1-FY26-RFP-001 WEBSITE REDESIGN.pdf

REQUEST FOR

PROPOSAL

FY26-RFP-001

for

WEBSITE REDESIGN

for

DES MOINES AREA REGIONAL TRANSIT

AUTHORITY

Services Requested: WEBSITE REDESIGN

Contract Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Number of Contracts: Single Award

Duration: 2 years with 8 1-year options

Funding Source: CAPITAL GRANTS

Date Issued: August 11, 2028

Deadline for Questions Regarding this RFP: August 22, 2025

Answers to Questions Posted on Bonfire: August 29, 2025

Proposals Due: September 10, 2025, 4:30 PM CT

Tentative Contract Award Date: November 17, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

FY26-RFP-001

WEBSITE REDESIGN

Sealed proposals are hereby requested by the DES MOINES AREA REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY, 620 Cherry St., Des Moines, Iowa to be received until 4:30 PM Central Time, on September 10, 2025, for WEBSITE REDESIGN.

Requests for clarification and/or questions concerning the issued document shall be directed to Amanda Waltz in the DART Procurement Department at 515-283-5033 All inquiries must be submitted in writing for transparency.

https://ridedart.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities All submittal questions concerning this RFP are due on or before August 22, 2025. This will be the only notice rendered for this procurement. Proposal Documents can be obtained at DART Central Station, above address, during the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday or DART’s e-procurement site https://ridedart.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities.

In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, DART notifies all proposed vendors that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit a proposal in response to this request and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration of an award.

https://ridedart.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities https://ridedart.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities

SECTION 1:

PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

All proposals are subject to the conditions specified herein. Proposals that do not comply with these conditions are subject to rejection. Proposing firms shall include the following information, at a minimum, in their proposal and shall organize their proposal in the same order as the items are listed below.

1.1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The proposal shall:

• Contain concise written materials that enable the reviewer to clearly understand the

Proposer’s capabilities and approach to the contract.

• Specifically describe the Proposer’s role in relationship to its subcontractors (if any) and shall describe the interfaces with said subcontractors.

• Reflect a level of understanding of the work required.

1.2. GENERAL FORMAT

• Proposals shall be prepared on 8.5 x 11" format with 1" left margins and 1" top, bottom and right margins. Typing shall be single spaced and no smaller than font size 11.

• Use of 11 x 17" legal format fold out sheets for large tables, charts or diagrams is permissible, but should be limited.

• Promotional or Advertising information will not be accepted.

• Proposals shall have a maximum page number of 20, not including the required forms.

1.3. SUBMITTAL

Proposals must be submitted via DART’s e-procurement system (Bonfire). Proposers must be registered in Bonfire prior to submission.

https://ridedart.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=login

If any questions regarding registration or submission, please contact the DART Procurement team at awaltz@ridedart.com or 515-283-5033.

If a proposal can’t be submitted through DART’s procurement portal, please contact the DART Procurement team immediately at awaltz@ridedart.com or 515-283-5033. All proposals must be received by the deadline, no matter the method of submission.

1.4. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

A. PROPOSAL LETTER

This letter must be completed and executed by an authorized representative of the Proposer. No other letter may replace or be included in addition to the Proposal Letter.

https://ridedart.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=login mailto:awaltz@ridedart.com mailto:awaltz@ridedart.com

A proposal letter transmitting the proposal must be submitted and dated. The letter must indicate that the Proposer agrees to be bound by the proposal without modifications, unless mutually agreed to by DART and the Proposer.

The proposal letter shall also contain the name, title, address, e-mail address, and telephone number(s) of an individual(s) with authority to bind the Proposer during the period in which DART is evaluating proposals. The cover letter shall also identify the legal form of the firm. If the firm is a corporation, the cover letter shall identify in which state the company was incorporated. If a consortium, joint venture or team approach is being proposed, provide the above information for all participating firms.

The cover letter shall be signed by a principal of the firm or other person fully authorized to act on behalf of the firm or team.

B. FIRM AND STAFF QUALIFICATIONS

The proposal must include a general description of the firm, its mission, and relevant experience. Specific information must be submitted and include:

• Information regarding previous experience with similar or related projects. It should contain a brief description of these projects and the consultant’s role.

• Information demonstrates the firm’s ability to perform all aspects of this service.

Include resumes or bios for all staff included in the project to highlight their qualifications for their role in the project.

• This project occasionally requires assistance with little to no notice. Please include information on the availability, responsiveness and capacity of the consultant to work on this project.

• At least two references including client name, address, contact person, telephone number, email, project start and end date as well as a project description.

References should be for similar or related projects that proposed key staff members for this project have worked on.

• If any work is to be subcontracted to another firm(s), the proposal must include the above firm and staff qualification information: a resume or bio for each subcontractor, a description of the services the firm performs as well as related projects and references.

