Website ReDesign and Development Services

The vendor is required to provide website re-design and development for a housing development the size of agency makes the proposal process a clear choice.
- The organization’s website plays an important role as a communications tool and information resource for residents, landlords and community regarding the housing programs managed by the agency.
- The website provides details on numerous programs and guidelines, public notices, various resource links and housing authority contact information for our portfolio of properties, key services and key operational activities.
- Provide simple, web based electronic access to housing services, serve as a public communications tool and streamline the organization’s operations through implementation of enhanced web-based technology.
- The redesigned site must take advantage of new design elements and the growing demand for electronic services; it should also reflect and promote the housing authority’s mission with a friendly, professional feel.
- The website should provide easy access to all housing services, be adaptable to current and changing technology and be used as a public communications tool through integration with our social media networks.
- The website should be developed using a content management system (CMS) to allow the housing authority’s staff to update the website content as often as needed.
- Website should include:
• Uses a mobile-friendly and responsive platform that is accessible, usable, and appealing.
• User friendly navigation for all users.
• An action-oriented homepage that helps send visitors to the right place
• Aligns with web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG) 2, American disability act (ADA), and rehabilitation act (sec. 504) best practices.
• Provide easy electronic access to various housing services and information.
• Enhance delivery and awareness of the services provided by the agency.
• Provide a content management system (CMS) for website updates; the housing authorities preferred website model calls for authorized staff to have the ability to perform routine content management related to frequently changed information; in addition, the staff webmaster should have more advanced and comprehensive ability to provide quality control and update non-routine information; such a system needs to be structured for maintenance and updating capabilities by non-technical staff.
• The CMS system should include the ability for the website master to manage access and assign passwords for multiple content managers.
• Consistent design using existing agency branding elements – each section of the site should have a common look/theme and consistent orientation and navigational aids.
• Email interfacing must not be dependent on a specific email client software.
• Provide for use of embedded video content such as YouTube.
• Provide external links to related content
• Provide language translation functionality on the site
• Graphic elements should be chosen to allow for quickest loading; web pages should be tested at minimum transfer speeds to ensure each webpage can be accessed timely for both low and high-speed computers used by the general population.
• Use appropriate title tags for each site page for appropriate search engine usage.
• Include ability to add appropriate alt tags for pictures and graphics on the site.
• The website must meet the latest html standards and be designed to be browser agnostic and work with commonly used browsers found on windows, mac, and Linux computer systems and mobile devices (android, iOS) which must be identified in your proposal.
- Content management system and training
• The successful contractor will design the website to allow the housing authority staff to make routine changes to the website content through a password-protected CMS administrative interface.
• Proposals should also include costs for website content updates
• Proposals should include unlimited basic CMS training for employees.
• Technical support must be addressed in the contract and available on a 24/7 basis.
• A working demo of the proposed CMS administrative functionality must be available if requested
• Provide an option for data population of the new website by the vendor using content as supplied by the housing authority.
- Optional web app and services
• Optional “web app” (will not be part of the selection process) defined to include key features for apple and android devices;
• Ability to create an account which registers residents and verifies the enrollment
• Housing application forms.
• Tenant portals and login capabilities.
• Interactive maps (if needed).
• Search functionality.
• Event calendar and news section.
• Integration with social media and other digital platforms.
• Selectable updates by property within the app
• Notifications push out to users
• Master push out to everyone
• Educational program links
• Maintenance basic info with a hyperlink to the website on maintenance.
- Web hosting, server capabilities and analytics
• The site must be designed for continuous operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Provide all hardware, software, and telecommunications services required to operate the web site
• Provide reliable hosting at a certified data center
• Provide notification of website downtime lasting longer than 30 minutes; notification must be received within 30 minutes when occurring Monday – Friday between 7am and 6pm.
• Website bandwidth must be capable of handling peak traffic volumes.
• High levels of website security and protection must be maintained using appropriate firewall, intrusion detection, and encryption technologies.
• Site content must be captured monthly on removable media or at an alternate certified data center.
• Provide options for SEO services & access to reporting on web usage including DNS services and web traffic statistics.
• Ability to track page hits and provide this information as part of website analytics.
- Contract Period/Term: 1 year