Tender Summary: Service Provider for Graphic Design Services

Objectives

The primary objective is to appoint a qualified graphic designer to augment the capacity of the SANBI Graphics & Editing division. The appointed service provider will deliver professional, science-based graphic design and layout solutions for academic publications, print media, and electronic platforms over a two-year contract period. A secondary objective is to strengthen institutional capacity by training SANBI employees across divisions in fundamental design and layout techniques for science-based content.

Scope of Work

• Provide end-to-end graphic design and layout services for complex scientific publications, including journals exceeding 500 pages, brochures, banners, advertisements, and digital media.
• Integrate seamlessly into the existing production team, attend cross-divisional project meetings, and adhere to strict publishing lead times.
• Manage photographic and artwork databases, edit scanned materials, and maintain rigorous quality control aligned with international publishing standards.
• Interpret ambiguous or evolving project briefs involving multiple stakeholders while ensuring timely, high-quality delivery.
• Submit monthly progress reports and participate in quarterly work plan reviews with senior management.
• Develop and deliver training sessions to equip non-design staff with practical layout skills for internal communications.

Technical Requirements

• Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Information Design or an equivalent accredited qualification.
• Experience: Minimum eight years of professional experience in graphic design and layout for complex print and electronic media, with demonstrated exposure to scientific or academic publishing.
• Software Proficiency: Advanced expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop), CorelDRAW, Affinity, QuarkXPress, and Microsoft Office. Knowledge of video production and digital publishing platforms is highly advantageous.
• Proposal Documentation: Mandatory submission of a structured methodology, a portfolio containing at least five completed projects, three recent reference letters with corresponding work samples, a comprehensive CV, and documented case studies demonstrating management of multi-stakeholder briefs and staff training initiatives.
• Evaluation Threshold: Bids must achieve a minimum of 70 out of 100 points on functionality criteria to qualify for financial evaluation.

Skills Requirements

• Project & Time Management: Proven ability to prioritize competing deliverables, manage fluctuating workloads, and meet rigid publication deadlines without compromising accuracy.
• Stakeholder Liaison & Communication: Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills to coordinate with diverse clients, clarify vague requirements, and negotiate revisions efficiently.
• Technical Design Expertise: Mastery of visual composition, typography, color theory, prepress preparation, and file optimization for both print and digital distribution.
• Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Capacity to troubleshoot layout bottlenecks, streamline multi-client workflows, and pivot quickly when institutional priorities shift.
• Mentorship & Instruction: Demonstrated ability to translate advanced design principles into accessible, practical guidance for non-specialist personnel.

Key Procurement Terms Explained

• 80/20 Preference Point System: A standardized scoring framework where 80 points are allocated to competitive pricing and up to 20 points are reserved for Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) targets, specifically rewarding 100% black and/or female ownership percentages.
• Functionality Evaluation: A mandatory two-stage procurement process. Bidders must first pass a technical capability threshold (minimum 70/100 points) before their financial proposals and preference claims are assessed.
• CSD Verification: The Central Supplier Database is utilized by the procuring entity to independently authenticate B-BBEE ownership claims and compliance documentation submitted during the preference scoring phase.