Sources Sought Notice: Design Requirements Manual Revisions

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS) (DRAFT)

The objective of this draft Statement of Work is to procure professional editing, formatting, and 508 compliance services for updated chapters and multiple appendices of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Design Requirements Manual (DRM). The goal is to ensure consistent graphic design, formatting, and accessibility for public-facing publications.

• Major Work Areas: Updating specific chapters and appendices of the 1200+ page Design Requirements Manual (DRM).

• Tasks, Activities, or Responsibilities:

  • Full replacement of all content in DRM Chapters 1, 6, and 7, and Appendix L (approximately 330 pages), including relevant tables and imagery.
  • Addition of new Appendices P and Q (approximately 17 pages).
  • General edits for current revisions, including the master table of contents and various errata from existing published chapters.
  • Creation and maintenance of existing and new cross-references.
  • Production of a fully 508-compliant PDF of the entire document for public distribution.
  • Minor edits to previously revised and published chapters.

• All deliverables and services are subject to inspection and approval by the DTR Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or designee.

• The DTR reserves the right to reject or require corrections if deliverables do not meet requirements or satisfaction before payment is authorized.

• The exact period of performance will be determined by DTR staff, based on need and project deadlines, and will be specified in the Request for Proposal (RFP).

• Project work must be completed and delivered by deadlines communicated by the NIH COR and/or Technical Monitor.

• The contractor must provide at least one draft for DTR review and approval at a reasonable time prior to the project deadline.

• Vendor Qualifications:

  • Minimum 10 years of professional experience in graphic design (e.g., posters, signage, booklets).
  • Minimum 5 years of experience working with InDesign and certifying 508 compliance.
  • Minimum 5 years of successful service and product provision to DTR for continuity.

• Personnel Utilization: Contractor must utilize personnel named in their technical proposal. Replacements due to reasons such as death, illness, or non-performance require CO approval within 5 business days and must be at no increase in contract price.

• Data Rights: The Government will have unlimited rights to all documents and materials produced under this contract. These materials are Government-owned and property, and may not be used or sold by the contractor without written permission.

Other / Unclassified (Sources Sought Notice)

This document is a Sources Sought Notice issued by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for market research purposes. It explicitly states that it is not a request for quotations, bids, or proposals, and no contract award will result from this notice. The NIH is seeking to identify small businesses capable of providing Graphic Design Services, as outlined in an attached Statement of Work (SOW). The purpose is to determine the availability of qualified small businesses for a potential future competitive procurement.

This notice is highly relevant for small businesses specializing in Graphic Design Services (NAICS 541430, size standard $9 million) that are interested in working with the NIH. Responding to this notice provides an opportunity to demonstrate capabilities and inform the government's decision-making process regarding a future solicitation. While not a solicitation itself, it allows potential bidders to showcase their qualifications for the described work.

• Purpose: Market research to identify small businesses for Graphic Design Services.
• NAICS Code: 541430 (Graphic Design Services), Size Standard: $9 million.
• Submission Required: A tailored capability statement, not exceeding 10 pages.
• Capability Statement Content: Must include:
  • Organization's name, address, and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).
  • Business size and type (Small Business, as listed under www.sam.gov).
  • Point of Contact (name, title, voice/telephone, facsimile, and email address).
  • Detailed description of the organization's ability, knowledge, experience, and personnel to perform the services described in the SOW (pamphlets/brochures are not responsive).
  • List of organizations for whom similar services have been provided, including contract number, dollar value, name, and phone number of the Contracting Officer.
• Submission Method: Email one (1) electronic copy to Brian Baek at brian.baek@nih.gov.
• Email Subject Line: Must include the Sources Sought Number SSN-DRM-2026.
• Response Deadline: 25 February 2026, 4:00 PM Eastern Time.
• Important Note: This is for market research only; responses will not be considered proposals. Questions will not be answered. Do not include proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information.