Multnomah County Library Website Usability Testing Services

Multnomah County Library issued a Request for Intermediate Proposals (RIP) for comprehensive website usability testing services for www.multcolib.org. The procurement seeks a contractor to conduct in-depth usability research targeting specific user groups including teens, educators, caregivers, patrons with disabilities, and library staff. The project's primary objectives include understanding user information-seeking pathways, evaluating website accessibility, and informing future website development. The testing will be qualitative, involving one-on-one interviews and site walkthroughs on both desktop and mobile platforms, with a comprehensive approach to accessibility considering visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive disabilities. The solicitation was open from November 15, 2019, to December 9, 2019, with two primary research phases: a baseline insights phase focusing on usability and accessibility testing, UI prototyping, and design sprint facilitation, and a second phase for validating new designs and ensuring compliance with Section 508 and WCAG 2.0 AA standards. The county will award the contract to the highest-scoring proposal, with evaluation criteria centered on the proposer's ability to meet the comprehensive testing and accessibility requirements.

While no specific set-aside designations were explicitly mentioned, the procurement appears open to qualified information technology and user experience consulting firms. The contract was ultimately awarded to Experience Dynamics for $150,000, with potential contract extension up to five years. The initial budget was approximately $20,000, though the county does not guarantee a minimum service purchase. Payment terms are structured as 0% 0, Net 30, and the procurement utilizes commodity codes related to information technology consulting, libraries, and related materials. The project involves integration with the existing Multnomah County Library website infrastructure, requiring proposers to demonstrate expertise in comprehensive usability testing, accessibility compliance, and user experience design across multiple digital platforms. The procurement aims to create a detailed understanding of how different user groups interact with the library's online resources, with a strong emphasis on creating an inclusive and accessible digital experience.