Description

Request for Proposals (RFP)
AUNTIE Tech Collective Branding Guide Development

Issued by: AISES – AUNTIE Tech Collective 

Issue Date: May 12, 2026

Proposal Deadline: May 25, 2026

Project Period: May 27 – June 27, 2026 (target completion)

Organizational Background

The Advancing Unity for Natives in Technology + Innovation + Excellence (AUNTIE) Tech Collective is a multigenerational initiative dedicated to supporting Indigenous womxn, girls, non-binary, and Two-Spirit people in technology. Anchored in community and culture, AUNTIE builds belonging across every stage of an Indigenous womxn, girls, non-binary, and Two-Spirit people tech journey, from early curiosity to established career. The program weaves together three connected waterways:

• AUNTIE Tech Club (Middle School & High School): Hands-on in-person tech learning, including coding, robotics, and digital literacy, delivered through community-supported gatherings, culturally grounded activities, and exposure to Indigenous mentors in the industry. Resources and support for caregivers and educators.
• Future AUNTIES (Post-Secondary): Community and empowerment through mentorship, networking, career readiness, and technical competency building for college students pursuing tech degrees.
• THE AUNTIES (Professional): A growing network of Indigenous womxn, non-binary, and Two-Spirit people in tech committed to leadership, mentorship, and creating inclusive workplaces. This phase provides opportunities for giving back as well as personal and professional growth.

AUNTIE operates as part of the Advancing Indigenous Science and Engineering Society (AISES), a national nonprofit organization focused on advancing representation and success in STEM.

As the program continues to grow nationally, AUNTIE seeks to establish a cohesive, professional branding system that reflects its unique identity at the intersection of Indigenous culture, community, and technology.

Project Purpose and Overview

AUNTIE Tech Collective seeks proposals from qualified designers or branding firms to develop a comprehensive branding guide.

The purpose of this project is to create a cohesive visual identity system that:

• Reflects AUNTIE’s identity as an Indigenous-led initiative
• Communicates our focus on technology, innovation, and future-building
• Honors cultural grounding, relationality, and community
• Ensures consistency across digital platforms, print materials, and merchandise

The final branding guide will serve as a foundational resource for staff, partners, and vendors.

Project Scope of Work
The selected contractor will build on the AUNTIE brand, developing original artwork and a comprehensive branding guide that includes the following components.

A. Brand Foundation and Visual Identity System
Develop a visual identity system that reflects:

• Indigenous identity in contemporary and respectful ways
• Technology and innovation, including technology-inspired visual motifs such as circuitry or network patterns
• Connection to waterways framework
• Community, connection, and relationality

Design guidance should incorporate accessibility and avoid stereotypes or generalized Indigenous imagery and instead reflect a modern, sophisticated, and culturally-grounded aesthetic.

B. Logo System
Refine and expand the existing logo system to include:

• Primary logos
• Horizontal logo variations
• Stacked logo variations
• Icon or symbol versions
• Full name and abbreviated versions, if applicable

Provide guidance on:

• Proper logo usage
• Clear space and minimum sizing
• Improper use examples

Provide all final logo files in standard formats including PNG, SVG, EPS, and AI.

C. Color System
Develop a complete brand color system, including:

• Primary and secondary color palettes with attention to accessibility
• Pantone values
• CMYK values for print
• RGB values for digital use
• HEX codes for web use
• Canva-compatible color values

Include guidance for use across print, digital, and merchandise applications.

D. Typography System
Provide:

• Primary and secondary fonts with attention to accessibility
• Web-safe alternatives
• Canva-compatible options
• Guidance on hierarchy and usage

E. Graphic Elements and Supporting Visual System
Develop complementary design elements, such as:

• Background patterns
• Graphic accents
• Technology-inspired visual motifs
• Layout and composition guidance

F. Templates and Practical Applications
Collaborate with the AUNTIE team to develop and provide templates and examples for common brand applications, such as:

• Social media graphics
• Presentation slides
• Event materials
• Print collateral
• Merchandise and swag
• Zoom and Teams backgrounds

Templates should be usable by staff with varying levels of design experience.

G. Final Branding Guide Document
Provide a comprehensive branding guide that includes:

• Brand overview and positioning
• Accessibility guidance throughout
• Logo usage guidelines
• Color specifications
• Typography guidelines
• Graphic elements and patterns
• Template examples

The final guide should be provided as a PDF and editable source files.

Deliverables

• Final deliverables must include:
• Complete branding guide document (PDF)
• All logo files in multiple formats
• Color palettes and specifications
• Typography guidance
• Graphic elements and patterns
• Template files
• Editable source files

All assets must be provided in standard formats including PNG, SVG, EPS, and AI to be usable in Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office.

Project Timeline
The anticipated project timeline is as follows:

• RFP issued: May 12, 2026
• Proposal deadline: May 25, 2026
• Contractor selected: May 26, 2026
• Project start: May 27, 2026
• Draft concepts presented: June 13, 2026
• Feedback and revisions: June 13-20, 2026
• Final branding guide completed: June 27, 2026

This timeline supports production of materials for an August 2026 program retreat.

Budget
The budget for this project is: $3,000 - $5,000. 
Proposals should include a detailed cost breakdown and proposed milestone timeline that aligns with project timeline. 

Requirements

Desired Qualifications
Preference will be given to designers or firms with:

• Experience working with Indigenous organizations, Tribal communities, or culturally grounded initiatives
• Experience developing branding guides for nonprofit organizations, educational initiatives, or community-based programs
• Experience developing accessible designs and branding and style guides
• Ability to translate cultural values into modern, professional visual systems
• Strong portfolio demonstrating thoughtful and contemporary branding work
• Ability to collaborate with program staff and incorporate feedback
• Demonstrated commitment to creating original designs and artwork, not AI-generated content.

Proposal Requirements
Proposals should include the following:

A. Organizational or Individual Information

• Name and contact information
• Brief background and overview
• Relevant experience

B. Portfolio

• Examples of branding guides or similar projects
• Relevant client work

C. Project Approach

• Description of proposed process
• Timeline

D. Budget

• Detailed cost breakdown

E. References

• At least two references from previous clients

Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Demonstrated understanding of the project goals
• Relevant experience and portfolio quality
• Cultural alignment and sensitivity
• Strength of proposed approach
• Budget and overall value

Submission Instructions
Please submit proposals electronically to:
Heather Metcalf, AUNTIE Program Officer at [email protected] 
Subject line: AUNTIE Branding Guide Proposal

Questions
Questions regarding this RFP may be submitted to: [email protected]

Organizational Values Statement
AUNTIE Tech Collective is an Indigenous-led initiative grounded in community, culture, and collective growth. We seek partners who approach this work with respect, care, and an understanding of the importance of Indigenous leadership in shaping technological futures.