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Request for Proposal: Accessible Publishing Plugin Developer for NNELS

Summary

NNELS (National Network for Equitable Library Service) under the direction of the BC Libraries Co-op (http://bc.libraries.coop/) is looking to engage an Accessible Publishing Plugin Developer. The main objectives are as follows:

  1. To make it easier for publishers to produce high quality, accessible ebooks by creating some tools to automate repetitive and accessibility-positive tasks.
  2. To increase the number of accessible ebooks in the mainstream marketplace.

The developer will be engaged for the following areas:

A) The Programmer (or Company) will be responsible for developing plugins and related documentation to enable publishers using Adobe InDesign and Sigil to make EPUB files more accessible to readers with print disabilities.

B) The Programmer (or Company) will work with NNELS to determine the specifications. The plugins will improve the accessibility of publishers' EPUB files by automating page-lists, landmarks, linked indexes, and other features benefiting accessibility.

C) The Programmer (or Company) will ensure that the code for any plugins developed for this project will be released under an open-source license and distributed via NNELS.

Background

NNELS (National Network for Equitable Library Service) is a digital public library of books in accessible formats for readers with print disabilities. When people request books that do not yet exist in accessible formats, our job is to produce them. The BC Libraries Co-op, the service provider for NNELS, is headquartered in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, though this opportunity is available for any Canadian resident. For more information, please visit https://nnels.ca/about and https://bc.libraries.coop/about.

TThis programming opportunity supports a series of special projects funded by the Government of Canada’s Social Development Partnerships Program – Disability Component (SDPP-D). For context, please visit our project summary page - https://nnels.ca/2018-sdppd-grant-amendment/

NNELS is seeking proposals from qualified consultants to undertake the Scope of Work as outlined below.

Scope of Work

Deliverables

  1. Specifications
    • Deliver specifications (after consultation with NNELS) for accessibility features to automate tasks such as page-lists, landmarks, linked indexes, and other features benefiting accessibility.
  2. Development of Plugins and Documentation
    • Develop open-source scripts that publishers can use in their software platforms to improve the quality of their books, and automate the addition of basic navigation components. The platforms being considered are Adobe InDesign and Sigil.
  3. Ensure code is released under an open-source license
    • Code for any plugins developed for this project will be released under an open-source license and distributed via NNELS.

Timeline

  • Request for Proposal Distributed - October 16, 2018
  • Proposals are due - November 2, 2018; 4pm PT by email
  • Selection of a successful proponent - November 9, 2018 or earlier
  • Start of work - November 19, 2018
  • Deliverable 1: Specifications - January 4, 2019
  • Deliverable 2: Development of Plugins and Documentation – March 15, 2019
  • Deliverable 3: Ensure code is released under an open-source license - March 31, 2019

General Requirements

Proposals will be reviewed on the basis of their general quality, relevant experience of the proponent, and stated and verified ability to complete the work within the project timeline and budget.

The successful proponent will demonstrate and/or provide evidence of the following competencies:

  • Knowledge of publishing platforms including InDesign and Sigil.
  • Knowledge of accessibility standards and guidelines including EPUB Accessibility 1.0, WCAG 2.0, and ARIA.
  • Experience with plugin development and documentation.
  • Professional experience as an open source developer.

Application Process

Interested and qualified candidates may apply by submitting a proposal including:

  • A summary indicating the proponent’s understanding of the project and its stated goals;
  • Experience and qualifications, with reference to similar projects;
  • Proposed budget with details and itemized pricing as appropriate; and
  • Draft project plan for completing all deliverables within the timeline.

Proposals were accepted until November 2, 2018.

Budget

$20,000 CAD