C. PROPOSAL CONTENT

Specific information must be submitted as a requirement for the project and includes:

• Describe the approach and methods you will use, as well as the platform and tools you will use, to complete the project on time and in a way that meets DART’s goals and needs.

• Outline technical aspects and methods, such as the platform and tools you will use.

Include information on mobile responsiveness, user-centered design, accessibility, SEO optimization, and required integrations.

• Describe how the Content Management System would work, and its ability to meet DART’s needs.

• Note any optional responsibilities that could be incorporated into the project or any innovations that may be relevant. Provide estimated costs for any optional responsibilities if known.

• Provide initial project costs.

• Provide a plan and costs for managing ongoing hosting, maintenance and support that includes a recurring cost and an hourly rate for additional support needs beyond the plan.

• Provide estimated costs for any optional responsibilities if known,

• Proposed timeline for scope of work

• Outline how you will provide staff training and documentation to ensure staff can maximize use of the website.

D. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The Proposal must Indicate acceptance of the terms and conditions in the Contract Provisions (Section 6, including Exhibits A and B) on Attachment 8 Acceptance of Contract Provisions. If a Proposal takes exception to a provision, it must complete Attachment 9 Requested Contract Provisions Exceptions stating the reason for the exception and the specific contract language it proposes to include in place of the provision. Exceptions that materially change these terms and conditions or the requirements of the RFP, may be deemed non-responsive by DART, in its sole discretion, resulting in possible disqualification of the Proposal. DART reserves the right to either award a contract without further negotiation with the successful Proposer or to negotiate contract terms with the selected Proposer if the best interest of DART would be served. It is not DART’s intent to make substantial changes to the outlined Contract Provisions.

E. FORMS

Compliance with these forms is mandatory for contract award:

ATTACHMENT 1 – Acknowledgement of Addenda

ATTACHMENT 2 – Proposal Form

ATTACHMENT 3 – Contractor’s Statement on Subcontractors

ATTACHMENT 4 – Non-Collusion Affidavit

ATTACHMENT 5 – Certification of Primary Contractor Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters

ATTACHMENT 6 – Certification of Lower-Tier Participants (Subcontractors) Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusions (if applicable)

ATTACHMENT 7 – Pricing Form

ATTACHMENT 8 - Acceptance of Contract Provisions

ATTACHMENT 9 – Requested Contract Provisions Exceptions (only if requesting)

ATTACHMENT 10 – Certifications of Restrictions on Lobbying

ATTACHMENT 11 – Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

ATTACHMENT 12- Prohibition on Certain Telecommunications

SECTION 2:

SCOPE OF WORK

2.1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

ABOUT DART

The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) is the largest public transit agency in Iowa, serving 11 member governments in and around Polk County.

Today, DART operates 26 fixed bus routes, one microtransit (DART On Demand) zone, paratransit and on call services, as well as offers resources for those who vanpool, walk or bike. DART also partners with the Des Moines Public Schools district to provide school trips and with the Iowa State Fair to operate a shuttle service. Across all services, DART provides more than 3.5 million trips each year, with the fixed-route bus network accounting for about 95% of all rides. DART serves a higher percentage of people who are low income, do not speak English as their first language or who have a disability.

Under Reimagine DART, DART is redesigning its entire bus network. DART will implement all new bus routes starting in June 2026. DART will continue to add additional services, including three microtransit zones by fall 2026, and make other changes, such as updating partnership opportunities and fares. DART’s Marketing & Communications Team will develop new customer materials and implement robust marketing and communications plans to educate riders and community members about the changes taking place and to encourage adoption of the new network.

ABOUT DART’S WEBSITE

A transit system is bursting with information. Every destination, every bus stop, every route and every pick-up time is a piece of information. Multiply that by thousands of individual locations – then set it all to a backdrop of weather, events, traffic, construction and other constantly changing conditions. Through all these variables, DART must thread a positive customer experience. Layered on top, is the unique moment our transit agency is in by reimagining everything we do.

An effective website is essential to equipping our customers and various stakeholders with the information they need in a way that is accurate, accessible, organized and engaging. DART’s website especially allows riders and potential riders to get information on how to use our services, including route schedules, fare costs, tips for riding, trip planning tools and how to apply for and book trips for some specialized services. DART also uses the website to share job opportunities; information related to public meetings, policies and procurement requests; and to educate non-riders about the benefits of public transit, how DART works and the latest company news.

This project will take place at a critical time for DART, as we work to ensure that riders and potential riders know how to use DART’s new transit network and community members understand the value of their tax dollars going to public transit.

DART seeks a finished website product that is crafted specifically for our agency. This RFP outlines key expectations and features of the proposed new website.

