Deadline for submission of offers: 16 October 2023
Call for Printing Services

As the Federal Republic of Germany’s internationally active cultural institute, the Goethe-Institut promotes access to the German language, encourages international cultural cooperation and provides up-to-date information about Germany. With 157 institutes in 98 countries, as well as cooperative arrangements with partner establishments, the Goethe-Institut global network offers 1100 points of contact around the world.

For its work in South Africa, the Goethe-Institut regularly requires printing services. The subject matter of this call is therefore the provision of printing services and production of print products, as well as their processing and delivery by qualified printing service providers. The contract relates to services for the following deliverable categories:

Category A

Category B

Category C

Bidding for more than one category is permissible.

The contract duration: 1 year, with the option of prolonging for a maximum of another year. The total volume shall not exceed the value of 25.000€ net during the contracted period (the internal exchange rate of Goethe-Institut applies).

3.1.           Papers

In relation to the paper quality, the grade is no less than 135gsm, proposals may alternatively bring forth demonstrably equivalent paper alternatives in the specified grammage range. 100% Recycled plantable and biodegradable paper and uncoated paper should be included as options available.

3.2.           Print data processing:

Data check by the printer is included in all prices. Prepress services such as typesetting and final artwork are provided by a separately commissioned graphic designer, so that the data (usually order-related) are delivered in printable format (usually PDF).

The respective service provider of the individual deliverables shall provide for each individual order a (colour proof), which shall be submitted to the ordering Goethe-Institut department within a maximum of 5 working days from design delivery – in digital form (screen proof) or in paper form – in accordance with the client’s in paper form – for approval.

3.3.           Colour binding

Colour binding implementation of the corporate design specifications of the Goethe-Institut; access to Goethe-logo, typeface and all details of these specifications will be provided to the service provider when needed.

3.4.           Editing of artwork

Editing of pre-existing artworks which may include but not limited to dates, images and texts.

3.5.            Delivery

The consignments shall be packed conveniently in boxes labelled in accordance with the Goethe-Institut’s specifications and, if applicable, on pallets to the addresses indicated in these service specifications and number of recipients specified. The marking of the boxes shall consist of a sticker with the designation of the products.

Logistics costs are to be paid by the service provider in accordance with the number of copies ordered.

The printing of following materials is required however not limited to the following sizes.

Brochures:

4.1.i. Brochures: 416mm x 210mm, 4 spreads double sided on Brilliant White 135gsm – Gloss
4.1.ii. Finishing: Folding; 4 Zigzag-Fold

Leaflets:

4.1.iii. Superior, board 250 gsms, 265 mm h x 117 mm wide when closed. 4 pages.
4.1.iv. Finishing: One fold.

Flyers

4.1.v. A5 double single sided print, 135gsm
4.1.vi. Full colour – Gloss

Booklets

4.1.vii. 210mm x 147mm, 24 spreads Double Sided on Brilliant White 135gsm – Gloss
4.1.viii. Finishings: Collating, Scoring,
4.1.ix. Binding: saddlestitch
4.1.x. COVER: Double Sided on Brilliant White 200gsm – Gloss

Business cards

The first and last name on the business card can be ordered in different colours; however, it should be noted, that each order must be approved by a Goethe-Institut.

4.1.xi. 85mm x 55mm
4.1.xii. Printed double side
4.1.xiii. Trimmed to size

Stickers

Vinyl sticker with various dimensions, full colour or black and white, with background or transparent may be printed in the category.

4.1.xiv. 0.100m x 0.100m

Mousepads

Rubber composites (open cell styrene, butadiene rubber or open cell SBR) with fabric bonded to the upper surface of various dimensions in full colour may be printed in this category.

4.1.xv. 0.297 x 0.210, Mousepad Material (not Fabric), Trim To Size

Tote Bags

Material tote bags will be provided by the Goethe-Institut for printing.

4.1.xvi. 35 x 40cm + A4 DTG
4.1.xvii. Print + A4 1 Color print

Roll up banners

4.1. xviii.           1 x 85 x 200cm (no less) Rollup Banner
4.1. ixx.             1 x Pvc Banner
4.1. xx.              1 x Aluminium Frame
4.1. xxi.             1 x roller mechanism
4.1. xxii.            1x Carry Bag


The contractor will provide the Goethe-Institut with a price for such further orders upon request, which shall be based on the prices agreed in the framework agreement for comparable services.

5.1.           The service provider must provide proof of a minimum of 5-year printing experience in the aforementioned deliverables.
5.2.               The service provider must submit sustainable development action areas, commitments and targets, and how they contribute to global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
5.3.                The service provider guarantees the ability to execute multiple printing jobs and delivery of all deliverables within a maximum of 10 business days after receiving and or approval of the final artwork.

6.1.           Detailed Costing (template available)
6.2.               The service provider must submit samples of the deliverables.
6.3.               Confirmation of ability to execute multiple jobs with the stipulated delivery times (template available)
6.4.               Proof of experience
6.5.               Sustainable Development Action Plan

A committee composed by the Goethe-Institut will evaluate the different bids submitted. Submissions after the deadline will not be considered. The evaluation of bids consists of three parts: Price (40%), quality of samples (60%) The samples will be evaluated according to the requirements mentioned above.

Offers need to be submitted electronically to Sandile Makhathini (makhathini.sandile@goethe.de) with the subject line “Printing Category’’ wih the respective category A, B or C with all essential elements no later than 16 October 2023. Late submissions will not be considered. The Goethe-Institut reserves the right to ask for additional documentation after submission.