Is Chamber's RFP for new web designer slanted?

By Jim Keyworth
Gazette Blog Editor

The Gazette Blog has been contacted by an individual who believes the Rim Country Regional Chamber of Commerce is trying to pull a fast one in issuing a request for proposal (RFP) for a web development company to build them a new website.

Our primary source is a prominent member of the community, an individual who has requested to remain anonymous so he can continue to function within the existing business infrastructure without repercussion. But we have corroborated what he says below with other sources knowledgeable about website design.

On Sept. 29, the Rim Country Regional Chamber of Commerce issued the aforementioned RFP to do its website. The Gazette applauded the e-mail containing the RFP, even sending Chamber Manager John Stanton a return e-mail encouraging him to do the same with printing projects like the Chamber’s monthly newsletter and the August Doin’s Rodeo Guide, both of which the Payson Roundup does without having to bid.

But we don’t know much about websites. Or about proposals for doing them. Our source does, and he says the Chamber’s RFP is specifically written so only one particular web development company is likely to win the bid. In other words, he believes the bid is rigged.

Here’s what the RFP from the Chamber reads:

Dear Chamber Members:
In response to inquiries about the Chamber Website, we have been researching different websites, and are seeking expertise in the application system we have chosen for the maximum utilization by the Chamber. If interested, please submit a proposal of services, using the attached specifications, by October 11, 2010.

The Rim Country Regional Chamber of Commerce is reviewing building a new website. The Web Development Company chosen will need to be proficient or have expertise in the following areas of web development and integration.

Expert in CMS Platform setup using DotNetNuke 5.5.1 Proficient in DNN Portal Skinning Setup and Procedures
Expert in Xmod Pro 2.7.1 Programing Language
Expert in Sequel Server DBA Development
Proficient in writing Database Quarries
Expert in setting up Multi-Portal Integration
.Net Developer with expertise in Com Objects
VB.net Programing Experience Required
Proficient in Windows Server 2008 File System Integration
Proficient in IIS Web Server Applications
Expert in Cross Browser Integration
Expert in CCS Styling
Expert in Google Analytics Integration
Expertise in Java Scripting
Expertise in Flash 4.0 open source Flex framework
Expertise in applying Search Engine Optimization techniques
Custom Web Graphics Design and Integration Expertise
Expert in web based community calendar function and integration
Shopping Cart integration and Setup of SSL, Merchant Accounts and Online Payment Processing Applications
Expertise in setting up of USPS, FedEx and UPS Real Time Shipping API
Expert in IAB advertising rates, sizes and integration of "Cost Per View" modules and tracking procedures
Expert in online streaming video integration and delivery
Expertise in FTP setup
Must have a CWD certification from the Association of Web Professionals

Please mail or fax your resume to the Rim Country Regional Chamber of Commerce
100 W. Main St. PO Box 1744
Payson, AZ 85547
Fax Number: (928) 474-8812
No phone calls please

Like we said, it’s Greek to us. But it’s not to our source, who explained:

“It is obvious that the Chamber is once again up to its exclusionary tactics as they did with the Payson Roundup when it came time to print their monthly newsletter. In order to avoid the appearance of impropriety they have submitted to their Chamber members an RFP for their new website.

“In all my years, I have never seen such a ridiculous list of requirements. Usually the customer makes a list of what they want to accomplish with their website, not HOW TO DO IT or WHICH PROGRAM TO USE. Why dictate what programs to use in developing their website if they were not directed to do so by the person they want to do their website?

“Trust me, a former insurance salesman (like Stanton) would not have the knowledge to write up this RFP. Why don't they demand that the graphic designer be proficient in Adobe Dreamweaver? This is the number one software used by graphic designers. Why not WordPress? This is also a very popular web design format used today for bloggers.

“I have a couple decades under my belt having written hundreds of these highly specific RFPs for my former customers so as to ‘exclude’ others and guarantee that my company would be the actual winner of the RFP. In other words, I was able to help my customer (usually a government agency which had to comply with fairness) write a very specific RFP so that it would exclude certain other companies that the agency didn't want to work with or that provided a product line that they didn't want to use.

“Stanton and the Chamber board of directors should be asked to explain where they got their list of requirements, to explain each one and why.

“HERE'S HOW THE CHAMBER SHOULD HAVE DONE THEIR BIDDING TO BE FAIR:

“Do an RFP that is statewide, not just ‘member’ wide.
Open it up to EVERY DESIGNER and have them create a live online ‘mock-up’ of the website for ALL MEMBERS to choose from. I think that this is the least the board can do to involve their members and show them that they want their input. (Businesses used to come to the University of Arizona design department and do this for logo designs, etc. They paid a set amount to the winner; EVERYONE got a chance.)

“(Finally, the Chamber needs to) NAME EVERY APPLICANT who does a ‘Mock-up’ web design.”

The information provided above by our anonymous source was corroborated by two local web designers. We invite the Chamber to explain itself. We will happily provide prominent and equal space.

And it will be real interesting to see who “wins” the bid.

(Editor’s note: Please copy this article from the blog [it’s a simple cut and paste] and send it on to those on your e-mail contact list. While the blog receives over 5,000 visits per month, we want this story to have the widest exposure possible.)