CURRENT STATE

DART’s current website was launched in 2014 and has been updated ongoing since that time. Navigation happens mostly through drop-down menu bars along the top. The homepage also directs people to content through an image carousel and alert and news pages listed underneath. The footer contains links to additional pages.

Content on pages is mostly static text. Tools to build pages are limited to basic HTML treatments. Most pages consist of linear, full‐width paragraphs, interspersed with occasional subheadlines, images, lists, tables and horizontal lines. Some pages contain a sidebar or have a form embedded to sign up for emails or to submit a customer service request.

Information about local fixed routes – the site’s most visited content – is presented in an interactive table that is not optimized for mobile. Several pages embed tools and information from other programs DART utilizes, including the MyDART Trip Planner and UKG job board.

FEATURED AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

The website serves a variety of audiences. The largest and most important audience is transit customers – people who use transit service. We see an opportunity to improve how riders view schedules, plan their trips, and get updates about changes to their routes or schedules, especially when viewing on a phone. Pages about our other services, like paratransit and DART On Demand, must prioritize information people need to use the service, such as booking trips. The website must also make learning about the transit system, finding the right service and applying for a service easier for potential riders.

We envision repositioning the entire website to help all potential users easily find what they are looking for. The Marketing & Communications Team is working to define clearer user journeys through the website that help guide different audiences to where they need to go. The new site must especially improve navigation to help people get to pages like customer service, commission information, special programs and promotions, and information that highlights our value – in addition to our main services.

DART intends to use the new website as the most reliable, authoritative, up‐to‐date source for all information it needs to share. Given the rapid pace of transit operations, having efficient, deliberate methods to update the website is critical. The website – and the content management tools behind it – must offer staff intuitive channels to relay information to users.

GOALS FOR THE NEW WEBSITE

A new website needs to better reflect DART’s brand identity, improve the user experience and enhance functionality. DART seeks to work with a contractor or agency that can design, build, host and maintain a new website with a focus on these key elements:

1. MOBILE RESPONSIVE: The website must be easy to use and scalable for a variety of devices, with the primary device being a phone.

2. USER-CENTERED DESIGN: The website must be intuitive, streamlined and easy to navigate for a variety of users, especially riders and potential riders.

3. ACCESSIBLE: The website must be compliant with ADA and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Version 2.1, Level AA guidelines.

4. INTEGRATION: The website must connect with other DART systems, programs and tools to ensure seamless operation and access to timely and accurate information.

5. FLEXIBLITY: The website must be designed and developed in a way that DART can build new pages and make changes without losing the website’s integrity.

DART defines success for a new website in these ways:

• Riders and potential riders can quickly find the information they need to use our services.

• Customer service receives less calls asking for information that people can find through DART’s website and other tools integrated into the website.

• The website is simple in its design and structure, leading people to the solutions they are seeking to address their needs.

• People engage with our informational pages and are more likely to take the next action.

• DART’s brand is elevated through a refreshed, consistent look and streamlined, compelling messages across all pages.

Costs for printing materials and time spent on manual processes are reduced.

2.2. SCOPE OF WORK

DART is seeking a comprehensive website redesign. Contractors must submit proposals that detail your recommended approach to meeting the specified needs in developing a website for DART according to the Scope of Work. Proposals must address each requirement. Do not simply restate the specifications. Clearly identify and explain any deviations from the Scope of Work in your approach. Proposals that do not fully address the requirements or lack sufficient detail may be considered non-responsive and rejected.

DART seeks a contractor or agency to provide services in these general areas, using direction and feedback from DART staff:

• Site map and wireframes

• Design and development

• Content Management System (CMS) o DART would own and update the website when needed using the CMS.

• Technology integrations with specified DART programs

• Quality assurance

• Deployment

• Training

• Hosting

• Ongoing site maintenance and support o Break/fix support o Routine maintenance – version updates and security updates o A breakout of annual costs and hourly support costs

A successful contractor must provide proven demonstrated experience, through references and work examples, with developing websites for multiple audiences and with complex structures. The contractor must have a history of delivering website backends with user-friendly interfaces that require maximum flexibility to update and grow the website with minimal knowledge of coding languages to maintain. The contractor must also have demonstrated success seamlessly integrating other technologies and programs into websites. Experience working with other transit agencies is a plus but not required.

2.3. SPECIFICATIONS

Please provide a proposal that addresses the following requirements by outlining your recommended approach for the website redesign. Referring to www.ridedart.com, offer a solution for improving the site’s design. Describe how you would redesign the website to ensure it is user-friendly, professional, and accessible. Additionally, include a high-level outline of your proposed website structure and overall design approach.

