GPO Looking for a Few Good Private Publishers

Source: Offical announcement distributed on the GPO-FDLP list.

The U.S. Government Printing Office is seeking to re-invent its Government publications sales program by making Government publications available in a commercial mainstream setting, expanding distribution channels and using the latest technology, while achieving significant cost reductions for taxpayers through private sector vendors. 

"As a result of GPO working with book dealers in the private sector, you will be able to go online or walk into your corner bookstore - and pick up or order - any Government title you want. From bestsellers like the 9-11 Commission Report, to hard-to-find titles and specialty books on health and labor regulations, you will be able to choose from the best collection of Government publications in the world," said Kevin O'Toole, Director of GPO's Publication and Information Sales. "We want to make the thousands of titles published by our Government accessible anytime and anywhere across the country." 

A Request for Proposal (RFP) was posted today on FedBizOpps, the Federal Business Opportunities Web site at http://www.fbo.gov/spg/GPO/PSPSD/WashingtonDC/GPOID2005/listing.html. Responses are due by June 1, 2006. More information and a link to the full text of the RFP are available on the GPO Web site at http://www.gpo.gov/partnership/. 

In addition to its sales program, GPO provides free access to Government information through www.GPOAccess.gov and through partnerships with more than 1,250 libraries participating in the Federal Depository Library Program.