Web Application Design Services

The Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing is seeking proposals from qualified web application design firms to redesign its Sentencing Guidelines Software (SGS Web) application through a Request for Proposal (RFP) released on January 25, 2022. The procurement focuses on creating a comprehensive blueprint for future application development, with key objectives including auditing the existing application, improving user experience through modern responsive design, developing an architecture for implementing the 8th Edition of sentencing guidelines, and incorporating parole guidelines and recommitment ranges. Specific deliverables include a UX style guide, pattern library, intuitive application navigation, well-organized pages/forms/reports, and an application design that meets Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards. Vendors must submit detailed proposals addressing their firm's qualifications, project approach, team experience, and proposed costs. The RFP requires proposals to be submitted by March 4, 2022, with contract award anticipated on March 18, 2022, and project completion expected by October 30, 2022. Evaluation criteria will emphasize public-sector web application design experience, team competency, project timeline adherence, and overall cost-effectiveness. Potential bidders are required to submit questions via email to Kristie Bundro at PCSRFP@psu.edu by February 4, 2022, with all questions and responses to be published on the Commission's website by February 9, 2022.

The RFP does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations, though it appears open to qualified web application design firms with relevant public-sector experience. The Commission currently maintains the SGS Web application in-house and has recently terminated all external service contracts, indicating this is a new procurement without a clear incumbent vendor. The project has a budgeted amount of $250,000, with the understanding that contract award will not be based solely on cost. The existing application requires integration of new features, including an offender-based view, parole guidelines, and recommitment ranges, while maintaining support for both the 7th and 8th editions of sentencing guidelines. Notably, this RFP covers only the design phase, with the actual implementation to be conducted by the Commission's internal IT team and potential external consultants. The successful vendor may be invited to submit a proposal for the implementation phase if a subsequent RFP is released. The project's scope suggests a comprehensive redesign of a complex judicial guidelines management system, targeting significant improvements in user experience and functional capabilities.