The Proposer must provide references and/or supportive materials to verify the Proposer’s ability to meet the following specifications. DART shall have the right to determine whether the supportive information and materials submitted by the Proposer demonstrate the Proposer will be able to meet the Specifications. If DART determines the responses and supportive materials do not demonstrate the Proposer will be able to meet the Specifications, DART may reject the Proposal.

User Experience With directions and feedback from DART staff:

• Design and develop an information architecture, site map, navigation and page templates using a user-centered and accessible approach.

• Create a modern, professional and visually appealing website that reflects DART’s brand and engages identified audiences.

Analytics

• Provide an understanding of who is visiting DART’s website and how they interact with it.

• Implement best practices for search engine optimization.

• Integrate the website with Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, Meta Pixel, LinkedIn insights and Google Ad remarketing tags.

Content Management

• Implement an easy-to-use Content Management System that is customized for DART and that allows DART to dynamically add, edit and maintain all content.

• Offer multiple page templates to support all necessary content types that follow a consistent design. Page templates must:

o Allow DART staff to customize a page without knowing HTML, including customizing design elements (add and move columns, sections, text boxes, sidebars, etc.) while following a consistent design and style guide.

o Allow DART to add multiple types of content (images, video, graphics, animation) and format text (pull out quotes, bullets, etc.).

o Include basic SEO fields, including meta title, meta summary, and meta image.

• Allow DART staff to build new pages.

• Build content collections that allow for prioritization and categorization of content on certain pages. (Example: DART is seeking a solution for displaying detour information on a page organized by time period and type of detour.)

• Allow for certain content to automatically display on other pages across the website. (Examples: Allow global alerts; display detour information on impacted route pages; display blog content on related service and program pages.)

• Allow multiple users to manage the website and to designate different levels of access to users.

• Provide enough storage space for uploading images, graphics, and large pdf files (at least 5MB) to link to and display on the website.

• Develop an asset library for DART to share logos, graphics and photos with external stakeholders.

• Allow DART staff to preview all content page types and to view, manage or revert a page back to a historical version.

Integration and Technology

• Ensure integration between our website and other programs to embed tools and up-to-date information on pages. Programs include: MyDART Trip Planner, Next DART Bus, UKG job board and Qryde reservation management for Caravan.

• Coordinate with DART staff and our mobile app development partner Bytemark to allow website visitors to use the Trip Planner tool on the website.

• Provide a form building tool that allows staff to create forms, embed forms on web pages, and automate how forms are processed.

• Customize and embed sign up forms from DART’s email program (currently Constant Contact) to automate how people can opt-in to receive notifications from DART.

• Allow GTFS files to be uploaded and translated to display information on appropriate pages, especially bus schedules on our route pages.

• Embed an interactive system route map (currently we use arcgis.com) on a page or provide another solution for displaying a system route map of DART’s bus routes and services that can be updated.

• Allow URL customization.

• Provide a robust customer-facing search tool.

• Allow for cookies tracking and provide notification to users.

Training and Support

• Perform UX research to support website design process.

• Provide an approach to training that can be in-person, hybrid, or virtual.

• Migrate content/pages from current website to new website as needed.

• Support go-live activities.

• Produce a document outlining guidelines for maintaining consistency and optimizing the website, including when to use different headlines and body text types, specifications for uploading images and documents, and other considerations.

Mobile and Accessibility

• Ensure the website is mobile-friendly and responsive across all devices and web browsers.

• Ensure the website meets or exceeds ADA and WCAG 2.1 AA requirements.

• Integrate an automated translation tool, such as Google Translate.

Hosting, maintenance and support activities:

• Host the website ongoing.

• Address any post-launch customer or staff complaints and bugs.

• Provide recurring costs for ongoing support and maintenance that covers:

o Breaks/fixes o Version updates o Security updates o Routine website and server maintenance

• Provide an hourly rate for support services that require design, development or other work that that is not included in the ongoing support and maintenance.

CONTENT TYPES

The website is a vital source of information about DART the transit system, as well as DART the organization. DART has identified several types of content that will require customized pages and templates.

DART will provide the content (text, graphics, images, etc.) for all pages. Due to the tight timeline for developing the website, DART envisions launching the website with all new rider-facing pages and migrating content from other pages to the new website to update later. The contractor must build the customized pages and templates needed for the website, build the rider-facing pages for launch, and migrate other content to updated page templates on the new website.

The homepage will need to be carefully planned to balance the immediate needs riders have to get timely information about their routes and services, as well as to serve those who are looking to learn about DART and DART services, explore job opportunities, and find information about DART’s public meetings, latest projects or news. The contractor must work with DART to prioritize information and maximize the layout to be visually appealing and interactive without being too busy or confusing.

