RFQ_00046700TTR UMDCGS_ Report Design.pdf

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)

Request for Quotation Version November 2017

ISSUED BY:

Department of Procurement & Business Services 2113-R Chesapeake Building 4300 Terrapin Trail College Park, MD 20742-6050

Tresa T. Robinson Procurement Officer Telephone: (301) 405- 4231 Email: trobin14@umd.edu

RFQ Number: RFQ_00046700TTR Date Issued: August 28, 2026

Quotation questions Due Date/Time:

Wednesday, September 02, 2026 at 3:00pm EST Email to the issuing Buyer.

Quotation Due Date/Time:

Monday, September 21, 2026 at 3:00pm EST

This Request For Quotation may be returned by uploading to the box folder here:

https://umd.app.box.com/f/9f332dec1e8b472680ecc40f746ebbaa

(VENDOR MUST FILL IN)

Vendor Name:

Vendor Address:

Vendor Email:

Vendor Phone Number:

Enter hereon your quotation for the items specified below. The University shall not pay any expenses incurred in the preparation or submission of any quotation. The University reserves the right to accept any or all items of any quotation, in whole or in part and to reject any or all quotations. F.O.B. DESTINATION Payment Terms: Net 30 days

ITEM

NO. DESCRIPTION QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE TOTAL

1 The Center for Global Sustainability (CGS) at the University of Maryland is seeking proposals from qualified design firms ("Report Producer") to provide technical editing, graphic design, and digital publication services. The selected vendor will collaborate with CGS’s Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Analysis (GHGIA) team and other staff to translate complex climate, energy, and sustainability research into high-quality, publication-ready assets.

Review ATTACHMENT A – Scope of Work

1 Lump Sum

TOTAL:

NOTICE TO VENDOR:

1. To be eligible for award, vendor MUST submit pricing on this University provided form.

2. All questions and/or request for clarifications are to be submitted in writing to the issuing buyer by date referenced above and identified with RFQ number in the subject line. Questions and answers will be distributed without identification of the inquirer(s), to all contractors who are on record with the buyer as having received this RFQ.

https://umd.app.box.com/f/9f332dec1e8b472680ecc40f746ebbaa

University of Maryland College Park – Request for Quotation

3. The University reserves the right to request references/licenses/certifications from vendor prior to recommending award.

4. The University reserves the right to make multiple awards by item or total whichever is the in the best interest of the

University.

5. The University’s “Insurance Requirements- Commodities & Services” will apply to this contract. Requirements are attached to this RFQ. https://purchase.umd.edu/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/T%26CA_2022-Insurance- Addendum-Effective-9-15-2022.pdf

The University is committed to environmentally-preferable procurement as outlined in our policy. It can be found at:

https://www.president.umd.edu/sites/president.umd.edu/files/documents/policies/VIII-310C.pdf

The undersigned agrees to furnish any and all items for which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item, in compliance with the specifications, terms and conditions of this Request for Quotation, delivered to the destination point(s) and within the time specified. The undersigned certifies that the firm submitting this quotation is not debarred from participating in contracts in the State of Maryland or excluded from federal contract awards.

University of Maryland Purchase Order Terms and Conditions are available at the following link:

https://purchase.umd.edu/vendors/umd-standard-terms-and-conditions

TO BE COMPLETED BY THE QUOTER

SIGNATURE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN QUOTATION

DATE OF QUOTATION

VENDOR NAME

SIGNER’S NAME SIGNER’S TITLE

VENDOR EIN SIGNER’S EMAIL TELEPHONE

Request for Quotation Terms and Conditions

1. Quotes containing terms and conditions contrary to the University of Maryland's terms and conditions or taking exception to any of the terms and conditions in this Request for Quotation may be considered non-responsive and your quote may be rejected.

2. Quotes on comparable items are invited. Minor deviations in size and operational characteristics from those set forth in this Request for Quotation (RFQ) will be considered when such deviations do not alter nor deter the users from accomplishing its intended use or function. If the product offered does not meet specifications in a minor way, the offeror must clearly indicate in writing where the products deviate from the specifications. The offeror must also explain how their product accomplishes the desired function. Each Quote must include TWO (2) sets of descriptive and technical literature for the equipment offered. Vendors who do not comply with this request may not have their quotation considered for award.

3. If you are offering other than the items listed, indicate each item offered by its manufacturer and model number on your quote.

4. All shipments shall be made F.O.B. Destination. Quotes that do not include shipping terms of F.O.B. Destination may be considered unacceptable and may be rejected.

5. Unless otherwise specified herein by the University, all materials are to be new and of first quality.

6. The University requires the successful Quote to provide a direct manufacturer's warranty, held by the University, and which the

University may avail itself with direct contact with the manufacturer. Please specify the duration of the manufacturer's warranty that will apply to the items offered and indicate if the warranty includes parts and labor.

7. Time is of the essence. Be specific when quoting proposed delivery. Delivery may be a factor considered in making the award.

8. By submitting this Quote, offeror agrees that all prices are valid for 90 days from the date of University receipt of the quotation.

