Graphic Design of Guidebooks

The contract timeline is as follows:

Procurement Timetable (leading to contract award):

• Publication of the Tender Invitation: 23rd September 2026
• Closing date for raising clarification questions on the ITT: 12th October 2026
• Invitation to Tender closing date for submission of tenders: 23rd October 2026
• Expected date of Invitation to Tender results: 11th November 2026
• Expected Contract Award date following a standstill period: 24th November 2026

Contract Period:

• Contract Start Date: Envisaged to commence in January 2027
• Initial Duration: 2 years
• Extension Option: Option to extend the contract by a further 2 years, reviewed annually
• Total Duration (maximum): Up to 4 years (2 years initial + 2 years extension)

The core scope of work for this tender involves providing graphic design services for guidebooks, specifically for OSG/OVG (On-Site Guides/Off-Site Guides) and other publications for Historic Environment Scotland (HES).

Key activities and responsibilities of the supplier include:

• Collaborating closely with HES's Interpretation team and a designated Project Manager (PM) for each project.
• Attending site visits to monuments as part of the briefing process.
• Producing design roughs and detailed designs through an iterative process, in close collaboration with the PM.
• Creating print-ready artwork after design sign-off.
• Providing qualified representation to oversee print production at the chosen printer.
• Advising the PM on how to reduce overall costs without compromising quality.
• Project-managing the work and providing regular progress updates to the HES PM.
• Artwork all images for print, including cutting out images as needed.
• Considering and advising on the implementation of any new HES corporate brand in publications, which may involve a separate package of work with agreed fees.
• Upholding the HES corporate identity and referring any new brand or logo usage requests to the Contract Manager.

Core deliverables include:

• Design roughs.
• Detailed designs.
• Print-ready artwork.
• Oversight of print production during a press pass.
• Full ‘live’ artwork files, including artworked images, upon completion of each project for archiving by HES.