Global HIS Equity Innovation Hub

California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is soliciting comprehensive proposals from qualified design firms to conceptualize, design, and deliver an integrated visual identity and user experience framework for the Global HSI Equity Innovation Hub's Virtual Immersive Platform (VIP). The procurement encompasses establishing a cohesive design language across web platforms, mobile applications, and multimedia content; designing an accessible, inclusive UX/UI framework compliant with WCAG 2.1 AA standards; developing a comprehensive visual identity system including typography, color systems, iconography, and interaction patterns; creating a scalable design system and component library; and producing static, interactive, and motion-based visual assets deployable across digital platforms and emerging immersive environments including augmented and virtual reality. Key deliverables include design system files, asset libraries, prototypes, and source files, all of which become the property of CSUN. The selected vendor must demonstrate relevant experience and portfolio strength, understanding of the VIP vision and mission, innovative design approach and methodology, commitment to accessibility and cultural responsiveness, design system scalability and technical handoff readiness, and responsiveness to RFP requirements. Evaluation will be based on weighted criteria including relevant experience and portfolio (20 points), understanding of VIP vision and mission (20 points), design approach and methodology (20 points), accessibility and cultural responsiveness (15 points), design system scalability (15 points), references (10 points), responsiveness to RFP requirements (10 points), and price (20 points). The Request for Information deadline is April 10, 2026, with proposals due April 22, 2026 at 3:00 PM; the evaluation period runs April 21–30, 2026, and finalist firms will be invited to campus for presentations between May 4–8, 2026. The contract term extends up to six months from Notice to Proceed or upon completion of all scope requirements and deliverables, whichever occurs first.

A five percent small business preference applies to California-certified small businesses or non-small businesses committing at least 25 percent of contract value to certified small businesses, with the preference amount not to exceed $50,000. The DVBE Program Requirements are waived; however, a DVBE Incentive is available providing up to four percent additional points based on participation levels of 4–10 percent. All bidders must complete required certifications and declarations including Exhibit D (Bidder Declaration), Exhibit E (Small Business Certification), Exhibit G (DVBE Declaration), and Exhibit J (Proposal Certification Form), and must comply with CSU's standard Terms and Conditions of Purchase and mandatory Data Privacy and Security Rider, which requires 256-bit encryption for data in transit and storage, SOC 2 Type 2 audit reports, annual risk assessments, and WCAG compliance. Contractors must also maintain comprehensive information security programs across all subcontractors and affiliates with access to University Data and are prohibited from publicly disclosing or using project materials in portfolios or case studies without prior written approval from CSUN. No fixed contract value is specified in the RFP; pricing must be submitted separately on Exhibit L (Fee Proposal/Pricing) as a required separate electronic file, and no incumbent vendor or existing contractor is identified for this procurement.