Summary The primary objective of the Bemidji State University (BSU) website design and development project is to enhance the user experience and align with our evolving brand identity and business goals. Our current web presence is functional but cannot meet the expectations of our target audiences or support our strategic initiatives effectively within our desired timeline without external partnership to guide and implement more comprehensive website upgrades. Website design work with internal and external expertise is a strategic investment in BSU’s digital presence. We are seeking a website design and development partner with comprehensive experience working with higher education clients, extensive digital marketing expertise, and a design-for-the-future mindset. The primary objectives of the Bemidji State University (BSU) website design and development project is to enhance website user experience, align with our evolving brand identity, and ensure that our web presence performs efficiently to meet our strategic institutional priorities. As such, we are focused on meeting the following, integrated project goals: Improved User Experience (UX) – external and internal users Search Engine Optimization (SEO) – organic Attractive User Interface (UI) – aligned with university identity and branding Optimized facilitation Navigation elements (menus, breadcrumbs, search functionality) Content elements (text, images, videos, typography, graphics) Interactive elements (buttons, forms, call-to-actions) Structural elements (layout, grid systems, whitespace) Improved content strategy Well-structured semantic content and html Optimal load time WCAG 2.2 AA standards for accessibility as well as Section 508 compliance Training and support as determined by the core project team Performance-focused analytics and monitoring Upgraded and enforceable governance model Systems integration – to some degree SIS CRM Required Reporting – Title IX, Hazing, Safety, etc Enterprise resources Google Analytics, SemRush, Siteimprove Forms Directories Calendar Admissions applications, RFI and associated landing pages, etc News, blogs, etc Project Scope Ø Pre-project research and discovery – some parameters and expectations include: o BSU’s identity and “special sauce” – why do people attend and support BSU? o The purpose of the site o SWOT Analysis o Site audiences and archetypes o Pain points and expectations o Site audit – scaled to project goals o Top-level site needs (functionality, editorial, content model) Ø Top-line brief and project plan, including project management system Ø New site map – prioritizing external audiences in Phase 1 while respecting internal audiences and planning for Phase 2 Ø Wireframes o Home Page o Standard Use Page o Pages Associated with “Find Your Program” o Unique Landing Page and Design Blocks o Forms and Lead Capture o Academic Catalog Landing Page o Directory and Bios – Individual Posts o News Feed, News Category Feed, and Articles o Calendar Feed, Calendar Category Feed, and Articles o Profiles/Testimonials Feed, Profiles and Testimonials o Scholarship Feed and Scholarships o Curative and Automated Related Content o Facilitation Types o Glossary o Site A-Z List o Call-to-Action Blocks o Image and Gallery Blocks o Video Blocks o Campus Alerts Ø Advanced site search Ø SEO improvements/recommendations o Selection and placing of keywords o Page titles and meta descriptions o Headings, subheadings, contextual links and calls to action o Other Ø UI and CMS development and implementation Ø Content development – for key areas of the site Ø Governance model recommendation and rationale Ø Plan for Phase 2 - distinct intranet for faculty and staff Ø QA testing Ø Post-launch support Ø Workshops and training Out of Project Scope · Athletics website · NTC website · Alumni and Foundation website · Academic catalog Timeline Phase 1 - nine (9) months, from project kick-off to launch Phase 2 – nine (9) months or less, from project kick-off to launch Budget $200,000 Phase 1 and 2 combined To see a full description of Bemidji State's Website, including website traffic per department, go to the buyer attachments page and review the BSU website redesign document that has been uploaded. Work Plan. A description of the deliverables to be provided by the Responder along with a detailed work plan that identifies the major tasks to be accomplished and be used as a scheduling and managing tool, as well as the basis for invoicing. 20 Cost/Value. Identify the level of the participation of Minnesota State in the contract, as well as any other services to be provided by Minnesota State, and details of cost allowances for this participation. 30 Qualifications of Respondent and its personnel. An outline of the Responder’s background and experience with examples of similar work complete by the Responder and a list of personnel who will conduct the project, detailing their training, and work experience. Resumes or other information about project personnel should not, if possible, contain personal telephone numbers, home addresses or home email addresses. If it is necessary to include personal contact information, please clearly indicate in the proposal that personal contact information is being provided. 20 Completeness, thoroughness and detail of the response Completeness, thoroughness and detail of the response as reflected by the proposal's discussions and coverage of all elements of work listed above 20 Accessibility A completed response to the linked Voluntary Product/Service Accessibility Template(s)®(VPAT) for all software, hardware, and websites as applicable (guidance available in the ‘Products’ tab). The response must contain adequate information to evaluate the responsiveness to the accessibility standards (e.g., a completed VPAT or equivalent). 10 Total: 100 Minnesota State reserves the right to name a date which all responding Respondents will be invited to present demonstrations or participate in an interview. Minnesota State does not agree to reach a decision by any certain date although it is hoped the evaluation and selection will be completed by the contract terms date identified. Contract Terms Minnesota State desires to enter into a contract with the successful Respondent(s) effective 11/01/2025 or on the date the last recognized signature is obtained, whichever occurs later. The length of such contract(s) will be eighteen months (18 months). If Minnesota State and Respondent are unable to negotiate and sign a contract by 11/01/2025, then Minnesota State reserves the right to seek an alternative Respondent(s). Inquiries and Submission Instructions Minnesota State accepts all questions and bid submissions exclusively through Minnesota State's e-procurement system. Hard copy submissions, emails, or submissions through any other medium will not be considered. Each Respondent is solely responsible for the timely delivery of its questions and bids by the RFx date and time deadlines. Failure to meet the deadlines shall be grounds for rejection. Interview and Demonstration Minnesota State will conduct interviews with the Key Personnel/Teams from a each of the Shortlisted Responders. Minnesota State reserves the right to name a date which all responding Responders will be invited to present demonstrations or participate in an interview.
