Transcription Services for Provincial and Demonstration Schools

The Government of Ontario Ministry of Education is soliciting transcription services for Provincial and Demonstration Schools to support Alternative Educational Resources for Ontario. The scope of work involves producing textbooks in three accessible formats: Braille, DAISY Digital Audio Recording, and E-Text Word. These resources are intended for English and French students across elementary, secondary, and post-secondary levels. E-Text production must include complex content such as mathematical notation in MathML or LaTeX, tables, charts, and graphics. The PDSB intends for these services to be operational by December 20, 2026. The award process follows a three-stage evaluation totaling 100 points. Bidders must first pass a mandatory qualification stage before undergoing a technical evaluation worth 70 points, where a minimum score of 42 points is required to proceed. Technical criteria include company profile, staff education, production maintenance, and specific expertise in Braille, DAISY, and E-Text. The final stage is a commercial evaluation worth 30 points based on the lowest bid price. Bidders must be Canadian businesses or entities with ongoing commercial activities in a Canadian trade partner country and must comply with Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act regulations, including maintaining written safety policies and providing proof of WSIB coverage and insurance. Responses are due by November 17, 2026, via the Ontario Tenders Portal.