About the Government Publishing Office
Welcome
Welcome to the Government Publishing Office (GPO). You have been appointed to a position of high public trust and confidence.
Created by Congress in June 1860, the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) began operation on March 4, 1861 with 350 employees. Occupying the corner of North Capitol and H Streets from its inception, GPO continues to adopt the most efficient and cost-effective
production methods of delivering authentic and secure government documents and products to the American public. With the increase in digital communication and expanding publishing technologies, GPO has streamlined and transformed from a print-only
operation to an integrated publishing organization. On December 17, 2014, Congress redesignated the agency the U.S. Government Publishing Office. GPO’s history program documents over 150 years of Keeping America Informed through publications,
exhibits, public programs, and research. In 2017, the American Printing History Association honored GPO with its Institutional Award, recognizing a “distinguished contribution
to study, recording, preservation or dissemination of printing history.” The award citation honors GPO’s “services in advancing the understanding of the history of printing and its allied arts.”
Mission
Keeping America Informed as the official, digital, and secure source for producing, preserving, and distributing official Federal Government publications and information products for Congress, Federal agencies, and the American public.
Vision
An informed nation that has convenient and reliable access to their government’s information through GPO’s products and services.
Core Values
Commitment, Customer Service, Innovation, Diversity, Integrity, and Teamwork
Goals
- Exceed our stakeholders’ expectations
- Enhance access to Federal Government information
- Strengthen our position as the government-wide authority on publishing
- Promote collaboration and innovation within government
- Engage employees and enhance internal operations
What We Do
- Produce and distribute information products and services for all three branches of the
Federal Government, including U.S. passports for the Department of State as well as the official publications of Congress, the White House, and other Federal agencies in digital and print formats.
- Provide for permanent public access to Federal Government information at no charge through the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) and govinfo.
- Operate distribution centers in Laurel, MD and Pueblo,
CO that fulfill orders for Government publications.