OCA extends deadline for accepting development bids for [url=http://www.oca.org]http://www.oca.org[/url] through November 30
The Orthodox Church in America announced recently that in January 2011, a team composed of a designer, developer, managing editor and technical manager, will begin an extensive overhaul and upgrade of its highly trafficked web site, www.oca.org. The plan was vetted and approved at the recent September meeting of the Metropolitan Council and the Holy Synod of Bishops. A three-member team is currently laying a foundation for this work.
Web developers are still encouraged to submit project bids until the November 30 deadline.
The upgrade is slated for completion by June 30, 2011.
“This represents a strong commitment on the part of the leadership of the OCA to serve the communication needs of the faithful, and to engage those seeking the Orthodox Christian Faith, with the tools of the 21st century,” notes Father Eric.
The Request for Proposal details are listed below.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL: www.oca.org Developers
NOTE: A design RFP has also been issued. [See below.] Developers may also bid on design work simultaneously, or form a team with a designer.
OCA.org Site Deliverables:
- improved calendar features and function.
- clean and secure site under the hood.
- CMS that enables: posting by multiple editors; granular access for OCA staff.
- online donation and event registration tools available.
- improved Feasts and Saints sections; improved Scripture reading section.
- password protected portals.
- file manager that enables ease of uploading.
- mobile device integration.
- efficient, updated parish and clergy directories, including zoomable maps.
- expanded media section—video, photo galleries, MP3’s, podcast links.
- integration of Google maps.
- more powerful and refined search capabilities.
Content Management System:
OCA.org is currently using the ModX content management system. As a part of your bid, explain which content management system you would use for the new site, and why. Explain thoroughly, but not in technical language. The Chancery decision makers need you to sell them on why your CMS is the one that will best serve the diverse and ever changing environment of a jurisdictional website. Bear in mind the Deliverables List above when crafting your proposal, and remember that the Chancery will only consider open standard systems (no vendor lock-in!). Hosting will be handled in house.
Bid requirements:
- Include total amount, and breakdown, of your development fees.
- Must be able to complete work in project boundaries — timing is critical in this project. Start date January 3, 2011. Hard launch deadline Thursday, June 30, 2011. Testing and training to be completed by May 31.
- Include a cover letter that explains why you are the right developer for this project, and what you see as the critical needs of www.oca.org as you evaluate the existing site and look towards an upgrade.
Deadlines:
Bids, your resume, a cover letter, and three client references should be sent by November 30 to Archpriest Eric G. Tosi, PO Box 675, Syosset, NY 11791; .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Questions? Please contact Project Manager Virginia Nieuwsma at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).