Other content could be classified into these six major types, with different kinds of page templates needed under each category:

1 ‐ STATIC CONTENT

The contractor will need to build customized pages to visually display information that changes infrequently, such as overviews of each DART service, fares, half-fare programs, partnership programs, DART facilities, how to ride, careers, about DART, transit benefits, and customer service. Page templates must be created for similar types of static content, such as services, programs, policies and projects that staff can use to customize and publish.

2 ‐ MANAGED CONTENT

DART coordinates a variety of activities that “come and go.” These include public input meetings, events, service changes, procurements/bids and other items with defined start and end dates. DART also manages content that provides updates to riders, information for public meetings and news about the organization, as well as a blog that features stories and articles related to transit and using DART services.

Some static pages must allow for easy updates to sections on the page, such as on the DART Commission, Transit Riders Advisory Committee, partnerships and procurement pages. DART staff also require a method with some managed content to author content, organize content on a page, tag some content for placement on other parts of the website, associate text/images/attachments and set start/end dates. This type of content includes blogs, news, rider alerts and detours.

3 ‐ ARCHIVAL CONTENT

DART may wish to retain certain managed content indefinitely. For example, materials related to a board meeting may first appear as managed content on a specific date.

Then, after the board meeting passes, there will be reason to keep the materials available. In this sense, the website can act as an archive. With this technique, the website becomes a living journal of DART’s events and activities.

DART staff must be able to mark individual managed content items to be archived. Upon reaching its expiration date, such content will no longer appear as an active item. It will, however, be available to view as “previous content.”

4 – LANDING PAGE CONTENT

As DART develops marketing campaigns and draws people to the website, staff need to create visually engaging, customized landing pages. DART staff will have flexibility in how pages are laid out, the type of content that can be added (text, photo, video, static and animated graphics), and the ability to add buttons and forms that encourage people to take the next step.

5 ‐ ROUTE PAGES

The fixed‐route system represents the bulk of DART’s ridership and information needs. The contractor must work with DART to design a route page template that displays a schedule, map and other important information about each route in a way that easily lets riders and potential riders plan trips. Schedules on the page must be interactive to search for information based on day of the week and direction of the trip, with the option of downloading a pdf schedule.

Fixed‐route service changes up to four times per year. During each service period, transit service repeats the same scheduled cycle every week. At a new effective date, service changes may be minor – affecting only a few pieces of information – or they may be major – impacting every time and location throughout the system. Service change information involves thousands of individual data points. Presenting this data in a clear, digestible manner is the primary mission of the new website.

Transit agencies around the world – including DART – have adopted a standard data format known as GTFS (General Transit Feed Specification). GTFS exists specifically to move transit data between different applications. From an upstream software system, each service change generates a set of GTFS files. These text‐based, comma‐delimited files can populate an entire website with fixed‐route service information.

DART staff must be able to submit a full set of GTFS files to the website management interface. The website must then ingest these files and translate information to the appropriate pages. As part of this data transfer, the website must be capable of handling geographic data for display on an embedded map. The website must also be able to host GTFS files for other systems to be able to download, like Google, TransitApp, MyDART Trip Planner and other systems that show bus information for transit agencies.

The website must handle two sets of GTFS data at once: one set for service currently in effect and another set staged for upcoming service. The website must provide an Error Code message that is emailed to DART staff when auto upload does not work with a detailed message explaining the issue in plain language so the error can be fixed.

6 ‐ REAL‐TIME CONTENT

While not a requirement for this RFP, DART would be interested in learning about the contractor ’s capabilities for connecting with DART’s real-time GTFS data to automatically show detours and delays on DART’s local bus routes.

At a minimum, the contractor must provide a solution to post detours as managed content, using a specific template to input information about the detour and displaying on a detours page based on category, priority and/or dates. Detour alerts must also automatically appear on the pages of impacted routes.

BRANDING

DART is in the process of fully implementing a refresh of its brand. This has led to updating the logo, color pallet and graphics. The new website must prominently display DART’s new brand. The web developer must work with DART’s Creative Team to determine typography, information design and overall design choices that align with our brand.

EASE OF USE

The website is subject to frequent updates, reflective of the content types noted above.

The public‐facing website must reflect any updates immediately, or at a user‐specified go‐live time.

DART requires a tool for staff to manage all content types, including adding new pages to the website. The tool must be robust enough to accommodate all content types, along with text, graphics, formatting, and attachments to go with each update.

DART staff with web responsibilities will be intermediate‐level users. It is expected that they will commit to some degree of training on the content management tool. However, managing the website must not require expert developer knowledge. Similarly, anything other than a major structural change must not require involvement of the original website contractor.

MAINTENANCE AND HOSTING

While DART will own the website, the contractor will be required to host the website on a U.S.-based server and be responsible for maintenance of the website and server.

The contractor will be responsible for scheduled maintenance and emergency maintenance and upgrades to the server and firewall, included within a monthly maintenance and hosting fee. DART must be notified of any scheduled maintenance ahead of time and of any emergency maintenance at the time it happens.

