO has been working hard to make the process simpler and more vendor-friendly—starting with our online registration. In addition, we are working to place 100 percent of our bid opportunities online so that all vendors, regardless of their geographic location, have equal access to participate.

In addition, our contracting officers are available to walk vendors through the process. Each bid opportunity has a point of contact. If vendors have questions about bid procedures, we encourage them to call us for more information.

6. What are some of the tips that you would give to printers who want to start working with the GPO?

Start off small, by submitting quotes on small purchases. This will enable vendors to learn the procurement system. We invite vendors to call the contracting officer directly to gather additional information on a particular bid.

7. What are the benefits for printers who work with the GPO?

The major benefits are that since the GPO procures hundreds of products a day—electronic and print—private sector companies have many opportunities to compete for this work. The GPO operates an open and competitive procurement system. And finally, once the business is successful and has delivered a product that meets contract specifications that company can be assured that the federal government will promptly pay the invoice.

8. How can the printers procure work from state and local governments? Is it through GPO or do states have their own systems?

Each state and local government has its own procurement process.

9. How do printers considering working with the GPO know they are good fits?

We would recommend reviewing the results of recent bid openings to see if the vendor can produce a product that matches what the GPO is purchasing at a competitive price.

10. Are their any plans/programs that the GPO is working on that you'd like to share with our readers?

GPO has a contractual vehicle called the Simplified Purchase Agreement (SPA), under which federal agencies award small (under $10,000) contracts to local contractors. Vendors are welcome under the SPA to market their services to their local agencies.

To participate in the SPA, vendors should contact their nearest GPO office, and tell them they would like to sign up for the SPA. After the vendor is assigned a purchase order number, they will be sent a list of all participating agencies, and their contact information.