Request for Proposal/Services - Copyeditors

Job Description

[RFP/RFQ] Number: HQ-RFP-003-BD-Prog-2022

Issue Date: November 21, 2022

Deadline for submission December 6, 2022

of questions:

Closing Date: December 20, 2022

Closing Time: 5 PM, EST.

Blumont, Inc., is seeking proposals from eligible contractors/vendors to provide editing services for Blumont’s Arlington, Virginia.

Blumont anticipates awarding a single or more contract as a result of this solicitation.

All questions and proposals relating to this RFP shall be submitted to CandG@blumont.org.

This RFP in no way obligates Blumont to award a contract nor does it commit Blumont to pay any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal in relation to this RFP.

Thank you in advance for your interest.

Sincerely,

Blumont Contracts and Grants

1. PURPOSE

Blumont seeks the services of copyeditors to assist in the preparation of proposals, concept notes, project reports, and other deliverables to ensure high quality writing is being delivered to our clients. Blumont has defined three different levels of editing that we require for different deliverables and proposals at different times. Any work requested will clarify which type of edit is required.

1. COMPANY INFORMATION

Blumont is a global organization working with local communities to deliver lifesaving humanitarian assistance, build infrastructure, and foster opportunities for long-term stability and development. Blumont is a 501 (c)3 organization headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, with current projects in Afghanistan, Colombia, Iraq, Jordan, Pakistan, Syria, and Yemen.

Our vision is a world where a community’s future is not determined by its circumstances, but by the aspirations of its people. Our mission is to help people and communities overcome the challenges they face and create a foundation for progress. This looks different in each community, and over the past 20 years, Blumont has developed expertise in taking on challenging situations in challenging environments, including managing refugee camps in the Middle East; rebuilding water and power systems destroyed by conflict; helping individuals overcome the trauma of war and violence; empowering communities with new economic opportunities; and ensuring that institutions such as governance, schools, health systems, and more are strong and able to sustain local progress.

1. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES AND DELIVERABLES

Level 1 – Proofreading. When proofreading, the editor checks for spelling, punctuation, and typo errors; appropriate word breaks at the end of lines; accurate cross-referencing; and that text alignment, bold type, and spaces between sentences and paragraphs are correct. The editor looks for consistency with numbers and dates, capital letters, abbreviations, and references. The editor also checks that headings, page numbers, figures, and tables match the Table of Contents and are consistently formatted. The expected output is 30 pages per day.

Level 2 – Copyediting. When copyediting, the editor checks for all the items in a Level 1 edit and reviews the content in the document to make sure that it is presented in a clear and concise manner. The editor will ensure that only one idea is being developed per paragraph, identify, and make suggestions for correcting breaks in the logical flow of the presentation of material and ensure that the document reads as if written by one author. The editor will pay particular attention to language and translation issues as many of our documents are drafted by non-native English speakers/writers. The expected output is 20 pages per day.

Level 3 – Rewriting. In rare cases, the editors will be asked to substantively rewrite a document. This will require close coordination with the original authors of the document, to ensure that the main ideas are accurately captured. This rewrite will often include a significant reorganization of the material presented to ensure a more logical flow and presentation. The expected output is 10 pages per day.

1. TYPE OF CONTRACT

Blumont intends to award one or multiple Indefinite Quantity Contracts (IQC), with a Fixed Price Unit (s). Contract(s) ceiling price will be negotiated based on successful offerors proposal whose proposals will provide the best value to Blumont.

1. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance of planned contract(s) will be for one-year base period with option to extend for additional one year.

1. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

The following information is required to be submitted as part of the proposal. Proposals that do not meet the below criteria will not be considered for evaluation. At minimum, proposals should include:

• Offeror experience of similar work performed in the past 5 years including names of clients and type of edited projects.
• A resume(s) highlighting the relevant experience.
• Proposed daily/hourly rate.
• Three relevant client references.

1. ELIGIBILITY

• Declaration: Offerors must not be under a declaration of ineligibility for award of a contract or for corrupt or fraudulent practices issued by any formally organized international body.
• Conflict of Interest: Offerors must not have a conflict of interest with any of Blumont’s employees. Any bidder found to be in a conflict of interest will be disqualified.
• Validity of proposed prices: confirmation of price validity for at least 90 days from date of submission of proposals.
• Copies of education certifications, trainings or others.

1. EXPERIENCE AND MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 7 years’ experience as an editor,
• Excellent editing skills and strong attention to detail
• Relevant education degree,
• Proven experience editing reports and proposals in international development, global health, infrastructure projects and humanitarian aid sector projects
• Ability to format proposal documents and donor deliverables in Microsoft Word.

1. EVALUATION AND AWARD PROCESS

The candidates’ proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Demonstrated experience as an editor for international development and humanitarian assistance projects
• List of buyers (NGOs/Contractors) the Editor has worked for in the past 3-5 years (Provide POC information for each organization).
• Experience developing finished material originally written by non-native English speakers
• Proven experience adapting writing to conform with industry-specific terminology
• Past performance

1. AWARD SELECTION PROCESS

• The offeror’s proposal will be evaluated by an evaluation committee using the Evaluation Criteria stated above.
• Blumont expects offeror proposed daily/hourly rate to cover any associated costs may be incurred towards full delivery of services.

About the Organization

IRD, a charitable, non-profit, non-governmental organization, focuses its operations in regions of the world that present social, political and technical challenges. IRD specializes in facilitating and supporting assistance that is tailored specifically to those most in need. IRD works in collaboration with a wide range of organizations in the design and implementation of humanitarian relief and development aid programs, including U.S. and foreign government agencies, bilateral and international donor organizations, international finance organizations, faith-based organizations, advocacy groups, international and local NGOs, and U.S. corporations. IRD’s mission is to reduce the suffering of the world’s most vulnerable groups and provide tools and resources needed to increase their self-sufficiency. We accomplish our mission by implementing targeted cost-effective relief and development programs that improve the lives of these vulnerable groups.