9. Minority Business Enterprises are encouraged to respond to this quotation.

10. Basis of Award. The award of this contract will be made to the firm offering the most favorable price and solution as determined by the University in meeting the requirements set forth in this solicitation.

11. Contractors are required to complete the attached Certification Regarding Investment Activities in Iran and to return the completed Certification with their response. Failure to do so may result in your response being rejected.

https://purchase.umd.edu/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/T%26CA_2022-Insurance-Addendum-Effective-9-15-2022.pdf https://purchase.umd.edu/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/T%26CA_2022-Insurance-Addendum-Effective-9-15-2022.pdf https://www.president.umd.edu/sites/president.umd.edu/files/documents/policies/VIII-310C.pdf https://purchase.umd.edu/vendors/umd-standard-terms-and-conditions

CERTIFICATION REGARDING INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES IN IRAN

Ref: Maryland Board of Public Works Advisory Number 2013-1

1. The undersigned of _______________________ (Contractor) certifies that, in accordance with State Finance & Procurement Article, §17-705:

(i) It is not identified on the list (see NOTE below) created by the Board of Public Works as a person engaging in investment activities in Iran as described in §17-702 of State Finance & Procurement Article; and

(ii) It is not engaging in investment activities in Iran as described in State Finance & Procurement Article, §17-702.

Or;

2. The undersigned is unable make the above certification regarding its investment activities in Iran due to the following activities:

Signature: Date Signed:

Name of Authorized Representative: Title:

NOTE:

Information available at: http://bpw.maryland.gov/Pages/adv-2013-1.aspx List available at: http://bpw.maryland.gov/Pages/debarments.aspx http://bpw.maryland.gov/Pages/adv-2013-1.aspx http://bpw.maryland.gov/Pages/debarments.aspx

Attachment A – Scope of Work Center for Global Sustainability

Report Production Request for Quotation

1. Overview

The Center for Global Sustainability (CGS) at the University of Maryland is seeking qualified technical editors, graphic designers, and report compilation/production specialists, including independent professionals and report production firms that specialize in digital report production for online publication (hereafter referred to as the report producer). Candidates should have excellent technical editing, digital publication, and communication experience to support the creation of high-quality, publication-ready reports and related visual materials. CGS works to advance ambitious climate action through research and policy engagement on topics including national climate ambition, energy transitions, non-CO2 mitigation, and related areas.

Selected report producer will collaborate with CGS’s Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Analysis (GHGIA) team and other relevant CGS staff to design, edit, and compile/produce reports for online publication and occasional printing of data brief products (e.g., products summarizing data trends and other key takeaways) consistent with CGS style requirements. CGS produces research and policy materials for audiences engaged in climate, energy, and sustainability issues, so the ability to translate complex information into clear, visually effective products is essential.

2. Project Scope and Deliverables

2.1. Scope

The Report Producer will be responsible for combining drafted chapter/section content, creating related visual elements (charts/graphics) as needed, copy-editing, and laying out reports for digital publication Below is an indicative list of annual reports and supporting products CGS anticipates publishing (including timing and likely length of reports). Currently, CGS drafts reports by chapter using MS Word. The GHGIA products range from short-form briefs (2-5 pages) to in-depth technical data reports (200-800 pages).

● (No later than April 15) Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Analysis for the United States (national-level GHGIA), including supporting technical annexes (~800 pages)

● (April/May) GHGIA Data Brief (summary pager providing key highlights from the national-level GHGIA) (2 pages)

● (July-Sep) Methodology Report for GHGIA by State (state-level GHGIA) (200-300 pages)

● (Aug-Oct) State-level GHGIA Data Brief (if requested) (2-5 pages)

● (Dec/Jan) National-level Climate Action Trends Report, including technical annexes (~450 pages)

CGS will collaborate with the Report Producer to develop a production timeline to meet deadlines for each annual report. CGS plans to publish the national GHGIA no later than April 15 each year (e.g., April 15, 2027) and publish the state-level GHGIA by summer 2027, no later than early fall. The data briefs and supplementary publications would be published by CGS within four weeks of those report publication dates. The anticipated publication timing for the additional climate action trends report is winter 2026/2027 (e.g., December/January). Furthermore, the Report Producer should be able to adapt to shifting timelines and priorities for interim deliverables due to data improvement efforts. Report and data brief timelines should include the number of iterations expected and delivery dates for draft and final versions of the reports/briefs to meet intended launch dates. The Report Producer should ensure regular coordination and communication, including support managing editorial schedules and deadlines and maintaining version control in collaboration with CGS.

Common audiences for CGS research include international, national, and subnational governments, academic institutions, policymakers, climate practitioners, environmental nonprofit organizations, and partner coalitions.

