WIDE Framework Platform Development - Invitation to Tender

The platform must be fully accessible and align with AHEAD/Employers for Change’s style and ethos. The successful bidder will be expected to:

• Design and develop an accessible Web platform ensuring adherence to a min of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2 AA standards, and high standards of cyber security.
• Ensure a seamless and intuitive user experience for platform users and smooth integration of required features.
• Develop back-end tools that provide data analytics for WIDE project team members to get reports on engagement with the framework.
• Provide ongoing hosting/technical support services post platform design, contracted on an annual basis.

• Apr/early May: Initiate platform development
• July: Advanced draft of the website/platform completed and ready for the testing phase
• July-Aug: Testing phase for accessibility and usability (testing groups provided by AHEAD)
• Aug-Sept: Update of platform based on testing feedback
• Sept/Oct: Launch of the Framework Platform

Our allocated budget for this project is as follows:

• Web platform design phase (Apr - Sept) = €15,000-€26,000
• Ongoing hosting fees and general technical support/maintenance costs (Annually) – a range of budgets will be considered as required, please provide details on anticipated ongoing support costs.

AHEAD reserves the right to select the proposal that best meets our needs and quality expectations.

The tendering process involves three stages:

1 - Application window:

The tender application window is open between Mar 10th and Apr 7th, 2025. Questions and initial expressions of interest can be forwarded by Mar 24th. For fairness and transparency, all companies who have asked a question or submitted an expression of interest will receive anonymised responses to questions asked by any tenderer by Mar 26th.

2 - Assessment of proposals:

Proposals will be initially assessed based on the following weightings:

• Relevant Programming Skills/Experience (25%): Demonstrated relevant experience of the team members assigned to the project, including evidence of successful completion of similar projects with similar platform functionality requirements. This will include demonstrated proficiency in relevant programming languages required to meet the specifications, development content management systems (CMS) etc.
• Relevant User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) Design (25%): Demonstrated expertise and track record in meeting WCAG 2 AA standards, applying a universal design approach, and developing user-friendly platforms.
• Service and Support (15%): Demonstrated ability to provide quality customer service to clients, to constructively and openly communicate with clients, to provide appropriate ongoing support post-development:
• Vision (15%): Overall thoroughness and appeal of the vision presented.
• Value (20%): Value for money (balance between cost and quality of vision proposed within the budget range) the proposal represents for the project partners.

2-3 organisations will be shortlisted for an online interview to discuss their proposals in the week of Apr 14th.

3 - Interview

The procurement panel will meet 2-3 shortlisted companies who will be provided with opportunities to present their ideas and answer questions on their proposal in the week of Apr 14th and the contract will be awarded by Apr 22nd. The selected business will be expected to begin work as soon as is feasible following the awarding of the contract.