1) About Handmade Arcade (HA):

Handmade Arcade’s mission is to empower makers of all ages by providing them with professional development and connections to customers. We do this through year-round programs and services for makers, including hosting Pittsburgh’s largest holiday shopping event every December. We are guided by our core values of anti-racism, collaboration, financial sustainability, transparency, and equity.

2) Project Description:

As part of our commitment to equity, HA seeks proposals from qualified agencies and/or consultants to conduct a comprehensive accessibility audit of our operations, including our in-person Holiday Market market (featuring approximately 10,000 shoppers and 275+ vendors), our website (hosted on Squarespace), and our Facebook and Instagram social media accounts. This audit is a priority outlined in our 2023-2026 strategic plan and will serve as the foundation of ongoing accessibility initiatives by identifying accessibility barriers, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and standards, and developing a roadmap for improving accessibility across all platforms and environments.

3) Our Team:

HA is a small team of three full-time staff members with multiple project-based year-round and seasonal contractors. The main point of contact for this project will be Kelsey Ford, HA’s Executive Director.

4) Project Timeline:

• Proposal Submission Deadline: August 15, 2025

• Consultant Selection: September 15, 2025

• Project Kickoff: October 5, 2025

• Project Completion: February 27, 2025

5) Budget:

The estimated budget for this project is between $3,000-$5,000. 

6) Proposal Requirements:

Proposals may be submitted in whatever format and style is preferred by agency or consultant. Proposal should, at minimum, contain the following information: 

• Agency or Consultant Information 

• Experience & Expertise 

• Methodology & Approach 

• Project Timeline

• Fee Structure

7) Proposal Evaluation Rubric:

• Company Experience & Demonstrated Results (50 points possible): Proposal demonstrates expertise in conducting both physical and digital accessibility audits according to accessibility standards and best practices.

• Values (50 points possible): Proposal demonstrates agency or consultant’s ability to conduct an accessibility audit centering intersectionality and anti-racism.

• Planning Approach & Timeline Management (30 points possible): Proposal demonstrates a clear strategy and methodology for project completion and communicates the capacity to accomplish the project within the provided timeline.

• Approach to Budget & Cost Effectiveness (20 points possible): Proposal demonstrates effective and efficient approach to delivering quality services within the allocated budget. Budget is reasonable and appropriate.

• Additional Points (10 points possible): Agencies led by and/or Consultants who are BIPOC folks, folks who are part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, and/or folks with disabilities can receive an additional ten (10) points to their total score.

Companies not in alignment with HA’s core values of anti-racism, equity, transparency, collaboration, & financial sustainability will not be considered.

8) Contact Information:

Questions, clarifications, and proposals should be submitted to Kelsey Ford (she/her), Executive Director at kelsey@handmadearcade.org. Contact phone number is 412-204-6279.