Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to develop and implement a program for the printing and distribution of a Braille version of the Vuk'uzenzele Government Newspaper. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility for the visually impaired, ensuring that information about government programs, policies, socio-economic opportunities, and access pathways are available in accessible formats, including Braille and audio formats. The project seeks to reach and serve the blind or partially sighted segments of the population, providing them with timely, accurate, and error-free information, and establishing auditable reporting mechanisms.

Scope

The scope encompasses the following key activities:

• Developing a comprehensive project plan demonstrating understanding of objectives, key activities, milestones, and timelines.
• Producing and printing Braille editions of the newspaper, with a standard size of 240 x 285mm / A4 magazine style, with a thickness between 0.65mm and 0.9mm.
• Printing approximately 450 copies per edition, with flexibility for operational adjustments.
• Distributing printed Braille editions to designated recipients across national distribution points per province.
• Ensuring content accuracy, error-free printing, and matching supplied content.
• Providing bi-monthly delivery reports and verification of distribution.
• Managing the entire process using own or third-party resources, including quality checks and distribution to the intended audience.

Technical Requirements

The technical specifications include:

• Development of a detailed project plan with clear timelines, milestones, and capacity to print and distribute 450 copies per edition over three years.
• Printing in accordance with the Contracted Unified Braille Code, completed within 10 days of receipt of final English copy, with distribution starting on day 11.
• Content must be error-free, matching supplied content, and printed in a thickness between 0.65mm and 0.9mm.
• Distribution to recipients must be verified, with reports submitted twice monthly.
• Provision of samples of Braille editions and references from previous successful projects.
• Use of appropriate infrastructure, equipment, and personnel to manage the print run and distribution within specified timeframes.

Skills and Credentials Requirements

Bidder must demonstrate:

• Experience in printing, quality checking, and distributing Braille materials, with relevant references (minimum of 3 references, with contactable references and recent letters).
• Capability to produce the required number of copies (450 per edition) with quality control measures to ensure accuracy and error-free output.
• Provision of a project plan detailing key processes, timeframes, and capacity.
• Management of distribution logistics, including verification and reporting mechanisms.
• Provision of samples of previous Braille projects that meet specifications.
• Designated account manager responsible for the GCIS account management.
• Registration on the Central Suppliers Database (CSD) with valid registration number.