2.2. Deliverables

CGS will provide an initial draft and figures/tables to the Report Producer for each report listed in section 2 (scope). For each report, the Producer is expected to complete the following tasks and any required subtasks:

● Compile (e.g., combine) draft and final versions of each report and/or brief for CGS review, merging chapters from multiple authors

● Technical copyediting, proofreading, and standardizing formatting to ensure clarity, consistency, and accuracy (e.g., ensuring consistency in styles, fonts, spacing for content, figure/chart formatting, and citations).

● Layout reports according to the needs of the GHGIA team and apply CGS brand guidelines (logos, colors, fonts).

● Produce digital reports and any supporting technical annexes for online publication, including cover and section pages, front matter, table of contents, within document/content figure and tables, headers, and footers (including page numbering).

● Follow ADA standards for accessible design.

● Create effective figures, charts, and data visualizations from CGS exported templates, including updated cover and section pages designs.

● Clean word versions of final reports for preparing future annual reports, along with facilitating addressing any missed document issues and/or corrigenda.

CGS will also require visual concepts and logos for GHGIA-related products and tools to use in presentations and funding reports.

Please see examples of previous CGS deliverables below, for reference:

● GHGIA Report

● Policy Brief

● Policy Report https://accessibility.umd.edu/ada-rule-on-web-accessibility https://ghgi.cgs.umd.edu/reports.html https://cgs.umd.edu/research-impact/publications/high-ambition-pathways-korea-achieve-60-ndc-target-2035 https://cgs.umd.edu/sites/default/files/2025-11/Report_United%20States%20Pathways%20to%202035.pdf

● Webpage(s)

3. Engagement Period of Performance

CGS anticipates engaging one Report Producer for a period of eighteen months commencing in October 2026. CGS will provide project-specific schedules for each assignment.

4. Required and Preferred Qualifications

Applicants should have:

● Demonstrated experience (5+ years) in technical copy editing, report production or publication of multichapter technical reports of similar length, including support for designing and incorporating figures and graphics. Multichapter reports include executive summary, technical core chapters, technical annexes, references/bibliographies, table of contents, lists of figures/tables.

● Demonstrated experience in technical copy editing using plain language principles.

● Experience working with engineers, scientists, researchers, economists, policy experts, or subject matter experts.

● Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, InDesign, and Acrobat, or other graphic design software such as Illustrator.

● Experience enforcing organizational style guides (e.g. Chicago, APA, in-house guides).

● Experience in developing digital illustrations and figures based on data and analysis.

● Experience performing quality checks for formatting consistency, broken cross-references, incorrect numbering, missing figures and/or tables/headers/footers, citation accuracy, hyperlinks, and pagination. Experience in also resolving conflicting styles and numbering.

● Knowledge of technical and scientific writing conventions relevant to scope of reports.

● Familiarity with ADA standards for accessible design.

Preferred qualifications include:

● Familiarity with Excel, R, Python, and Tableau.

● Understanding of climate, energy, and greenhouse gas inventories.

● Experience working on related policy, research, and technical publications.

5. Format for Quote Submission:

1. Introduction and executive summary of no more than one single-spaced page

2. Description of your proposed approach to facilitating the design process and generating the requested deliverables. Please address the following.

3. Proposed project schedules.

4. Cost plan, including a detailed rate sheet and breakdown of costs that roll up to the project total

5. Attachments:

https://country-ambition.cgs.umd.edu/ https://accessibility.umd.edu/ada-rule-on-web-accessibility

A. Three references. Preferred references would be from other R-1 higher educational institutions (include name, title, phone number, email address and institution/business name)

B. Three examples of completed, reports that are similar in scope to the samples linked in Deliverables section 2.2.

C. Biographies of key project personnel Accordingly, CGS shall select the vendor(s) whose quote(s), and oral presentation(s) if requested, demonstrate in CGS’s sole opinion, the clear capability to best fulfill the purposes of this RFQ cost-effectively. CGS reserves the right to accept or reject quotes, in whole or in part, and to negotiate separately as necessary to serve the best interests of CGS. This RFQ shall not obligate CGS to award a contract or complete the proposed project and it reserves the right to cancel this RFQ if it is considered to be in its best interest.

6. About CGS

Through research, global partnerships, and policy engagement, the Center for Global Sustainability (CGS) at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy supports the development and implementation of climate, energy, and sustainability policies and action. CGS works through sustained, collaborative research partnerships in the United States and around the world. Our research programs cover national climate strategies, including national climate targets (NDCs) and long-term strategies; benefits of energy and climate transitions; sub-national climate action; non-CO2 greenhouse gases; data, inventories, reporting, and transparency; science and scenarios; and more. Our work is also carried out through geographically focused programs focused on the United States, China, Indonesia, Brazil, India, Korea, Mexico, Canada, Australia, and other countries; and with U.S. subnational governments, including Maryland, other U.S.

states, and other subnational actors within the U.S. and other countries. As a part of the University of Maryland School of Public Policy, we are also committed to empowering the next generation of research and policy leaders through our mentoring, research training, and education for students at the undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. levels.

Diversity Statement: The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. The Center for Global Sustainability is committed to fostering a just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive world both within our community and through collaborative research and action.

https://cgs.umd.edu/about-0