Everyone here at TDI is excited with the prospects of putting our Blue Book, the oldest national directory for deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened and deaf-blind online.  After 34 years, this popular resource will soon become even more accessible.

 

Below my signature is TDI's Request for Proposals (RFP) for Web designers and database developers for the e-Blue Book project.  If you are interested, or know someone who is interested, please read the RFP carefully and submit everything to me no later than June 12, 2002 at eBlueBook@tdi-online.org .  The process is explained below.  Let me know if you have any questions.

 

Request for Proposals to produce TDI’s Online Electronic Blue Book (E-Blue Book).

 

TDI is soliciting bids from interested persons with web developing and database management experience to develop and train TDI staff on how to maintain the E-Blue Book directory.  TDI would be interested in hearing proposals to enhance its website on www.tdi-online.org

 

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Database management experience
• Website development experience
• Windows environment

 

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• FileMaker Pro database experience
• Online directory experience
• Interactive website development experience
• Website security development experience

 

DISQUALIFIERS:

• Refusal to sign and breach of confidentiality agreement.
• Refusal to sign and breach of non-compete agreement.

 

PARAMETERS:

• Search for an entry in E-Blue Book by category, state or last name
• Allow online membership renewals and product purchases.
• Allow individuals to update their E-Blue Book listing online themselves.
• Individuals must have option to display or not display all or portion of their records on E-Blue Book.
• Security must be provided against viruses, imposters, hackers, multi-entry downloading and database copying.
• Payment histories and internal membership classification data must remain confidential
• Complies with current W3C and WAI standards for web accessibility – run it through BOBBY and other web page accessibility assessment sites.
• Accessible to users with vision impairments via magnification software (e.g. ZoomText, etc.)
• Text-Only version must be provided for blind users using readers with audio or Braille display outputs.
• Useable on variety of browsers such as Internet Explorer, Netscape, etc.

 

SCOPE OF WORK:

• Develop website with E-Blue Book using TDI’s existing FileMaker Pro database.
• Advise and develop protocol for restricted online access by nonmembers/subscribers - including but not limited to passwords, registration requirements, SSL or other encryption technology.
• Develop interface to show small number of listings at a time – prevent unauthorized bulk downloads of data for mailing lists.
• Work with current TDI web master
• Work with current TDI database administrator
• Train designated TDI staff on upkeep of E-Blue Book.

TIMELINE:  (Subject to change pending negotiations)

• Execution of Contract-7/02          Design E-Blue Book
• 8/02-11/02                                    Develop E-Blue Book
• 12/02-2/03                                    Beta-Test E-Blue Book
• 3/03                                             Release E-Blue Book and refine as needed

SEND THE FOLLOWING TO TDI by June 12, 2002:

• Bid for contract
• Plan of action
• Turnaround time
• List of previous websites and/or online directories developed by you or your company.
• Description of previous experience with online and offline database management
• At least three professional references
• Samples of previous work
• Complete resume
• Full contact information.
• What else can you offer to this project?

 

OTHER AREAS OPEN FOR CONSIDERATION:

• Website hosting
• Domain name registration

 

Any omissions may require in unnecessary delays in consideration of your proposal.

 

E-mail:    ebluebooks@tdi-online.org

Fax:        301-589-3797

Mail:       Jim House, Project Coordinator

   TDI – eBlue Book

               8630 Fenton Street, #604

               Silver Spring, MD 20910

 

 

Must be available for interviews in TDI’s office at your own expense through June 30th.

This request for proposals (RFP) does not constitute, and should not be construed as, a legally binding agreement or as an offer to enter into a legally binding agreement.  No binding agreement shall exist unless and until a definitive written agreement is negotiated and executed by the successful bidder and TDI.  TDI contemplates that three to five bidders will be selected for one or more interviews, but reserves the right in its sole discretion to increase or decrease this number. TDI reserves the right in its sole discretion to ask for additional information from one or more bidders and to accept or reject any bid for any reason, including but not limited to the matters set forth above.  TDI also reserves the right to discontinue the bid process at any time, or to vary the "Timeline" set forth above in its sole discretion.