_Proposals are due by 4pm on May 6, 2013_

  
**Overview**  
  
The Linked Archival Metadata planning project (LiAM), led by the Digital
Collections and Archives at Tufts University and funded by the Institute of
Museum and Library Services (IMLS), is requesting proposals for the creation
of _Linked Archival Metadata: A Guidebook_. The LiAM planning project
anticipates contracting with the individual or firm who, in the LiAM planning
project's sole opinion, is best qualified to create the Guidebook.

  
The Guidebook will provide archivists with an overview of the current linked
data landscape, define basic concepts, identify practical strategies for
adoption, and emphasize the tangible payoffs for archives implementing linked
data. It will focus on clarifying why archives and archival users can benefit
from linked data and will identify a graduated approach to applying linked
data methods to archival description. The Guidebook will serve as a roadmap
for efforts in adopting linked data as well as implementing and developing new
linked data tools and projects.

  
The selected consultant will be responsible for drafting and editing the
Guidebook, and, in consultation with LiAM project staff, coordinating the
process of creating the Guidebook. Coordination activities will include
working with experts designated by project staff and members of the broader
archival and linked data communities to gather input as well as working with
project staff to ensure that the Guidebook is completed on time. Therefore, it
is important that the consultant allows sufficient time for public comment on
draft of the Guidebook. The consultant responsibilities and deliverables
listed below provide more detailed information on this project.

  
The LiAM planning project intends this contract to commence on or about May
20, 2013.

  
The final deliverables must be submitted to the LiAM planning project staff by
January 31, 2014.

  
**Draft Scope of Work** (to be finalized with selected consultant)  
  
**Public Involvement Plan**  
The consultant will develop a public involvement plan for public input and
involvement in the Guidebook creation, including outreach to archivist and
linked data mailing lists, including possible sessions at annual conferences.
While members of the LiAM planning project will be responsible for sending any
actual e-mail communication on mailing lists and facilitating sessions at
conferences, the consultant will create a schedule for public involvement
which will allow for meaningful feedback from the community and time to
integrate that feedback into the final product.



**Guidebook**  
A brief outline and structure of the Guidebook is included the[ Prospectus for
Linked Archival Metadata: A
Guidebook.](http://sites.tufts.edu/liam/deliverables/prospectus-for-linked-
archival-metadata-a-guidebook/) The consultant will create the Guidebook in
accordance with that prospectus, modified only in consultation with the LiAM
planning project staff. The LiAM planning project staff will provide the
consultant with subject expertise and referrals to places where there is more
information; the consultant is not expected to do all of the research on his
or her own. However, where appropriate, the consultant is expected to follow
up on leads to see if there is more information than that provided by the LiAM
planning project. That being said, the consultant's primary role is to create
a guidebook which is useful to all of the intended audiences.

As described in the Prospectus, there are three intended audiences for the
Guidebook:

  * Archivists new to linked data
  * Archivists familiar with linked data
  * Technologists working in archives or with archivists
  
While these are the primary audiences for the Guidebook, we will also include
an executive summary with the core objectives, anticipated outcomes, and
implications that will provide administrators or other senior leaders with the
information that they will need in order to understand the benefits and
potential costs of this path.

  
**Application Instructions**  
  
Application materials will be reviewed by the members of the LiAM planning
project. Proposals should include a "Statement of Qualifications" outlining
pertinent experience along with current references and a brief writing sample.

  
Any questions should be submitted via e-mail to Anne Sauer, Director of the
Tufts University Digital Collections and Archives, at [log in to unmask]
The LiAM planning project reserves the right under applicable law to reject or
waive procedural irregularities, to reject any and all proposals and to
terminate the selection process at anytime if, at its sole discretion, it
determines such action would be in the best interests of the LiAM planning
project. The LiAM planning project reserves the right to make a selection
directly from the proposal, or to require an interview of the top applicants.
The LiAM planning project reserves the right to negotiate the final contract,
scope of work and fee with the selected applicant.

  
Submit proposals with the subject line "RFP for Linked Archival Metadata
Guidebook" to [log in to unmask] Proposals will be accepted until 4 PM
Eastern on May 6, 2013.

  
Your proposal should include:

  * Contact information
  * Three projects and references that reflect similar experience, including contact information
  * A writing sample
  * Information on the consultants' costs and/or fee structure, or an estimate for completion of the project as described.
  
Disadvantaged, disabled, minority, and woman-owned firms are encouraged to
apply.

  
A copy of Tufts University's standard engagement contract and statement of
work is available on request by contacting
[log in to unmask]



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