Introduction
Swisscontact, Swiss Foundation for Technical Cooperation, is headquartered in Zurich and was founded in 1959 by leading figures from the Swiss private sector and Swiss universities. It is exclusively involved in international cooperation and since 1961 has carried out its mandated projects. In Bangladesh, Swisscontact is registered as an international non-governmental organisation (INGO) under the NGO Affairs Bureau, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.
Overview of the Project (PROGRESS)
The Promoting Green Growth in the Ready-Made Garments Sector through Skills (PROGRESS) is a four-year (2022–26) project funded by the Embassy of Sweden and the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh and implemented by Swisscontact. The project supports RMG factories to advance in green transition by building their resilience and competitiveness. The PROGRESS project drives sustainable growth in the RMG sector through a market-driven approach. The project has two major components. The first component: Skills & Productivity, aims at improving the technical skills and productivity of RMG workers. Under this component with support from the project, the Consultancy Service Providers (CSPs)1 develop the skills of the RMG workers in areas like low performance, zero defect, women leadership etc. which make them more competent and productive. Besides, the project supports the factories developing an in-house training system to ensure the sustainability of these initiatives. The second component: Environment Social & Governance (ESG) Compliance, supports RMG factories in their journey of decarbonisation. The CSPs with support from the project assess the factories’ status of carbon emissions at baseline and help them develop tailored pathways to reach net-zero emissions, while also promoting sustainability reporting in line with international reporting frameworks and standards. PROGRESS facilitates partnerships between CSPs and RMG factories to deliver commercially viable solutions. Especially, the project strengthens the local service market, enabling factories to access affordable solutions and digital tools to support their decarbonisation journey. Additionally, by leveraging collaborations with international brands, PROGRESS ensures solutions are aligned with industry demand. The ultimate objective is to increase the retention rates and income of the workers, including 60% women while fostering improved productivity, and environmental and social compliance at factory level. To effectively document these efforts, high-quality photographs and audiovisual content are required to capture implementation processes, challenges, and key learnings. These visuals will be used in organizational and project reports, regular presentations, and advocacy efforts with key stakeholders.
PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
PROGRESS intends to establish a framework agreement with a qualified communications agency/service provider to support the development of knowledge and communication materials during a period (October 2026 to June 2027). These materials will be disseminated to donors, partners, and key stakeholders, including Consultancy Service Providers (CSPs), to highlight project progress, impact, and insights.
The framework will establish agreed service standards and unit rates so that individual assignments can be commissioned efficiently through separate work orders/call-offs. Each work order will specify the quantities/requirements/deliverables and approved ceiling amount.
OBJECTIVE
The objective is to produce high-quality, audience-friendly and visually engaging materials aligned with Swisscontact branding and applicable donor visibility requirements. PROGRESS will provide the approved content and data. The service provider will be responsible for design, layout, visualisation, adaptation and final production files.
FRAMEWORK PERIOD
The expected service period is October 2026-June 2027. Assignments will be commissioned on a rolling basis according to project needs, with exact specifications, quantities and timelines agreed for each product.
SCOPE OF WORK
The selected service provider will provide design services for materials commissioned by PROGRESS. The scope may include:
- Publication and knowledge-product design: Layout and visual design of the publications for example, Stories of Change book/learning series, study synopses, knowledge briefs, factsheets, case-story sheets, brochures, result sheets and other one-, two-, four- or six-page products.
- Infographics and data visualisation: Creation of charts, diagrams, process graphics, evidence boxes and infographics based on approved data and content supplied by PROGRESS.
- Digital communication materials: Design of web graphics, digital cards, social-media graphics/carousels, thumbnails and similar visual assets.
- Adaptation and finalisation: Resizing or adapting approved designs for different formats; preparation of web-optimised, mobile-friendly and print-ready files; and delivery of organised editable source files.
SERVICE DELIVERY PROCESS
- PROGRESS will issue a written work order/brief stating the product, audience, source materials, required format, timeline and approved ceiling amount.
- The provider will submit an initial design direction or draft layout for review.
- PROGRESS will provide consolidated feedback, and the provider will incorporate agreed revisions within the stated timeline.
- Final approved files, including editable/source files, will be transferred to PROGRESS.
QUALITY AND PRODUCTION STANDARDS
- All designs must comply with Swisscontact's visual identity and applicable donor visibility requirements.
- Layouts must be clear, professional and easy to read, with consistent use of fonts, colours, icons, charts, photographs and spacing.
- Digital outputs must be web-optimised and readable on desktop and mobile devices; print-ready files must meet the required production specifications.
- Any third-party image, icon, illustration, font or other asset used by the provider must be legally usable, and any licensing restriction must be disclosed.
- Final outputs must be provided in the requested publication format and in fully editable source format with linked assets properly organised.
