Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council Website

Tender description

Why the Work is Being Done Solihull Council is held in regard as a stable and progressive organisation, we need a modern website that affirms our reputation by providing a customer first website powered by the latest technology and transactional content. Problem to Be Solved The current website was redeveloped in 2013. The CMS utilises a number of number of third party modules and out of date of templates, which have prevented further development of the CMS. The CMS does not lend itself to the rapid development of microsites and the search function currently in use lack administrative functionality. Who Are the Users The website manager needs functionality to automate/schedule content updates to meet the needs of a 24/7 access channel, the flexibility to easily modify layout/styling of templates to meet the future needs of the authority. The web content author will need to be able to make updates without needing any technical skills and an automated publishing process that incorporates both horizontal and vertical approval workflow. Our customers require the website to be accessible, easy to navigate, engaging and provide a strong search function. SMBC need to increase customer use of transactional services on the website by providing a joined-up digital platform. Early Market Engagement We have had some initial contact with providers of other Council websites. Work Already Done Analytics analysis has been carried out to better understand customer engagement with our website. Analysis of transactional data across all access channels has also been undertaken. This data will be shared with the appointed supplier. A full requirements document has been drafted through consultation with internal stakeholders from across the organisation. We have reviewed the content on our current website, decreasing the number of pages and documents. Existing Team The supplier will be working most closely with Solihull Council’s project manager, who will be heading up an organisational project team for this project, as well as feeding back to the organisation’s other key stakeholders. Current Phase Alpha Work Location Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council Council House Manor Square Solihull B91 3QB Working Arrangments Mainly off-site, with visits to our offices as required by the project. Security Clearance No specific security clearance is required for this project. Additional T&Cs Other industry standards will be specified after the shortlisting exercise Skills & Experience Experience of redesigning/redeveloping large, information-rich websites An understanding of and experience working with a Local Government Authority Experience and knowledge of the 2018 accessibility regulations for Public Service websites and apps, including as a minimum the WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standard Demonstrable experience of delivering fully responsive websites, which are platform agnostic At least two projects which involved the successful migration of content and configuration across CMS platforms in the public sector Excellent knowledge of the content management system proposed Experience designing visually engaging, standards compliant templates based on user research and evidence Demonstrable knowledge of cyber security and evidence of regular PEN testing Provision of customer support service, including service desk, and an account manager function Have built a website which is subject to PCI DSS required quarterly ASV scans. Experience of conducting user testing at all levels of the design process Nice to Haves Experience of designing and implementing websites for Local Government Agile development methodology Provide customer support service outside normal working hours and at weekends. No. of Suppliers to Evaluate 5 Proposal Criteria How technical solution meets our requirements Previous experience with large websites Previous experience of working with local government organisations How design examples meet our needs Migration solution and experience Value for money Proposed timescales and indicative project plan based upon a start date of 7th October Detailed and clear costs User Research / Customer Engagement Risks and dependency identification and management Approach and methodology Team structure & size requirements / working arrangements / roles & responsibilities (for project and suggested post-implementation) Support agreements / approach Cultural Fit Criteria Understands Digital engagement and how to promote Digital as a channel through a website Use innovative, cost effective techniques to engage website customers Be innovative and forward thinking Ability to work with users at all levels Take responsibility for their work Maintains an open dialogue when problem solving or assessing project management hurdles Share knowledge and experience with staff at Solihull Council Provide honest and expert feedback Champions equality and diversity Transparent and clear decision making process Collaborative Accessibility Architectural alignments with key systems Meets Councils digital vision, is innovative and fit for future Payment Approach Capped time and materials Assessment Method Written proposal Reference Presentation Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 50% Cultural fit 20% Price 30% Questions from Suppliers Budget range maximum budget set £200,000. however, we expect bidders to submit competitive bids, broken down by resource or skill, duration and day rates applicable to each.