The contractor must provide 24/7 support within its monthly maintenance and hosting cost. Expected response times for emergency site outages will be 15 minutes during normal business hours and 1 hour outside of normal business hours and holidays. Backups of the website must occur nightly to an offsite data center and there will be no additional cost to restore a backup if needed due to a server outage or coding issue caused by the contractor. DART must have administrative access to the hosting account, including SSH & FTP access.

Because the website is an essential tool for our customers as they are making their trips on DART, the contractor must guarantee that the server and data center network will be available 99% of the time in a given month, excluding scheduled maintenance. The contractor must notify DART immediately when the website is down.

WORKFLOW & MILESTONES

Considering the specific nature of a transit website, DART plans to work closely with the contractor throughout the development process.

DART staff will handle the following:

• Brand guidelines and creative direction for the website

• Audience identification and journey mapping

• Initial concepts or ideas for navigation and page templates

• Content writing

• Some project management

DART staff can also work alongside the contractor to ensure programs and tools are properly integrated and how to make sense of technical data such as GTFS. DART staff have identified examples from other transit agencies that the team likes and has met with internal departments to gather needs and desires.

In the proposal, the proposer must provide a framework with enough detail on how they will work with DART to achieve the goals of the project on deadline.

DART will need the new website to launch by May 30, 2026. The new website must have all new rider-facing pages. DART will also strive to provide updated content for other pages of the website, but the contractor will need to transfer several static and managed content pages from the current website to templates in the new website by the launch date. Updating other pages, addressing issues and complaints, and completing any follow up steps must be completed by December 2026, with the contractor providing ongoing hosting, maintenance and support.

Proposals must include a timeline with key milestones for how to relaunch the website by May 2026, with additional updates and changes to the website occurring through the end of 2026. Optional responsibilities could be on a longer timeline or noted separately.

The timeline for launching the website must include time to review and test the website both internally and externally.

DELIVERABLES

DART has identified the deliverables it seeks to achieve by May 2026 and by December 2026. DART is open to other deliverables or ideas from proposers that would successfully achieve the desired outcomes.

Here are specific deliverables DART is seeking from the successful Proposer:

Task 1: Planning: The contractor must refine objectives, understand audiences, and prioritize and organize information using a user-centered and accessible approach.

• Meetings with DART staff to understand goals, objectives and target audiences and to review planning work staff have started.

Proposed Date

• Written summary of findings from analyzing who is visiting DART’s website and how they interact with it.

• UX research conducted to support website design process.

• Information architecture, site map, and proposed navigation presented to DART staff in a mutually agreed upon format and revised based on feedback and research.

• Wireframes showing website’s layout and structure presented to DART staff in a mutually agreed upon format and revise based on feedback and research.

Task 2: Design: The contractor must define the visual aspects of the website to create a modern, professional and visually appealing website that reflects DART’s brand and engages identified audiences.

• Visual guide produced in a mutually agreed upon format that defines color scheme, typography and other brand elements in collaboration with DART staff.

• Mockups of the homepage and page templates presented to DART staff in a mutually agreed upon format and revised based on feedback.

• Key elements of the user interface, including the menu, buttons and icons, presented to DART staff in a mutually agreed upon format and revised based on feedback.

Task 3: Development: The contractor must build the frontend and backend of the website and present a customized CMS to DART.

• CMS must have:

o Ability for DART staff to add, edit and maintain all pages and all content without knowing coding.

o Multiple page templates for each of the necessary content types that follow brand guidelines.

DART staff must be able to customize design elements while following a consistent and style guide and DART must be able to add multiple types of content and format text on pages without using coding. Pages must include basic SEO fields, including meta title, meta summary, and meta image.

o Content collections that allow for prioritization and categorization of content on certain pages.

o Ability to automatically display certain content on other pages across the website.

o Ability to add multiple users to manage the website and to designate different levels of access to users.

o Enough storage space for uploading images, graphics, and large pdf files (at least 5MB) to link to and display on the website.

date o An asset library for DART to share logos, graphics and photos with external stakeholders.

o Ability to preview pages before publishing and to revert a page back to a historical version.

o Mobile-friendly and responsive across all devices and web browsers.

o Integrations with other programs to embed tools and up-to-date information on pages, including the MyDART Trip Planner, and interactive system route map (iFrame from 3rd party source) o Ability to create forms, embed forms on web pages, and automate how forms are processed without using coding.

o Embedded sign up forms that are integrated with DART’s email program.

o Ability to upload GTFS files to be translated to display information on appropriate pages.

o Ability to customize URLs for pages.

o Robust customer-facing search tool.

o Cookies tracking with notification to website users.

o Automatic translation tool.

