Other Products

Websites

Planning the Site

First, your client, his or her Webmaster and the graphic designer should consider the site's requirements to determine what types of techniques and programming are possible and appropriate. The Webmaster may seek further input from Industry Canada's Chief Information Office.

Content

All elements of the site must be edited, translated and approved as appropriate before design work begins.

Provide the graphic designer with the following:

  • a hard copy and an electronic version of the text in both English and French about writing for the web
  • a hypertext link and URL for each destination on the hard copy
  • a clear indication of which text appears on which web page
  • images (if applicable) in the graphic designer's preferred electronic format

Design

The graphic design firm will develop, for your client's approval:

  • A navigation plan—to show the site's structure. The navigation plan identifies the different types of pages that will be designed and designates a template for each type.
  • A design concept—to show what the site will look like.
  • Page templates—to provide models of the different types of pages selected in the navigation plan.

TipEach template will be used to produce many other similar pages, so you must check them thoroughly.

HTML coding and other programming will be carried out once the templates are approved. HTML coding should then be verified by an expert (e.g., a Chief Information Office representative).

Verification

The supplier of the HTML pages must verify that the website meets Treasury Board Secretariat's Web Standards for the Government of Canada.

You may want to arrange focus testing of the site as well.

The English and French versions of the site must each be proofread carefully (including checking all links). They should also be compared to ensure identical treatment.

Finally, in-house staff should do a quality assurance check of the English and French versions of the site before they are delivered to the client.

top of page

Videos and Films

Some of the services offered by film/video firms include:

  • research
  • storyboarding
  • script writing
  • directing
  • film shoots
  • audio recordings
  • special effects
  • web casting
  • host broadcasting
  • satellite transmission
  • post-production

Contracting

Contracting for the production of videos and films must be done through Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC). You must provide PWGSC with certain information about the project:

  • purpose
  • audience
  • detailed work description for the supplier
  • schedule
  • budget
  • contact information
  • security requirements

PWGSC has established supply arrangements with various firms, and only PWGSC can issue contracts against these supply arrangements. Depending on the complexity of the project and the number of firms invited, this competition process could take from three to five weeks. You have the option of limiting the competitive process to Aboriginal businesses under the government's set-aside Program for Aboriginal Businesses.

Production

Keep in mind:

  • Scripts must be edited, translated and approved.
  • You must obtain a catalogue number and ISBN for all videos/films from the Depository Services Program.
  • The English and French versions of videos/films must each be viewed carefully to ensure identical treatment.
  • In-house staff should do a quality assurance check of the English and French versions before they are delivered to the client.

Videos and films must comply with:

Depositing Copies

On completion of the video/film project, ensure that:

top of page

Portable Exhibits, Banners and Display Signage

Contracting

If you are coordinating the production of a portable exhibit (or pop-up display system), banners, display signage or related graphic design services, you should follow the contracting procedures for services related to exhibits and signage (link accessible to Industry Canada employees only).

Production

There are many firms that specialize in the production of portable exhibits, banners and display signage. Many of them have in-house design capability, but you may prefer to work with another designer (to maintain a "family look," for example). Work with your client and the supplier to determine which product(s) best meet the client's needs.

Here are a few things to consider:

  • Flexibility—Can elements of the product easily be replaced so that it can be used by various programs, be modified for different exhibitions or be updated as required?
  • Portability—How much does the product weigh? Is it easy to ship/transport? To install?
  • Storage—Is there room for the client to store the product on site? Does the firm producing the product offer warehousing? Consider warehousing costs.
  • Participation in fairs and exhibitions—Are there accessible federal institutions appearing at the same event?

If so, they must adopt a coherent and coordinated approach, displaying a unified presence that promotes common themes and messages of the Government of Canada.

Portable exhibits, banners and display signage must conform to:

All text appearing on products should be carefully proofread, and in-house staff should do a quality assurance check of the products before they are delivered to the client.

top of page

Promotional Items

Promotional items are articles such as T-shirts, mugs, mouse pads, lapel pins and notepads that can be distributed at events such as conferences and info fairs. If you are planning to produce promotional items, it is recommended that you first consult the Comptrollership and Administration Sector.

Contracting

The contracting procedure for promotional items varies according to the cost:

  • If the contract is worth less than $2,500 including GST/HST and all charges, you can order directly from a supplier through a purchase order (your administration officer can assist you); sole source is acceptable.
  • If the contract is worth between $2,500 and less than $5,000 including GST/HST and all charges, you can contract directly with a supplier, but you must first obtain estimates from three different suppliers, and go with the lowest estimate.
  • If the contract is worth between $5,000 and $25,000 including GST/HST and all charges, you must obtain estimates from three different suppliers and then contract through Contracts and Material Management.
  • If the contract is worth more than $25,000, you must contract through PWGSC's Commercial and Consumer Products Directorate.

A selection of promotional items with the "Canada" wordmark is available from PWGSC.

Production

There are many firms that specialize in the production of promotional items. Many of them have in-house design capability, but you may prefer to work with another designer (to maintain a "family look," for example). Work with your client and the supplier to determine which products best meet the client's needs. Consider:

  • target audience
  • distribution channels
  • intended message
  • cost

TipThe message on promotional items is usually more effective if it is clear and concise. Avoid cluttering the item with too much text and too many design elements.

Promotional items must conform to:

All text appearing on promotional items should be carefully proofread, and in-house staff should do a quality assurance check of the products before they are delivered to the client.

top of page

PowerPoint Presentations

PowerPoint presentations are often used at speaking engagements.

PowerPoint presentation must conform to:

The text must be edited, translated and approved. Layout templates are also available.

Media Relations Products

Media relations products include news releases, backgrounders, media advisories and other communications products issued to journalists and other news media professionals.

These products must conform to:

The text must be edited, translated and approved.

top of page

Personnel Identification

Personnel identification products such as name tags and badges must conform to:

All text appearing on products should be carefully proofread, and in-house staff should do a quality assurance check of the products before they are delivered to the client.

CDs and DVDs

Portable electronic media such as CDs and DVDs must conform to:

All text appearing on products should be carefully proofread, and in-house staff should do a quality assurance check of the products before they are delivered to the client.

Rate this page

The content of this page was useful to me.

x Close

Share this page

To share this page, just select the social network of your choice:
  • More

No endorsement of any products or services is expressed or implied.

x Close