Request for Proposal (RFP) Vermont Technology Alliance (VTTA) New Website and Ongoing Support
Vermont Technology Alliance (VTTA) New Website and Ongoing Support
Introduction and Background
The Vermont Technology Alliance (VTTA) drives Vermont’s technology industry forward by supporting businesses, careers, and innovation through advocacy, collaboration, and professional development. Our vision is a thriving Vermont where a dynamic technology industry drives sustainable economic growth, fosters innovation, and expands opportunity for all.
VTTA exists because our members believe technology has the power to create opportunities, drive innovation, and build a sustainable future for Vermont. By connecting businesses, talent, and communities, we foster a culture of progress that turns ideas into impact. Our purpose is to enable Vermont’s tech ecosystem not just to grow, but thrive! Ensuring that together, we shape a more innovative, resilient, and prosperous future.
Project Context
VTTA recently completed an extensive listening tour with our members and broader tech community. The insights gained from this feedback have sharpened our focus, enabling us to clearly define strategic priorities that we intend to implement through an enhanced online presence. Our new website will play a central role in delivering our mission through clearer messaging, member engagement, resource sharing, and community connection.
Project Objectives
- Establish a fresh, modern, user-centric website.
- Enable exclusive members-only access to benefits.
- Create a central repository, the “Vermont Tech Village,” connecting all Vermont tech stakeholders.
- Allow seamless submission and management of user-generated content.
- Streamline processes for mentorship program applications and speaker submissions.
- Events calendar and event submission available to members
Audience
- Current members and prospective members
- General public interested in technology in Vermont
Functional Requirements
- Robust Member Portal
- Exclusive content and member benefits
- Integration with Vermont Tech Village
- Event Management
- Event registration with member discounts and non-member pricing
- Content Submission
- Member-generated content submissions (news, blogs, etc.)
- Administrative content approval workflow
- Application Management
- Mentorship and speaker applications
- Online Store
- Basic CRM integration with HubSpot or CRM tool recommendation
- Payment processing capabilities
- Social media integration
Technical Requirements
- Modern, secure, scalable CMS (open to non-WordPress solutions unless convincingly recommended)
- HubSpot CRM and social media integrations
- Compliance with data security and privacy standards (GDPR)
- Responsive, mobile-friendly, accessible design (WCAG standards)
Hosting & Infrastructure
- Recommendations for reliable, scalable, secure hosting solutions
Content Migration
- Migration of existing content (limited volume)
Design & Branding
- Option for vendor-provided branding services or inclusion of design services
- Examples: TAO (Tech Association of Oregon) website (www.techoregon.org). Out in Tech https://outintech.com. https://generatorvt.com/ IEEE https://www.ieee.org. https://www.cta.tech. little busy https://www.tsia.com
Training & Documentation
- Comprehensive CMS training for VTTA staff
- Documentation on site management and content updates
Support & Maintenance
- Security monitoring, regular backups, software updates
- Emergency support with 24-hour response capability for critical outages/events
- Regular enhancements and functional expansions
- Ability to involve members, volunteers, and interns in content management
Budget & Timeline
- Estimated budget: TBD, dependent upon scope and timeline.
- Project completion and launch timeline: ASAP
- Key milestones/events impacting timeline: Can answer questions.
Proposal Submission Requirements
Proposals must include:
- Company overview and relevant experience
- Detailed approach aligned with VTTA objectives
- Project timeline and milestones
- Cost breakdown (development, hosting, support)
- Portfolio of comparable website projects
- Client references upon follow up request
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Demonstrated experience and expertise
- Innovative and user-centric design solutions
- Cost-effectiveness and budget alignment
- Ongoing support and technical capabilities
- Preference for local vendors and excellent references
Timeline
- RFP Release Date: 19 March 2025
- Questions Due: 31 March 2025
- Proposal Submission Deadline: 9 April 2025
- Vendor Selection: ASAP
- Desired Website Launch: 30 June 2025 or sooner.
Contact
Submit inquiries and proposals to:
Adam Locklin, Executive Director
Vermont Technology Alliance
We appreciate your interest and look forward to reviewing your proposals.