• Contractor must submit written documentation on how the CMS:

o Meets or exceeds ADA and WCAG 2.1 AA requirements on the frontend.

o Integrates best practices for search engine optimization.

Task 4: Page Development. Contractor must build all new rider-facing pages of the website and migrant content from current website to new website.

• Deliver a mutually agreed upon training program on how to use the web CMS for DART staff.

• Build a homepage to meet DART’s goals and make revisions based on feedback.

• Build static pages and route pages that showcase information for riders and make revisions based on feedback.

• Migrate all other identified static and managed content from the current website to new website and built into new pages using new page templates.

• Produce written document outlining guidelines for maintaining consistency and optimizing the website when staff build and edit pages.

Task 5: Deployment: Contractor must test the website, fix issues and launch the website in advance of the bus network implementation.

Launch May 30,

• Issues identified by contractor and DART staff are fixed before launch and communicated through written documentation.

• Audit and review of current DNS configurations and verify all content is migrated before launch.

• Website is live by May 30 in coordination with DART staff.

• Website is connected to Google Analytics, Google Tag

Manager, Meta Pixel, LinkedIn insights and Google Ad remarketing tags.

Task 6: Finish Building: Contractor must build remaining static content pages of the website and make changes to address issues.

• Remaining static content pages rebuilt and published using content and assets provided by DART.

• Written documentation that identified issues and complaints are addressed.

• Written or video CMS user manual is provided.

By December

Task 7: Maintenance, Updates and Support: Contractor must provide ongoing maintenance, updates and support.

At an agreed recurring cost, the contractor must provide:

• Website hosting within the United States of America

• Scheduled maintenance and emergency maintenance

• Upgrades to the server and firewall

• Backups of website with ability to restore a backup if needed.

• Administrative access to the hosting account, including SSH &

FTP access.

The resulting contract will include provisions for requesting additional services within the scope of work that are not currently contemplated but may become necessary to successfully complete the project; in the event that additional services are needed, these services will be processed in the form of a task order.

Ongoing

2.4. SCORED TECHINCAL SPECIFICATIONS

All specifications listed below are Scored Technical Specifications and will be evaluated and scored by DART’s evaluation committee in accordance with Section 3.

The evaluation criteria for this procurement are:

A. Alignment of Goals and Approach (15 points)

a. Demonstrated understanding of DART’s goals, audiences and website needs.

b. Clearly outlined and strategic approach to meeting DART’s goals related to mobile responsiveness, user-centered design, accessibility, integration and flexibility.

c. An intentional, collaborative approach for planning, designing and developing website.

d. Detailed timeline that meets DARTs needs with clearly outlined contractor and DART staff responsibilities.

e. Described project management approach to ensure on-time delivery and effective coordination throughout all phases.

B. Technical Specifications (25 points)

a. Quality and flexibility of proposed CMS, with ability to build a variety of page types, organize/prioritize content across the website, and easily update and create pages.

b. Proposed solutions for handling all types of content and page types, including managing detours and other immediate updates.

c. Detailed overview of how the website can be built for responsiveness, accessibility, and SEO (Search engine optimization) optimization.

d. Demonstrated ability to integrate third-party tools and programs with capability to meet DART’s integration needs.

e. Solution for adding customized forms onto pages and automating how forms are processed.

f. Ability to manage GTFS files to display information.

C. Qualifications and Experience (25 points)

a. Experience building similar complex websites, especially for public agencies or transit organizations.

b. Portfolio of past work, particularly with user-centered, mobile-friendly, accessible, and information-rich websites.

c. Demonstrated ability to deliver a customizable CMS solution that staff can manage.

d. Specific experience working with GTFS data and transit-related tools

(preferred; not required).

D. Training, Documentation, and Support Plan (10 points)

a. Clear, detailed plan for providing staff training and documentation.

b. Ability to quickly respond to DART’s needs during development and following website launch.

c. Defined ownership in migrating content and building pages on the new website.

d. Availability and responsiveness for post-launch support.

e. Quality of plan and cost for managing ongoing support, hosting and maintenance.

E. Cost of Proposal & Value (25 points)

a. Overall project cost and clarity of line items (e.g., planning, design, development, hosting, support).

b. Hourly rate for future support/changes.

c. Clear breakdown of annual recurring maintenance and hosting fees.

2.5. OPTIONAL SPECIFICATIONS

All specifications listed below are optional, non-mandatory specifications. These specifications will not be considered in the technical proposal. Cost for optional specifications shall be identified in the cost proposal, if known; however, costs for optional specifications will not be considered in the determination of the cost score.

