SCDE Public-Facing Website

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a comprehensive website redesign and replacement project targeting their public-facing website. The procurement seeks a full-service agency to develop and implement a new website with two primary components: Part A involves developing functional requirements through stakeholder interviews and content analysis, while Part B focuses on design, development, programming, and implementation. Required services include web design, digital marketing, brand management, market research, and strategic planning, with the ultimate goal of launching a new website by July 1, 2026. Key deliverables will include a fully functional, modernized website that meets SCDE's operational needs and user experience requirements. The procurement timeline includes a non-mandatory pre-proposal conference on February 24, 2025, at 11:00 AM EST via Microsoft Teams, with questions due by February 25, 2025. Proposals are due March 19, 2025, by 11:00 AM EST, and the three highest-ranked responsive offerors will be required to participate in demonstrations scheduled for April 23-24, 2025. The award is expected to be posted on April 29, 2025.

The RFP does not specify explicit set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, though it includes provisions for tax credits for subcontracting with disadvantaged small businesses. The contract term is structured for seven years, comprising an initial three-year period with four optional one-year renewal terms. Hosting requirements mandate that any external platforms must meet SOC 2 framework standards for security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy, with an option for SCDE to host the website internally. The pricing proposal must detail costs for each of the potential seven contract years, with a unique financial structure that includes 90% payment of the initial maintenance year upfront and the final 10% paid at the end of year three. Subsequent maintenance renewals will be paid quarterly in arrears, and all travel expenses for meetings with SCDE will be the contractor's responsibility. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the project and seven-year contract term suggest a substantial investment in digital infrastructure and ongoing website management.