Adams State University Website Rebuild Project

Adams State University is soliciting competitive sealed proposals for a comprehensive website rebuild project through a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued for the adams.edu website. The procurement seeks a qualified vendor to design, develop, and implement a modern, accessible, and user-friendly digital platform that effectively communicates the university's value proposition and supports student recruitment. Key deliverables include a responsive website built on an open-source content management system with multi-language support, advanced search functionality, and integration capabilities with existing university systems like Workday, Blackboard, and LiveWhale. The project must comply with accessibility standards including WCAG 2.2, ADA, and Colorado state requirements. Proposals are due by 2:00 P.M. Mountain Time on June 2, 2025, with an anticipated contract start date in July 2025. The initial contract term will run through June 30, 2028, with potential renewals for up to five additional one-year periods, not to exceed eight years total. Evaluation criteria will focus on overall service quality, company qualifications, expertise in higher education websites, and the ability to create sites that drive enrollment and philanthropy.

The RFP does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The project will involve comprehensive stakeholder engagement, including consultation sessions with prospective students, current students, employees, alumni, donors, and community members. While no incumbent vendor is identified, the project requires integration with existing university technology platforms. The contract will use a Personal Services Contract template that provides a standard framework for state government contracts, with provisions for performance, payment, reporting, confidentiality, and legal protections. Although a specific budget range is not disclosed in the available documents, the contract template allows for flexible funding across multiple state fiscal years, with the maximum payment amount to be specified in the contract's cover page. Potential vendors should be prepared to demonstrate significant technical capabilities, higher education website design experience, and a strategic approach to digital communication that supports the university's broader institutional objectives.