ACS Design and Website Support

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION: The United States Census Bureau is conducting market research to identify available sources for the proposed services below: DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES: In an effort to provide ongoing support to our data users and the general public, the American Community Survey Office (ACSO) disseminates data through the American FactFinder data dissemination website and also maintains a public-facing website under the census.gov domain. These sister websites provide access to the American Community Survey (ACS) data products as well as supporting documentation that helps users understand the data. In addition, the websites provide program information to a broad cross-section of users from government officials to reporters as well as to our survey respondents. While the ACSO has a staff responsible for the daily operations of the intranet and internet sites, there has been a series of new initiatives coming from the Director's office and the Center for New Media and Promotions (CNMP) that requires advanced skills in web strategy and development. In addition, with the launching of ACS data on American FactFinder (AFF) adjustments need to be made to the current ACS website that interfaces with the AFF. ACSO has already seen an impact on resources with the implementation of new initiatives from the Center for New Media such as sharing tools, feature articles, flash modules etc. These demands will grow over the next year or two while these new projects are initiated and completed. To help with this increased demand, we propose contracting for a Senior Web Consultant. The United States Census Bureau seeks a qualified Contractor with experience and capability in all the below skillsets. The Contractor Shall: - Guide the ACS technical team and provide technical updates and maintenance. - Participate, while representing ACS interests, in stakeholder meetings with other agency division representatives. - Promote ACS program visibility and awareness - Have expert knowledge of web content management systems, specifically Movable Type Pro 5.0. The contractor shall maintain and extend an existing custom implementation of Movable Type Pro 5.0. The contractor shall have expertise using Movable Type Plugins to create custom widgets for data dissemination, creating custom themes and templates, and extensive knowledge of using custom fields within Movable Type. - Create custom Performance Dashboards for deployment on internal web servers and within SharePoint. As part of this task, the contractor shall have demonstrable expertise in using the web analytics tool, Adobe SiteCatalyst version 15, as well as web tools used to create custom web analytics from raw data such as jQuery sparklines, and HighCharts. - Generate reports and present to ACS senior staff using SiteCatalyst version 15 and formatted in performance dashboard in SharePoint, including Data Visualization Matrix for ACS stakeholders. - Have knowledge of plain language for website use and be familiar with ACS' usability study. - Maintain an internal web request and bug reporting software, specifically Mantis, and shall have demonstrable experience acting as an administrator on the same or equal system. - Provide services related to the migration of ACS content to the new Census-wide Content Management System (CMS), Adobe CQ5. This will include some reorganization of content i.e. a modification of the current Information Architecture of the ACS website, to fit within the Content Model that CNMP is creating for all sites. - As a representative of ACSO interests, Work with CNMP on the above referenced Content Model, and other migration topics as needed, e.g. migration of PHP applications, placement of ACS in the new hierarchy, user interface techniques (accordions, tabs, etc.), deep links to data, exporting content from current system. - As a representative of ACSO interests, Work with CNMP on the best strategy for creating a Survey Template within the new CMS, and for presenting the ACS information in a user-friendly manner consistent with best practices. - As a representative of ACSO, Advise and assist the ASD team tasked with creating an app for use within the new CMS for connecting users with ACS data on American FactFinder. This app will appear in the right sidebar of key pages of the ACS website replacing the current Data Profiles and Data by Topics deep links provided on the current system. If creating an application is not possible within the necessary timeframe, the contractor shall work with CNMP to insure the strategic deep linking to American Community Survey Data on American FactFinder is migrated to the new system. - Provide expert Web Development Services specifically, compliant XHTML and CSS coding of pages including accessibility validation and 508 Compliance. - Have troubleshooting experience using 508 Compliance and Compliance Sheriff. - Provide enhancements to the User Experience (UX) and Use Interface design with the use of JQuery and other tools, to increase user satisfaction, usability, and ease of navigation. - Assist and advise for enhanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO) of the website. - Update the data access links between the ACS website and the American FactFinder (AFF) website - as the new American FactFinder has recently introduced new options for users, existing solutions such as deep linking may need to change. In addition, with the migration to the new CMS, CQ5, a new strategy for linkages from FactFinder to supporting documentation may need to be developed. - Work with the Usability Lab on testing solutions as they are developed using testing on quick-turn around low-fidelity prototypes to insure users are able to find information on responding to the ACS and for using the data with the new Information Architecture in the new CMS. - Provide monthly progress reports on the status of the requests and projects. HOW TO RESPOND Interested individuals must submit their capabilities statements via electronic submission at contact@example.gov. The submission is limited to ten (10) pages (page size: 8.5x11") or less. Include the company name, address, business size and DUNS number, as well as a contact person and their email address and telephone number on the introduction/cover page. No information will be accepted by telephone or mail. Any questions regarding this request may be directed to the provided e-mail address. DISCLAIMER This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. In accordance with FAR 15.201 (e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Respondents are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. Responses to this RFI will not be returned. Respondents will not be notified of the result of the review. NAICS CODE: 541512 - Computer Systems Design Services