In-plant Wins $164 Million Contract

The U.S. Department of State’s in-plant has won a $164 million contract to handle the department’s printing for the next decade, beating out some tough competition from commercial printers.

The award decision culminated an 18-month public-private competition, comparing the government’s ability to provide graphic design and creation, copier management and a standardized worldwide publishing workflow with the private sector bidders’ ability to provide the same service. The competition was part of the government’s Competitive Sourcing initiative.

The Department of State expects to save approximately $80 million dollars over the life of the contract, with improved quality and increased capability to reach overseas audiences.

“The biggest winner here is the taxpayer,” remarks Mark Lundi, director of Global Publishing Solutions.

Winning the contract required GPS to slim down from 199 to 120 employees and enhance its capabilities. The operation comprises six world-wide print facilities, including a main plant in Washington, D.C., and three satellite operations there. A 77,000-square-foot printing center in Manila has been in operation for more than 50 years.

All GPS facilities will be utilized to handle printing for this contract, Lundi says.