Website redesign and redevelopment

The contract timeline includes several key phases and milestones:

Contract Start Date:

The implementation is scheduled to commence no later than March 1, 2027. The initial term for development starts in March 2027.

Contract End Date & Duration:

• Initial Term: The initial term runs from March 2027 to September 30, 2028, lasting approximately 18 months. This period covers website development, launch, immediate post-launch monitoring, and ongoing maintenance for 12 months from the go-live date.
• Extensions: The contract can be extended for up to four additional years, in annual increments or as mutually agreed, for website support, maintenance, and hosting.
• Maximum Term: The maximum contract term is from March 2027 to September 30, 2032, totaling approximately five years and six months.

Key Milestones and Phases:

• Tender Process:
• Issue of tender documents: September 22, 2026.
• Deadline for tenderer clarifications: Midday October 14, 2026.
• Closing date and time for returns: Midday October 27, 2026.
• Shortlist to interview: December 3, 2026.
• Pitch and interviews: December 10, 2026 (with December 11, 2026 as a reserve date).
• Intention to award announced, standstill starts: January 27, 2027.
• Standstill ends: February 5, 2027.
• Formal award decision announced: February 8, 2027.
• Finalize and sign contract terms: February 22, 2027.
• Implementation & Go-Live:
• Implementation to commence no later than March 1, 2027.
• Development of the website: March 2027 to latest go-live date.
• Website go-live: July or September, but no later than September 30, 2027. This is a condition of participation.
• Post Go-Live:
• Defects warranty: Any defects identified within 12 months of go-live must be corrected by the supplier at no additional cost.
• Exit plan: An exit plan must be produced within six months of go-live and reviewed annually.
• Price increases are not permitted before October 1, 2028.

The core scope of work and statement of work summary for this tender involves the comprehensive design, build, migration, testing, and launch of a redeveloped website, aiming for a future-proof solution and improved service levels.

Key deliverables and scope items explicitly stated include:

• Website Development: This encompasses discovery (user research, analytics review, stakeholder engagement, content audit, technical discovery of integrations), information architecture, user journeys, wireframes, prototypes, accessible visual design, and the actual build of the website on a recommended CMS. This build includes course search and pages fed from the College's EBS system, forms, application journeys, news, and events pages.
• Content Management and Migration: Content migration and restructuring from the existing site, along with content design support and editorial guidance, are required.
• Integrations: The project requires integration with various systems such as EBS (Tribal), Enrola, Bookeo, HubSpot, Eventbrite, payment gateways, GA4, Search Console, and social media.
• Accessibility and Quality Assurance: The website must meet WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility standards, including a third-party independent audit and remediation before launch, and an accessibility statement. Quality assurance covers functional, performance, security, and accessibility testing.
• Testing and Security: Mandatory security and penetration testing are required before go-live and at least annually.
• Launch and Post-Launch Support: The scope includes the launch of the website and a four-week hypercare period immediately following go-live. Website operation for 12 months from go-live, covering licenses, support, and maintenance (excluding hosting), is also part of the work.
• SEO: An SEO migration plan is essential, including redirect mapping, metadata, and structured data, to preserve search equity.
• Training and Handover: CMS editor and administrator training, documentation, and a capability handover to the College’s Marketing team are required. An exit strategy includes the handover of all code, configuration, content, design assets, and documentation.
• System Recommendations: The contractor needs to recommend and implement systems for uploading short courses and for quality control of course description information.
• Hosting: Hosting and infrastructure are included if Capital City College (CCC) exercises the hosting option.