ROLE OF THE SERVICE PROVIDER
The selected designer/agency will be expected to:
- Work closely with Swisscontact’s communications and technical teams to:
- Understand the content and its context.
- Co-develop structure and flow for each material.
- Adhere to Swisscontact's visual identity and editorial tone.
- Create content drafts (where applicable), including headlines and summary copywriting.
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Provide multiple design iterations based on feedback.
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Ensure consistency in font, colors, iconography, layout, and visual messaging across all materials.
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Integrate sustainability and accessibility standards into the design (e.g., color contrast, legibility, minimal use of heavy files).
ROLE OF SWISSCONTACT
- Provide the design brief, approved content, data, photographs, branding guidance and required output specifications.
- Provide consolidated feedback and approvals on draft designs.
- Coordinate internal technical validation of all text, data and claims before final publication.
- Facilitate coordination with other service providers where approved artwork is required for printing, events or audio-visual use.
INDICATIVE SERVICE AND UNIT-RATE SCHEDULE
Bidders should provide unit rates for the following design service components. Quantities are indicative and will be confirmed through individual work orders.
| Service / Activity |
Unit |
Rate (BDT) |
| Long-form publication layout |
Per page |
|
| Brief / factsheet / case-story layout |
Per page |
|
| Infographic / data visualisation |
Per item |
|
| Digital / social-media graphic |
Per item |
|
| Design adaptation / resizing |
Per item |
|
| Print-ready finalisation |
Per product |
|
DELIVERABLES AND TIMELINE
| Deliverable |
Format |
Timeline |
| Initial design direction / template |
Preview + source |
Per work order |
| Stories of Change publication design |
PNG/JPEG/PDF + (web optimised) / Editable AI/EPS |
Final by Jun 2027 |
| Briefs and knowledge products |
PNG/JPEG/PDF + (web optimised) / Editable AI/EPS |
Rolling
Oct 2026-Jun 2027 |
| Infographics / digital materials |
PNG/JPEG/PDF + (web optimised) / Editable AI/EPS |
Rolling
Oct 2026-Jun 2027 |
| Additional materials (as needed) |
PNG/JPEG/PDF/
Editable AI/EPS |
Rolling
Oct 2026-Jun 2027 |
EVALUATION CRITERIA, SCORING, AND SELECTION PROCESS
The evaluation will be conducted in two stages, with a total score of 100 marks. Stage 1 will carry 70 marks and Stage 2 will carry 30 marks. The minimum qualifying score for Stage 1 shall be 49 marks (70% of 70 marks). Applicants scoring less than 49 marks in Stage 1 will not be considered for Stages 2. Detailed information is provided below.
| Criteria |
Maximum Score |
| Stage 1: Technical Proposal Evaluation |
| Understanding of the assignment, proposed design approach, methodology, and work process |
30 |
| Relevant design samples and quality of portfolio |
40 |
| Total: Stage 1 |
70 |
| Stage 2: Financial proposal Evaluation |
| Financial proposal |
30 |
| Total Score |
100 |
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
To be considered eligible, bidders must submit the following documents together with the technical and financial proposal:
- Technical proposal describing the understanding of the assignment, design approach, work process and proposed team.
- Portfolio/samples of comparable publications, knowledge products, infographics, digital materials and presentation decks.
- CVs or profiles of the key design personnel proposed for the assignment.
- Separate financial proposal with proposed unit rates in BDT and applicable taxes clearly stated.
- Organisation profile and list of relevant clients/assignments undertaken during the last three years.
- Certificate of incorporation or valid trade licence, TIN, BIN/VAT registration, latest Proof of Submission of Return (PSR), and other required legal/statutory documents.
REPORTING
The selected service provider will report directly to the PROGRESS Team Leader and work in close coordination with the PROGRESS Knowledge and Communication Management (KCM) and Business Administration (BA) teams. Regular coordination and timely response to consolidated feedback will be required.
SUBMISSION DETAILS
The agency/firm is requested to specify the proven experienced technical expert within the proposed team in respect to factory level productivity, environmental and social compliance, and gender.
The proposal must be submitted (Financial and Technical proposal separately) via email to [email protected] by 14 October 2026. The email subject line must state: Hiring a Service Provider for Design Services to Develop Knowledge and Communications Materials.
OWNERSHIP
Swisscontact will own the intellectual property rights of the documents and materials prepared under this assignment. The report(s) or documents or any part, therefore, cannot be sold, used, shared, presented or reproduced in any manner without prior approval of Swisscontact.
Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. Only shortlisted vendors/firms will be called for the next steps. Swisscontact reserves the right to accept or reject any application, in part or full, or cancel the entire procurement process without assigning any reason whatsoever. Submission of an application does not guarantee the award of the contract.
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