Therefore, self-issued certificates are acceptable. Electronic signature certificates issued by certification authorities that are part of the Federal Bridge are recommended, but not required.Either format is acceptable, however, the format used on documents is subject to GPO review thus ensuring the identity and authentication of the signer and should match the Letter of Signature Authority submitted. Electronic signatures may or may not include a graphical representation of the user’s wet signature.It is a generic, technology neutral term that refers to the universe of all of the various methods by which one can “sign” an electronic record.Ī wet signature is created when a person physically marks a document traditionally paper based. Electronic signature on an electronic file* (e.g., PDF, Microsoft Word)Įlectronic signature is the term used for the electronic equivalent of a handwritten signature.A graphical representation of a handwritten wet signature (this includes the form with the original signature or a photocopy, facsimile or scan of it).If you elect to use electronic signatures the acceptable types include: In addition, you are asked to notify GPO when any changes occur.
GPO will request updated signature authorizations annually. GPO cannot award a contract without approved signature authorization. For your convenience a signature authorization memo template is provided on GPO.gov in Forms and Standards/Order Placement at Also indicate which signature types (wet, electronic, or both) the person is authorized to use. In order to avoid delays with processing your orders, please provide the following information for each individual prior to submitting a work request: Agency, Bureau, Department, Office, telephone number, and e-mail address. The memo should be signed by the Agency official who can delegate the authority to obligate agency funds. Please submit the information in the form of a memo on your Agency’s letterhead.
We ask that Agencies provide the printed names and signatures of individuals who are authorized to sign requisitions and to act as liaison between your agency and the GPO. Requisitions are only accepted if signed by a person authorized to obligate funds for their Agency. This allows GPO to make a positive identification of the person submitting requisitions and is critical to ensure statutory requirements are met and to prevent fraud. The Government Publishing Office (GPO) requires Federal Departments and Agencies to furnish signature authorization for all individuals who are authorized to sign and submit printing and binding requisitions to GPO. SUBJECT: Signature Authorization for Departments and Agencies submitting printing and binding requisitions to GPO TO: Printing and Publishing Officials of the Federal Government