Society for Historical Archaeology
SHA.org
[email protected]
301-972-9684
Request for Proposals: Web Design and Development
November 1, 2024
Introduction
The Society for Historical Archaeology (SHA), an educational not-for-profit organization, invites qualified web design and development firms to submit proposals to redesign the Society’s website. The current SHA website is a critical resource for our members and the public, offering research tools, membership services, event information, and educational resources. However, based on feedback from a recent Website Needs Assessment, SHA is seeking a more modern, user-friendly, and efficient website to better serve its diverse audience, including professional archaeologists, students, and the public. SHA is currently accepting proposals in response to this request for proposals (RFP).
The SHA is the largest scholarly group concerned with the identification, excavation, interpretation, and conservation of sites and materials on land and underwater created during the period of the formation of the modern world (A.D. 1400-present). Geographically, the Society emphasizes the New World, but also includes European exploration and settlement in Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The Society for Historical Archaeology adopted six strategic goals in 2018, among which include providing leadership in the field through the promotion of best practices, advocacy, outreach, publications, and ethics; growing membership nationally and internationally; and encouraging inclusivity in both membership and subject areas.
SHA advocates for a global perspective in the study and protection of historical and underwater cultural resources by educating the public and policy makers, and providing a valued resource for knowledge exchange, professional development, and the maintenance of high ethical standards.
Project Overview
The SHA seeks to redesign its website to address the following core objectives:
- Improve user experience by simplifying navigation, reducing clutter, and enhancing ease of access to key resources.
- Enhance search functionality for members to quickly find research tools, publications, and conference information.
- Update visual design to create a modern, mobile-friendly, and visually appealing layout.
- Expand and better organize research resources, with particular focus on publications and artifact identification tools such as the Historic Bottle Website.
- Improve member services, including simplifying the membership renewal process and enhancing the job board.
- Strengthen public engagement by introducing more accessible and public-friendly content.
- Integrate multimedia content, including video resources from SHA’s YouTube channel.
Challenges
The SHA website is currently challenged by an outdated design and complex navigation, which make it difficult for users to locate key resources, such as research tools, publications, and event information. The website’s cluttered layout, limited search functionality, and mobile incompatibility hinder ease of access, especially for members seeking quick access to frequently used features like the Historic Bottle Identification page and membership renewal. Additionally, content updates are cumbersome due to an outdated CMS, resulting in inconsistent information and outdated links across sections. These issues limit SHA’s ability to effectively engage both its members and the public, highlighting the need for a comprehensive redesign focused on usability, accessibility, and modernized content management.
Scope of Work
The scope of work for this project encompasses a complete redesign of the SHA website, aimed at enhancing user experience, accessibility, and engagement for both members and the general public. This includes creating a modern, responsive design optimized for desktop and mobile use; improving the navigation and search functions to make critical resources more accessible; and streamlining the membership experience, including renewal and exclusive content access. Additionally, the project will require an updated content management system (CMS) for SHA staff to easily manage content, with a focus on expanding research resources and integrating multimedia content. The redesigned website should ultimately support SHA’s mission by providing a user-friendly, professional, and comprehensive online platform that meets the evolving needs of its audience. Please note that the Historic Bottle Website was developed by an SHA member and is not SHA property. The look and functionality (allowing the owner remote access through an FTP or similar point of contact) of this page will remain as currently designed.
This project requires a web designer and developer, working as an independent contractor to the Society, who can develop, implement, and help maintain the SHA’s website. This specialist would work closely with SHA’s Executive Director and Web Editor. The selected individual or firm will be responsible for the following:
1. Design & Development:o Redesign the SHA website with a modern, responsive design optimized for desktop and mobile devices.o Improve the structure and organization of the website, focusing on user-friendly navigation and intuitive interfaces.o Create a streamlined homepage layout that balances public engagement with member-specific content.o Integrate multimedia content, including video, blogs, and research tools, for both public and member use.2. Search Functionality:o Improve the search functionality to allow users to quickly locate research resources, publications, and member directories.o Create an intuitive search system for specific sections, such as the Historic Bottle Identification page, job boards, and conference details.3. User Accounts and Member Area:o Simplify the member login and renewal process, ensuring ease of use and integration with SHA's membership management system.o Create a dedicated member dashboard that includes relevant member information, membership status, and access to exclusive content.4. Content Management:o Implement an easy-to-use content management system (CMS) that allows SHA staff to update content across all sections (research resources, event information, publications) without extensive technical skills.o Ensure the CMS allows easy updating of blogs, news, events, and multimedia resources.5. Research Resources & Publications:o Enhance the presentation and searchability of SHA’s research resources, particularly the popular Historic Bottle Identification pages and other artifact identification tools.o Organize older and current publications, ensuring easy access to SHA journals, newsletters, and other research materials.6. Public Engagement:o Develop a more public-friendly section of the website with accessible information about archaeology, SHA's mission, and resources for educators and students.o Highlight public-oriented materials at the top of the homepage to engage a broader audience.7. Testing & Support:o Conduct usability testing throughout the design process to ensure the site meets the needs of SHA members and the public.o Provide training to SHA staff on managing and updating the website post-launch.o Offer ongoing maintenance, hosting, and support services.
Additional key responsibilities include implementing SEO best practices, ensuring cross-browser compatibility, and maintaining brand consistency while enhancing site functionality. The designer will also manage content migration, structuring resources like publications and research tools for easy access and ensuring ADA compliance for an inclusive experience. Post-launch, the designer will provide documentation and training for the SHA Executive Director and Web Editor, along with quality assurance support to resolve any technical issues and optimize performance.
Proposal guidelines
In order to be considered for SHA website designer and developer position, all bidding individuals or firms must provide:
- Company Overview: Brief description of the company, including history, expertise, and previous relevant experience.
- Project Approach: Detailed outline of the proposed approach for the SHA website redesign, including the design process, milestones, and timeline.
3. Description of the proposed technology stack (CMS, frameworks, integrations).
- Key Personnel: List of key personnel involved in the project, including their roles, relevant experience, and qualifications.
- Portfolio: Examples of similar projects completed by the firm, particularly with non-profit organizations, professional associations, or academic institutions.
- Timeline: A proposed project timeline, including key milestones from project kickoff to completion.
- Cost Estimate: A comprehensive budget proposal that includes the cost breakdown for design, development, testing, and training, as well as ongoing support, hosting, and maintenance.
- References: Contact information for three recent clients for whom the firm has completed similar website design projects.
TimelinesRequest for proposal timeline
Proposals in response to this RFP should be sent to [email protected] by December 1, 2024.
Evaluation of proposals will be completed by December 16, 2024. Bidders will be notified during this time if any information or discussions are needed.
The winning proposal will be chosen no later than December 20, 2024.
Notifications to bidders who were not selected will be completed by December 23, 2024.
Project timeline
Project initiation phase will begin by January 15, 2024.
Project expected completion by August 15, 2024.
Proposal evaluation
The SHA will rate each application based on the following factors:
· Understanding of SHA’s goals and requirements.
· Experience with similar website design projects, particularly for membership organizations.
· Strength of the proposed design and development approach.
· Usability, accessibility, and mobile-friendliness of the proposed design.
· Expertise and qualifications of the project team.
· Cost and timeline for project completion.
· Quality of client references and past performance.
For related questions or to submit a proposal, please e-mail SHA Executive Director Karen Hutchison at [email protected].
Job Type: Contract
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Compensation Package:
Schedule:
Experience:
- Responsive web design: 5 years (Required)
- Web design: 1 year (Required)
- FTP: 1 year (Required)
Work Location: Remote
