Audio Description Services for Accessible Chemistry Lab Content - Experimentium Project

The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is seeking audio description services for the Experimentium Project through Request for Proposal (RFP) 784-25-2468, with the primary objective of creating accessible chemistry lab demonstration and tutorial videos for students who are blind, low vision, or prefer audio-based educational content. The procurement requires a vendor to provide audio description services for a total of 2,028 minutes of content, including 1,378 minutes of extended and 650 minutes of standard English descriptions. Vendors must submit two audio description samples, preferably in STEM-related content, and demonstrate at least two consecutive years of experience in higher education audio description. The proposal will be evaluated across four criteria totaling 100 points: Quality of Audio Description samples (50 points), prior experience in higher education audio description (25 points), pricing (15 points), and ability to meet service timelines (10 points). Key dates include the RFP posting on 05/19/2025 and a proposal submission deadline of 06/04/2025 at 3:00 PM CT. The contract term is one year with an option to renew for an additional year, and vendors must comply with ADA, Section 508, and WCAG 2.2 (Level AA) accessibility standards.

The RFP encourages participation from diverse businesses, including potential small businesses and historically underutilized businesses (HUB), though no specific set-aside designations are explicitly stated. Vendors must complete the existing content backlog within 3-4 months and deliver new content within 2-3 weeks of submission, with output formats compatible with YouTube and post-delivery support for content updates. While a specific budget range is not disclosed, the University will evaluate proposals based on the most advantageous offer, not necessarily the lowest-priced submission. The standard purchasing agreement template includes requirements for $1,000,000 in Commercial General Liability insurance and allows for flexible contractual arrangements. The University reserves the right to make a split award, multiple awards, or no award at all, and encourages vendors to propose contractual arrangements that offer maximum benefit in terms of services, overall cost, and project expertise. Vendors are also requested to describe any educational, state, and local government discounts they may offer.