Request for Quotations (RFQ)

• RFQ #: DTI-2024-001
• Release Date: June 4, 2024
• Closing Date: June 21, 2024 (5:00 PM - Eastern Time (ET)
• Contact: sudan.programs@dt-institute.org with any additional questions and to submit your application. Deadline for submitting any questions or inquiries is on Monday, June 17, 2024, (5:00 PM - Eastern Time (ET ).

1. Deliverables:

Provision of graphic design services for print-ready artwork or electronic files, and/or web-optimized PDF files.
DT Institute (DTI) seeks a Service Provider to support the development and production of visuals for the online and offline communication products of its technical programs. The Provider will produce visuals for one or more of DTI's programs, and the requested range of services may include, but are not limited to:

1. Designing and formatting printed, digital, and web-based investigative and documentation reports ranging in length from 5 to 40 pages, publications, and other communication materials, taking into consideration DT Institute's branding guidelines and branding requirements of donors/partners, as needed;
2. Creating illustrations, maps, tables, charts, newsletters and other graphic elements for investigative and documentation reports, publications, and other communication and promotional materials;
3. Developing infographics using supplied data to present the reports' core messages and organize complex information into visually appealing representations.

DT Institute anticipates a one-year period of performance for the services and support for the development of DT Institute reports and deliverables to be produced one or more programs. Additional support may be requested in connection with follow-on programming, subject to satisfactory performance of deliverables under the original contract.

1. Delivery Timeline:

1. Initial designs to be delivered within 15 days / no longer than the agreed-upon time for each report, publication, or other communication product.
2. Any requested edits/changes to be delivered within 3 business days for each round of requests. Please note that the DT Institute reserves the right to request up to two rounds of edits until the final deliverables are accepted.

1. Required Service Provider Qualifications:

1. Strong theoretical and practical background in graphic design for both English and Arabic that are heavy texts with footnotes, citations, and references, including the use of design software and web design tools, to develop esthetically appealing documents and infographics, that are shareable with international development stakeholders and for international policy audiences;
2. Ability to demonstrate a clear and mature style of design and an understanding of the human rights' investigative reports;
3. Good understanding of new and evolving technologies to produce visually captivating documentation;
4. Proficiency with Photoshop, InDesign Quark, MS Word, and Illustrator.
5. At least three years of relevant experience;
6. Proficiency in Arabic & English language (both written and spoken)
7. High level of creativity and innovative design skills

D. Evaluation Criteria:
The evaluation factors below will serve as the basis upon which quotations will be evaluated.

a). Evaluation Criteria (Acceptable /Unacceptable)
Language Proficiency:

• Bilingual Capability: Proficiency in Arabic and English, including written and spoken communication. This will be assessed by submitting bilingual design samples and possibly a brief interview or language proficiency test. Applications that lack language proficiency in both English and Arabic will not be considered.

b). Evaluation Criteria (100 points maximum)
1. Technical Expertise and Experience (40)

• Demonstrated experience in graphic design, particularly in creating print-ready artwork, electronic files, and web-optimized PDFs for both English and Arabic texts. Evaluation will include reviewing the portfolio of past work to assess the relevance and quality of previous projects, especially those involving complex documents with footnotes, citations, and references.
• Proficiency in design software such as Photoshop, InDesign, Quark, MS Word, and Illustrator. Applicants should provide evidence of their skills through certifications, work samples, or detailed descriptions of past projects.
• Demonstrated ability to create visually appealing and innovative designs. This includes creating illustrations, maps, tables, charts, newsletters, and infographics that present complex information in an easily understandable and engaging format.

2. Understanding of Project Requirements (30)

• Adherence to Branding Guidelines: Ability to follow DT Institute's branding guidelines and the branding requirements of donors/partners. This will be assessed by submitting a design sample or case study demonstrating adherence to similar guidelines in past projects.
• Design and Formatting: The ability to design and format printed, digital, and web-based reports, publications, and other communication materials. The evaluation will include an assessment of the proposed approach to handling heavy texts with footnotes, citations, and references in both English and Arabic.

4 . Delivery and Responsiveness (20)

• Ability to meet the delivery timeline, including the initial design delivery within 15 days and edits/changes within 3 business days per round. Providers should describe their project management approach to ensure timely delivery.

5. Creativity and Innovation (10)

• High level of creativity and innovation in design. Providers should submit a portfolio showcasing their most creative and innovative work, particularly in the context of human rights investigative reports or similar complex documents.

1. In order to apply for the position, please submit the following:

1. Part I: Technical Proposal: (Evaluated based on above criteria)

As part of your technical proposal, please provide 2-3 illustrative samples of past work, including at least one that is text heavy, in both Arabic and English to assist DT Institute in the technical evaluation.

1. Part II: Financial Proposal: 100 points (Lowest Price)

Please complete the following Price Schedule table to assist DT Institute in the financial evaluation. Please ensure that all proposed offers are inclusive of all taxes, fees, and any other associated costs. No. Description Unit Unit Price (USD) 1 Written report: Formatting, layout, and design page 2 Infographic: design piece 3 Illustrative map piece 4 Revisions/edits (beyond the initial two rounds) hour
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