Overview
FAR Subpart 8.8 establishes the policies and procedures for acquiring government printing services, binding, and related supplies. It mandates the use of the Government Publishing Office (GPO) as the primary source for these requirements to ensure compliance with Title 44 of the U.S. Code and oversight by the Congressional Joint Committee on Printing (JCP).
Key Rules
- Mandatory Source: As a general rule, all government printing must be performed by or through the Government Publishing Office (GPO).
- Exceptions to GPO Use: Printing may only be done outside of the GPO if:
- The GPO certifies it cannot provide the service.
- The printing is performed in authorized agency field printing plants.
- The printing is funded by specific allotments for contract field printing.
- A specific statute authorizes an alternative source.
- Scope of Services: The regulations apply not only to traditional printing and binding but also to composition, platemaking, presswork, and micrographics (when used as a substitute for printing).
- Sourcing of Paper and Envelopes:
- Within D.C.: Must be acquired through the Public Printer (GPO).
- Outside D.C.: Must be requisitioned from the General Services Administration (GSA).
Responsibilities
- Agency Head: Responsible for designating a Central Printing Authority (CPA) to manage agency-wide printing needs and act as a liaison with the JCP and GPO.
- Central Printing Authority (CPA): Acts as the technical expert and gatekeeper; must approve any request for printing services before a contract can be initiated.
- Contracting Officers (COs):
- Must obtain formal approval from the agency’s CPA before contracting for any printing or related supplies.
- Must ensure that printing requirements are not "hidden" within larger service or supply contracts without proper authorization.
- Public Printer (GPO): Responsible for furnishing paper and envelopes for government entities within the District of Columbia.
Practical Implications
- Acquisition Planning: Contracting Officers and Program Managers must identify printing requirements early in the acquisition lifecycle. Because GPO is a mandatory source, agencies cannot simply "buy" printing from a commercial vendor on the open market without a waiver or CPA clearance.
- Ancillary Printing in Service Contracts: A common pitfall occurs when a professional services contract (e.g., a research study) requires a high volume of printed reports. The CO must ensure the printing portion of that contract is approved by the CPA, as contractors are generally prohibited from sub-contracting printing services to commercial printers directly unless authorized.
- Geographic Sourcing: Administrative staff must be careful regarding the location of performance; paper supplies are sourced differently depending on whether the office is located within or outside the District of Columbia (GPO vs. GSA).