IED requests proposals from qualified individuals, groups of individuals or firms to conduct an evaluation study of the 36-month EU co-funded (European Cooperation projects Small Scale – CREA-CULT-2021-COOP-1) project DGTRAN: Digital Transformation for Cultural Heritage Capacity Building in Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine.  

1. About the DGTRAN Project 

This project focuses on the digitization of cultural heritage material related to Vytautas the Great using innovative 3D and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies. The cultural heritage sites and buildings are located in Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine, unified by a shared historical background. By honoring Vytautas the Great, this project showcases a unique historical example of cooperation and mutual support among diverse European cultures. The project aims to foster digital transformation in the cultural heritage sector, enhance competitiveness, and promote European content and cross-border cooperation. 

Key components of the project include: 

• Creating digital models of historical buildings connected to Vytautas the Great. 

• Developing a website providing free access to digitized objects with popular descriptions. 

• Creating an interactive map linking historical-cultural sites into a transnational tourist route, “The Belt of Vytautas.” 

• Developing a mobile app for augmented reality experiences, allowing users to see digital reconstructions of historical sites as they appeared during Vytautas the Great’s time. 

2. Aim & objectives of the evaluation  

The evaluation aims to ensure the highest quality and reliability of project deliverables, including digital models, the website, the interactive map, and the mobile app. 

Objectives: 

• Evaluate the accuracy and authenticity of digital reconstructions to ensure they faithfully represent historical sites and artifacts. 

• Assess the effectiveness of the project’s methodologies and technological applications in achieving its goals. 

• Ensure that all digital reconstructions comply with historical documentation and scientific data, following guidelines such as the Venice Charter and the London Charter. 

• Offer recommendations for improvements in current practices and methodologies. 

3. Methodology  

The evaluation will involve a comprehensive review of project documents and deliverables to ensure their accuracy and completeness. Site visits and monitoring will be conducted to assess the implementation process and quality control measures. Interviews and consultations with project partners, historians, and technical experts will gather diverse perspectives on the project’s progress. A comparative analysis against established standards and charters, such as the Venice Charter and the London Charter, will ensure adherence to best practices. Finally, continuous feedback loops will inform project partners and guide quality improvements throughout the project. 

4. Responsibilities of the external evaluator(s)  

The selected external evaluators will be responsible for delivering: 

• Evaluation reports on each project component (digital models, website, interactive map, mobile app) following information collection with suitable and appropriate tools. 

• Recommendations for methodological improvements and best practices for digital reconstruction. 

• Final evaluation report summarizing findings, insights, and actionable recommendations. 

• Quality control visit reports aligning with project milestones and deliverables. 

5. Submission Requirements  

Interested evaluators are invited to submit the following: 

• A cover letter expressing interest in the project and summarizing relevant experience. The cover letter should highlight expertise in digital reconstruction, cultural heritage projects, and evaluation methodologies. 

• Detailed CV(s) of the evaluator(s) involved, demonstrating qualifications and experience in the fields of digital heritage preservation, 3D modeling, augmented reality technologies, and historical research. A proven track record of working on interdisciplinary projects that bridge science, technology, and culture will be perceived as an advantage, but it is not a requirement.  

• A proposal outlining the evaluation approach, methodology, and timeline. The proposal should demonstrate an understanding of the project’s objectives, including the importance of historical accuracy, authenticity, and compliance with established guidelines. 

• Contact information for at least two professional references who can attest to the evaluator’s expertise and experience in relevant fields. 

It is desirable that evaluators have experience in cross-border and intercultural projects, particularly within the context of European heritage. They should be capable of providing comprehensive quality control and unbiased assessments, ensuring the project’s success in promoting cultural heritage and digital transformation. 

6. Selection Criteria & Process 

Each proposal received will be first evaluated according to the eligibility requirements, i.e.  

• Received by the above deadline    

• Drafted in English only  

• Including all the points in Article 5, none excluded  

• Within the price stated 

• Not a duplicate of another similar or identical proposal presented by the same bidder, in which case only the one received last will be retained for evaluation.  

Criteria for evaluating the technical quality of the eligible bids include:  

• Demonstrated capacity of the technical bid to respond to the requirements of the Call: up to 10 points (scarce), 20 (insufficient), 30 (sufficient), 40 (good), 50 (optimal). Weight of this criterion: 70% of the total score.  

• Demonstrated capacity of the bidder to stay within the stated timelines: up to 10 points (scarce), 20 (insufficient), 30 (sufficient), 40 (good), 50 (optimal). Weight of this criterion: 30% of the total score.  

Submissions will undergo an initial screening for completeness and relevance. Proposals will then be evaluated by the iED’s committee, followed by the shortlisting of candidates based on the selection criteria. If necessary, interviews will be conducted with shortlisted candidates. The final selection and appointment of the external evaluators will be made based on these evaluations. All candidates will receive a written communication of the evaluation results. 

7. Available Budget 

The maximum amount available is 4.000€. 

It is inclusive of VAT and any other taxes and levies. 

8. Key Dates 

Task	Deadline
Deadline for submissions	31/05/2024
Completion of the evaluation process by the committee	14/06/2024
Starting of the assignment	01/07/2024
Completion of the assignment and submission of all deliverables to IED	30/04/2025

The specific deadlines for the assignment deliverables will be agreed upon with the selected evaluator(s).  

9. Contact Information  

Interested in joining us? Send all the required files to Andreas Almpanis (DGTRAN project manager) at projects@ied.eu, mentioning “DGTRAN evaluator” in the email subject, by 31^st May 2024, at 17:00.