RFQ closing date: February 19, 2025 at 5PM EST (evaluations and awards will be made after this date) 

Background: 

Creative Associates International, Inc. is a dynamic social-impact company that specializes in education, economic growth, governance and post-crisis stabilization. Based in Chevy Chase, MD (metro DC area), Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike. 

Creative is soliciting offers for technical expertise in accordance with the qualifications listed below and Creative’s Renewable Consultant Ordering Agreement (RCOA) Terms and Conditions available here. Creative intends to award one or more RCOA(s) for a one-year period, which may then be continuously renewed, under which work may be negotiated as needed using level of effort (LOE) or fixed-price performance-based work orders. Creative reserves the right to make multiple awards or no award as a result of this solicitation. 

Instructions 

1. Review this solicitation in full.
2. Complete the Application section of this solicitation and submit it to Creative.
3. Submit the following documentation with your application:

• Up-to-date CV 

• Links to sample work 

• Optional: Completed forms linked under the “Additional Information Section” below  

Applicants will be evaluated and scored based on their qualifications and experience in comparison with the criteria listed under the Qualifications section below. Only applicants who can successfully demonstrate the Key Qualifications listed and, as a result, obtain the minimum required score may be considered for award.  

Summary/General Capabilities: 

Creative is looking for a consultant to support initiatives related to graphic design and marketing within the organization. Specifically, the consultant may be utilized to support the creation of corporate and program-related marketing materials, website content and proposals. Creative furthermore is looking to identify consultants with experience using Adobe Creative Suite and WordPress. 

Illustrative Tasks to Be Performed: 

The tasks listed below are meant to cover the various types of work that may be negotiated with Creative for graphic design and marketing support.  

1. Develop marketing materials for print and digital products  

1. Design complex infographics to support proposals and program initiatives 

1. Create materials for conferences, programs, and events 

1. Edit and color-correct photos for consistency across publications and the website  

1. Art direct and manage company publications, including overseeing the design and production of the company magazine, ensuring high-quality design and timely delivery 

1. Design and refine proposals, reports and presentations that showcase Creative’s work 

1. Other similar tasks to be mutually agreed between Creative and the Consultant 

Illustrative Results and/or Deliverables: 

Consultant may be responsible to complete or deliver the following items: 

• Print and digital marketing materials, such as one-pagers, brochures, magazines and postcards 

• Infographics, maps, and other graphics for use in print and digital materials 

• Cover pages and page layout for proposals and reports 

• Promotional giveaway materials, such as pens, bags, hats or more 

• Presentations 

• Website pages 

• Other similar results or deliverables to be mutually agreed between Creative and the Consultant 

Qualifications 

Key Qualifications (minimum of 3 required) 

1. Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in graphic design, marketing, communications 

1. Bachelor’s degree in arts and design, communications or another relevant field 

1. Experience working with USAID and State Department-funded projects 

Preferred Qualifications 

1. Experience working with Adobe Creative Suite products 

1. Experience working with WordPress website management 

Other Matters 

Reporting: The consultant will report to the Senior Director of Communications.  

Creative prefers to organize travel directly for consultants to ensure compliance with federal regulations and Creative policies and procedures. Please assume that all travel is coordinated by Creative staff unless otherwise negotiated at the Work Order level.  

Further management arrangements for the completion of specific assignments will be negotiated at the Work Order level. 

Work Assignments: 

Consultants with the requisite qualifications will be given a Renewable Consultant Ordering Agreement (RCOA) which contains Creative’s general terms and conditions and establishes a consultant’s rate for a one-year period, after which rate increases may be negotiated when this agreement renews.  

Specific assignments will be negotiated and agreed upon via Work Orders, as needed in line with the consultant’s availability, with specific scopes of work that are in line with the capabilities, tasks, and deliverables outlined above. The consultant will be required to submit a budget which must be vetted and approved by Creative for any specific work that will be contracted out via Work Orders. 

Anticipated Upcoming Assignments: 

Additional Information: 

Please click on the links to download the Terms and Conditions, Annex A (Reps, Certs and Consents form) and W-8; W-9; and Vendor Information form, as applicable. The forms are provided for your information at this stage in the solicitation process. Completed forms will be required only if you have been selected for the consulting opportunity. However, you may complete, sign, and submit the forms as part of your response to this request. 

Selection will be made on the basis of technical capability and rate reasonableness. Modifications to this solicitation, including closing date extensions, will be posted on the Creative website. Please check the website for updates. Please note that RCOAs lock in a consultant’s rate for one full year and this rate may not be re-negotiated again until the point of renewal. 

NOTE: 

*LOE-based Work Orders utilize a not to exceed ceiling price and number of work days which may not be exceeded without modification to the Work Order. 

*Fixed-price based Work Orders establish the total price to be paid in portions upon completion of deliverables which may not be altered without modification to the Work Order. This type of WO may only be used for one-off opportunities.  

An overarching Renewable Consultant Ordering Agreement (RCOA) will be issued based on the applicant’s qualifications that align with those listed below as well as those listed in the individual’s submitted CV. Work orders for specific Scopes of Work that require this experience may be negotiated and issued against the RCOA as needed and in accordance with the consultant’s availability.