Donate Now

Request for Proposals – (Re)Branding Consultant

The The Capital Heritage Connexion|la CPC des organismes du patrimone d’Ottawa (CHC|CPC) is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) to retain a branding consultant to develop a new, bilingual brand, including a new organizational name and visual identity.

The new brand will reflect the CHC’s new vision, mission and strategic directions. It must be effective: striking, engaging, memorable and professional. The visual identity design should also be scalable for a wide range of applications and reflect leading practices viz. accessibility, equity and inclusion.

1. Background
The Capital Heritage Connexion works on behalf of its Members and of Ottawa’s heritage community to connect Ottawa with its rich history and heritage. It is also a founding member of the Ottawa Cultural Alliance, which works collaboratively to advance Ottawa’s broader cultural sector (arts,
heritage, festivals and fairs, music, etc).

For 25 years as a not for profit, charitable, member serving organization, the CHC has collaborated and generated opportunities for the heritage sector, including promotions, professional development and shared resources and benefits; and has served as an informed voice and advocate for the community. The CHC is supported by the City of Ottawa through a multi-year Purchase of Service agreement.

The 2017 Sesquicentennial/Canada’s 150th Anniversary year, also coincides with the 25th Anniversary of the CHC. Leading up to this double milestone year, the CHC updated its Strategic Plan, Vision and Mission – primarily to focus more of its limited resources on promoting its Members’ offerings and advancing their development, such as through strategic training opportunities. The CHC has also been enhancing our online presence: a new website has been created to serve as a portal for its Members, Ottawa’s heritage community, and all things heritage in Ottawa.

The CHC now wishes to develop and launch a new brand identity that is more clear and reflective of our value proposition and strategic direction and services; and meets the needs of a diverse membership, community and the public. This includes changing its name to one that is more concise and effective. It is noted that other Ottawa member/sector serving organizations have renewed their brand and simplified their name/identity over past years, for example (with English text only):

2. Scope of Work

2.1 Brand Research (November 2017)

2.2 Conceptual Development and Testing (November 2017-January 2018)

2.3 Identity Design, Production and Reference Documents (January-February 2018)

2.4 Application of the new visual identity (February 2018)

Assist/advise the CHC in applying the new brand identity to create new visual identity templates for online and print, including corporate signage (e.g. banners, panels, tablecloth), website*, e-newsletter, social media, letterhead, invitations, business cards, email signature blocks, business envelopes, report cover, PowerPoint presentation deck, marketing brochure or rack card, nameplate badges and promotional products (e.g. bags, portfolios, pins, pens, USBs, cups).

* The CHC’s new website has been designed to facilitate re-skinning to incorporate a new brand identity and colour template. This work will be undertaken with our web developer/manager. The final refined visual identity and some related products (sample signage, brochure) could be showcased on Heritage Day, on February 20, 2018 at Ottawa City Hall.

3. Budget

4. Selection

5. Reporting

6. Submission Requirements

Interested parties are asked to submit:

6.1 Proposal – Maximum 3 page proposal describing your:
– background and relevant expertise;
– connection to Ottawa’s heritage and cultural community;
– experience working with not for profit, charitable, member serving organizations;
– proposed methodology and timelines;
– lead project personnel;
– approach to working together; and
– reasons for wanting to be part of our organization’s rebrand.

6.2 Samples – At least 3 visual identity samples and 2 samples of corporate materials created in the last 2 years. Links to online portfolios, PDF files or visual files are acceptable.
6.3 Cost breakdown for the work and hourly rate.
6.4 References from work undertaken in the past 4 years (at least 2).

7. Timelines

All submissions must be electronic and e‐mailed to Kimberley Lai at: [email protected]
Submissions are Due: no later than Tuesday, November 14, 2017 by 4:00pm EST.
Consultant Interviews: should take place Tuesday, November 21st
Consultant Selection: should be made on Wednesday, November 22nd
Start Up Meeting: should be held Thursday, November 23 rd

Any questions may also be e‐mailed to [email protected]. Key questions and answers will be shared on November 9th with consultants who have confirmed their interest in submitting a proposal and their questions by email no later than November 8th.

Only short-listed firms will be contacted for an interview.

We thank all applicants for their interest in enhancing the profile of the Capital Heritage Connexion.

See PDF file.