Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a competent service provider to conceptualise, design, layout, and print the 2025/26 Annual Reports for the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA) and the Universal Service and Access Fund (USAF). The reports aim to accurately reflect the entities' performance, financial status, strategic initiatives, and future plans, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and enhancing stakeholder communication.

Scope

The scope of work includes:

• Conceptualisation, design, and layout of approximately 170 pages each for USAASA and USAF, excluding cover pages.
• Design of cover pages for the annual reports and the Annual General Meeting (AGM) packs.
• Production of 20 printed copies each of the USAASA and USAF annual reports, and 15 AGM packs.
• Development of an online magazine-style digital version of the reports in PDF and HTML5 flipbook formats.
• Provision of professional photography services for leadership portraits and institutional imagery, including at least 15 high-quality images.
• Photography sessions at USAASA Head Office or approved locations, including portraits of Board and EXCO members, with professional lighting, editing, and grooming services.
• Content development, editing, proofreading, and layout design aligned with USAASA’s Corporate Identity Manual and ICT landscape themes.
• Infographics and data visualisation aligned with performance reporting guidelines.
• Delivery of drafts, proofs, and final printed and electronic reports within specified deadlines.

Technical Requirements

The technical specifications for the reports are as follows:

• Page count: approximately 170 pages per report, excluding covers.
• Size: A3 folded to A4, portrait orientation.
• Color: Full color throughout.
• Paper: Cover – 300gsm Matt Art; Inside pages – 128gsm.
• Finishing: Spot gloss on covers, UV varnish, perfect binding.
• Design: Digital magazine look, responsive for online viewing.
• Content: Clear, concise, and aligned with performance and financial reporting standards.
• Images: Minimum 15 high-quality, professional images, including leadership portraits.
• Digital output: PDF and HTML5 flipbook formats for online publication.

Skills Requirements

The successful bidder must demonstrate:

• At least three years of relevant experience in designing and layout of annual reports, preferably for public sector entities.
• Proven experience in conceptualising and producing digital and print annual reports with modern, engaging layouts.
• Capability to provide professional photography services, including leadership portraits, with high-resolution images suitable for print and digital use.
• Expertise in content development, editing, proofreading, and aligning designs with corporate identity guidelines.
• Ability to produce infographics and data visualisations compliant with government reporting standards.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to deliver within tight deadlines and manage multiple deliverables.
• Technical proficiency in digital publishing formats such as PDF and HTML5 flipbooks.