REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Transcription

1 900 Innovation Drive Suite 300 Rolla, MO (fax) REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Introduction Missouri Enterprise is a private, not for profit organization whose mission is to Help Missouri Manufacturers Realize Profitable Growth Today and Prepare for Success in the Next Generation and Beyond. Missouri Enterprise provides business and technical assistance and hands-on implementation services primarily, but not exclusively, to small- and medium-size manufacturers and technology-based businesses. Background, Content, Scope of Service and Deliverables The purpose of this Request For Proposal (RFP) is to obtain proposals for technical services from qualified service providers to assist in the development, deployment and ongoing maintenance of a website to promote awareness of Missouri Enterprise among potential clients, public officials, other opinion molders and the general public. Execution of this project will involve coordination with Missouri Enterprise (or its designee), graphic design, programming and coordination, development of an administrative console (content management system) to give Missouri Enterprise content management functionality, coordination with a hosting service and complete pre-launch testing. Background/Website Content Content of the Website, which will be provided by Missouri Enterprise, will reflect that we are an organization composed of skilled manufacturing and business management professionals who help companies succeed. As part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP) system and responsible for the program in Missouri, we provide access to new technologies, training, mentoring and, most importantly, hands-on implementation services. Our clients realize increases in customer satisfaction, sales, quality and profitability along with material and labor savings. We provide services throughout the state in five broad areas: Business Growth Continuous Improvement/Lean Enterprise/Quality Management Systems Supplier Development/Supply Chain Management Sustainability Workforce Cape Girardeau Joplin Kansas City Rolla Springfield St. Louis An ISO Registered Company

2 Examples of content that will be on the Website might include: Corporate information and background including company history and audit reports Descriptions of Missouri Enterprise products and services Client lists and testimonials Staff, Board of Director and service partner biographies with photos Descriptions of and links to partners and stakeholders websites A registration/contact us form Highlights and announcements of new projects and new personnel A library that includes, but is not limited to, white papers, technical reports, success stories, newsletters, news releases, PowerPoint presentations and external links. The website must include a section on Missouri Enterprise seminars, workshops and events and must support efficient on-line registration including the capacity to accept online credit card payment (without using costly multiple vendors). The website must accommodate rich content, be professional in appearance and functionality, focus on a positive viewer experience, provide quick, easy-to-use navigation and support all manner of content formats, including audio and video. The website must be accompanied by a full functional, preferably open source (Wordpress, Drupal) content management platform that designated Missouri Enterprise employees can use to add, change and delete content. It must be flexible to accommodate development of new page templates as needs arise without generating significant costs or time requirements. While it is understood that some ongoing alteration will require assistance from the service partner/designer, it is intended that the administrative console will shift much of this work to Missouri Enterprise. Most importantly, the website must be consistent in look, feel and tone with Missouri Enterprise s existing graphic approach and collateral material design. Navigation Scheme/Requirements For the purpose of this RFP, the layout and navigation scheme should include a well-designed main page with a brief introduction of Missouri Enterprise, engaging graphics and links to a variety of sub-pages. The sub-pages must extend the look and feel of the main page, but should be different enough to illustrate the parent/child relationship. From each of the sub-pages, the layout and navigation scheme should cascade down to a group of sub-sub-pages. At all levels the Content Management Platform must allow for simple, easy creation of intra-page links (both internal and external). On all pages, the Content Management Platform must accommodate all standard file formats, including, but not limited to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, audio and video files and jpgs, gifs and pdfs.

3 The navigation scheme and layout as well as the content management platform must be designed to facilitate high search engine recognition particularly as the content relates to manufacturing and manufacturing services. The content management platform must use of page titles, photo names and keywords to support search engine optimization. Scope of Services The service partner/designer for this program will be responsible for: Consulting regularly with the designated Missouri Enterprise staff to ensure that development of the website solution meets the organization s purpose and visitors need. Coding all necessary documents to create a reliable, functional, interactive and attractive website. As required, creation of original website graphics and pay layouts, including when necessary, all test entry (conversion of Missouri Enterprise supplied text), original graphic design and scanning of Missouri Enterprise provided images. Development, testing and launching a content management functionality (administrative console) to enable assigned Missouri Enterprise staff members to regularly update text and images in the website. Register the URL of the website domain name. Recommend hosting services and coordinate with the one chosen to post the website (Missouri Enterprise will pay hosting fees directly to the hosting service). Provide initial site launch support and ongoing maintenance as required. Deliverables All HTML documents, database programming, CGI or other scripting, design elements, graphics, supporting materials for the website and the accompanying administrative console based on an open source content management platform and applications required by a high quality, interactive website. Recommendations for a hosting arrangement. A domain name and dns number properly registered (to be owned by Missouri Enterprise). An active website operating within the guidelines of all applicable organizations. Qualifications The service partner/designer submitting a proposal for this project must show evidence of at least five (5) years relevant experience and must have produced at least ten (10) similar website. URLs of each should be submitted.

4 Applicants must demonstrate expertise in writing, programming, system administration, database design, art direction and multimedia programming as related to website production. References Applicants must provide the names of contact person(s) of at least three (3) organizations for which they have provide similar contact services, including a list of specific services provide for each. Proposal Requirement In submitting your firm s response to this RFP, please include the following: A brief description of your firm s experience with respect to the scope of services in this RFP. Name, biography and contact information of all key personal who will be assigned to this project. A conceptual plan identifying major project elements and demonstrating how the service partner/designer will structure the project, including a tentative time line and milestones to keep the project on schedule. Performance Period The performance period will begin upon the date that the contract is signed by all parties and will extend nine (9) months. Both parties may extend the contract upon mutual agreement. Meetings between Missouri Enterprise and the service partner/designer will be held as often as necessary to accomplish the required tasks and resolve program areas. Either party may suggest a meeting. Website will be operational no later than six (6) months from the date of the contract signing. Payment Terms One-third of the agreed contract amount will be invoiced and paid within ten (10) days of contract signing. A second third will be invoiced and paid when the design and navigational scheme is accepted. The final third will be invoiced and paid thirty (30) days following the successful launch of the website. Proposal Submission Complete written proposals must be received by Missouri Enterprise at the address below by 5 pm CST on June 30, Harold Zinn, Chief Operating Officer Woodcrest Executive Drive, Suite 215 St. Louis, MO (mobile) hzinn@missourienterprise.org

5 This contract will be awarded based on both the written bid proposal and interviews. This request for Proposal does not commit Missouri Enterprise of award any contract, to pay any cost incurred in the preparation of any proposal nor to procure or pay for any services. Missouri Enterprise, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals received as a result of this request, to excuse informalities and irregularities and to request clarification from any firm without notice thereof to other firms, to negotiate with any qualified source, or to cancel in part or in its entirety this request. Missouri Enterprise will not disclose to any firm the basis upon which it makes its decision or any information regarding the content of a submittal of any other firm.