Requests for Proposals (RFPs)

The American Battlefield Trust seeks maximum competition in our solicitations. This page supports its management of Requests for Proposals. The newest proposals are listed first and are sorted by original posting date.  All Request for Proposals (RFPs) are “open,” or available to any firm which chooses to download them from the Trust’s website. 

The Trust values a diverse workplace and welcomes responses to RFPs from independent contractors who identify as or firms that are owned by women, BIPOC individuals, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, political beliefs, or veteran status.

Open RFPs

• Liberty Trail NY Augmented Reality

Request for Proposals: Liberty Trail NY Augmented Reality 

Published: 11/6/2024

Due Date: 12/15/2024

Description
With the support of funding from a grant from the American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) and matching monies, the American Battlefield Trust (the Trust) is requesting proposals from qualified development and design agencies to interpret and contextualize Revolutionary War battlefields in New York State using augmented reality (AR). The Trust aims to use the AR within its app, The Liberty Trail NY, currently in development, and on the websites, thelibertytrail.org and battlefields.org, among other possible channels. We imagine that the AR will be web-based in its execution, thereby not requiring (additional) app creation.

Any agency which believes it can provide the required service as described in the Request for Proposals available through the link below is invited to submit a proposal in PDF format by email to Lawrence Swiader at lswiader@battlefields.org no later than 12 PM ET on December 15, 2024. Proposals received after this date will not be considered. Any questions regarding this Request for Proposals should also be directed to Lawrence Swiader. Answers to any questions received will be posted on this page for all interested parties.

Download the RFP
 

Questions and Answers

Questions are addressed below as they arrive. 

Question: Will the AR layer be more photorealistic or diagrammatic? The root of this question is whether we need to allow time to 3d model the whole scenes. 
Answer: We imagine diagrammatic scenes that require 3D models. That said, a part of the RFP process is for experts in the field to suggest new ways of seeing things, so if you think a photorealistic approach would be preferable, please feel free to pitch it.
 
Q: Ideally, will the AR overlay show animations/motion or be more of a 3d visual overlay depicting the items/objects you mentioned? 
A: The original idea is more of a 3D visual overlay, but some minor amount of animation may be interesting. Please suggest an approach that you think is best.
 
Q: Is your hope to use the AR elements to deliver interpretive messaging in addition to the physical elements? For instance, would you want to do callouts of the various elements of the breastwork or have any other interactivity? 
A: Yes, we would like to include some interpretation to the extent possible. We imagine that could be done in many ways, such as through hotspots, audio narratives, and/or introductions on pages before the AR to set up the scenes. Please suggest what you consider to be the best and most efficient way to present this information.
 
Q: Are there other stakeholders involved beyond the Trust? 
A: Yes, there is a team of experts who will be in involved in guiding the team and giving feedback. There should be some guidance at the beginning of the process and at least two rounds of feedback once the product drafts are delivered.

Q: Does the target budget include hosting and maintenance? If so, for how long? 8th Wall used to cost $3k/mo (it's currently $700/mo).
A: No. We will handle the hosting on 8th Wall.

Q: We understand the desire to avoid apps. What about App clips? These can be a reasonable compromise. The app can access some native features, but the guest doesn't need to log in to the App Store, etc. - and the storage is temporary.
A: Again, the RFP process is for experts in the field to suggest new ways of seeing things, so if you think app clips would be preferable, please pitch it. We have one example of an Aero app clip implementation, viewable here.

Q: How long do you envision these three AR enhanced experiences to be (in minutes)?
A: We don't want to be prescriptive about length, but observe that the experiences are meant to enhance an in-person visit, so any animations would be short. In addition, some of the experiences might not be "timed," such as a video, but are more static model meant to be experienced for as long as the visitor wants. 

Q: What approved visual components are available for reference/inclusion in the AR experience? 
A:  The visuals made available in the RFP are the only visual components for reference at this time.

Q: Is there WiFi coverage available at each of the three sites (Bennington, Oriskany, and Newtown)? Please provide details - ex. wifi available at the visitor's center but not the battlefields/sites, etc.
A: We cannot rely on WiFi coverage for the experiences.

Q: Will the selected vendor be responsible for the hosting/build of the web app or will the AR experience components be provided and incorporated into the Trust's website/STQRY app platforms?
A: No, the Trust will provide for hosting.

Q: Can the budget exceed $30,000?
A: No, but you may propose elements to add on to the core experience that have an extra cost. Also, we have some capacity to offer services in-house such as writing.