While not required, DART would like to know if a contractor or agency could provide any of the following services or allow the website to integrate with other programs that address these needs. If possible, please describe how the contractor could meet any of the following areas in the proposal and estimated cost (if known) with short answers:

• Do you offer functionality to automatically display real-time bus route information, including delays and detours, using DART's GTFS feed? Offer a brief description.

• Do you have the capability to provide or support the integration of a chat bot to help answer user questions? Provide a brief description or example of this chat bot and detail what support looks like.

• Is there the ability to develop a data dashboard to visually display identified measures of success for DART’s network, such as ridership data, as static content?

Give an example of previous work where this was performed. Screenshots are acceptable.

• Could you provide an email and text messaging tool that integrates with the website to allow for easier opt-in options and more automated processes?

Describe briefly how this has been implemented.

• Could you provide the ability to support secure transactions on the website, such as purchasing bus passes or merchandise? Describe the interface used to accomplish this and describe how personal information will be protected.

• Could you provide AI tools to automate tasks, such as posting detour information or adding alternative text for images? Give examples of how this has been performed on past projects.

• Could you set up API integrations with DART systems to allow for booking of trips on microtransit and paratransit services? Give examples of booking integrations and screenshots of other scheduling services provided.

SECTION 3:

PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND AWARD PROCEDURE

3.1. GENERAL GUIDANCE

DART reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals and may select and negotiate with one or more proposers concurrently should they both be deemed equal, and enter into a Contract with such proposer who is determined, by DART, to provide the services which are in the best interest of DART. DART may agree to such terms and conditions as it may determine to be in its interest.

DART’s evaluation committee reserves the right to request additional information from proposers, to negotiate terms and conditions of the contract, request oral presentations, inspect proposer’s facilities, and/or ask proposers to appear before the evaluation committee to answer questions or clarify points of their proposal.

3.2. EVALUATION CRITERIA

The evaluation criteria for this procurement are:

A. Alignment of Goals and Approach (15 points)

a. Demonstrated understanding of DART’s goals, audiences and website needs.

b. Clearly outlined and strategic approach to meeting DART’s goals related to mobile responsiveness, user-centered design, accessibility, integration and flexibility.

c. An intentional, collaborative approach for planning, designing and developing website.

d. Detailed timeline that meets DARTs needs with clearly outlined contractor and DART staff responsibilities.

e. Described project management approach to ensure on-time delivery and effective coordination throughout all phases.

B. Technical Specifications (25 points)

a. Quality and flexibility of proposed CMS, with ability to build a variety of page types, organize/prioritize content across the website, and easily update and create pages.

b. Proposed solutions for handling all types of content and page types, including managing detours and other immediate updates.

c. Detailed overview of how the website can be built for responsiveness, accessibility, and SEO (Search engine optimization) optimization.

d. Demonstrated ability to integrate third-party tools and programs with capability to meet DART’s integration needs.

e. Solution for adding customized forms onto pages and automating how forms are processed.

f. Ability to manage GTFS files to display information.

C. Qualifications and Experience (25 points)

a. Experience building similar complex websites, especially for public agencies or transit organizations.

b. Portfolio of past work, particularly with user-centered, mobile-friendly, accessible, and information-rich websites.

c. Demonstrated ability to deliver a customizable CMS solution that staff can manage.

d. Specific experience working with GTFS data and transit-related tools (preferred; not required).

D. Training, Documentation, and Support Plan (10 points)

a. Clear, detailed plan for providing staff training and documentation.

b. Ability to quickly respond to DART’s needs during development and following website launch.

c. Defined ownership in migrating content and building pages on the new website.

d. Availability and responsiveness for post-launch support.

e. Quality of plan and cost for managing ongoing support, hosting and maintenance.

E. Cost of Proposal & Value (25 points)

a. Overall project cost and clarity of line items (e.g., planning, design, development, hosting, support).

b. Hourly rate for future support/changes.

c. Clear breakdown of annual recurring maintenance and hosting fees.

The cost proposal for each proposal will be evaluated in comparison with the other cost proposals received; however, the number of points possible will be proportional to each proposer’s technical evaluation score.

The technical evaluation points received (numerator) will be divided by the technical evaluation points possible (denominator) and multiplied by the maximum number of points in the cost evaluation. This provides the total points possible for the proposer in the cost evaluation.

Points Possible for Proposer = 75 Technical Evaluation Points Received x Maximum Points in Cost Evaluation Technical Evaluation Points Possible The lowest cost proposal (numerator) is divided by the cost proposal being evaluated (denominator) and multiplied by the points possible for the proposer. This provides the cost evaluation points awarded.

Cost Evaluation Points Awarded = 25 Lowest Cost Proposal Received x Points Possible for Proposer Cost Proposal Being Evaluated

Commented [SW1]: Above it’s 100 total points but if we are doing cost in a different way, then this needs to be relooked a bit.

For example, there are 60 maximum points in…