CONTRACT: [2] Data Development Consultant & Web Designer

*** ** Send replies directly to:  <Davis(at)aaslh.org>  ** ***



Request for Proposals
For
Data Development Consultant
And Web Designer Positions
For
AASLH Census of History Organizations Project


Proposal Deadline:  Received in the AASLH offices by close of business
Friday 4/15//02.  Proposals may be submitted in writing or via e-mail to:

Terry Davis, Executive Director and CEO
American Association for State and Local History
1717 Church Street
Nashville, TN  37033
615/320-3203
FAX 615/327-9013
Davis(at)aaslh.org

Scope of Work

As described in the accompanying project description, the American
Association for State and Local History (AASLH)'s Census of History
Organizations project is a large and complex project.  It should be noted
when responding to the RFP that the project being designed is seen as the
first layer of a possible much larger relational database for the future
which may include many more data fields for sites to maintain their own data
with respect to collections and other functions.  After a few years of
operation, the Census data base will be analyzed and a study done to see if
history sites are interested in having the Census database act as an
Application Service Provider (ASP) for their specific needs.  That, however,
is down the road.  The project being designed under this RFP is described
below.

In order to begin the project, AASLH and its Census Task Force have decided
to pilot the project using a total of 4 states, rather than working toward
tracking history institutions in all 50 states at once.  A project director
will be hired to work with state-based teams to locate all history
organizations within the project's description of scope.  However, the
project will also require a data development consultant and a web designer.
Those wishing to submit a proposal for consideration may submit one proposal
for both positions, or may bid on either one independent of the other.

The beginning date of the project is unknown at this time since funding for
the project is currently being sought.  Consultant(s) should express within
the proposal the length of time the bid will be honored.  A timeline for the
program can be found at the end of the RFP.

DATA DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT

The data development consultant will be responsible for recommending options
for and developing a system for the following task:

? Consult with AASLH regarding hardware and software needs, including
pricing and assistance in choosing applicable tools.
? Develop a relational data base system that can accept surveys over the Web
and annual updates over the Web, with protection to the master database.
The system must be scalable so the project can progress for the 4 pilot
sites to an estimated 50 sites.
? Develop a data collection system using standard data protection and
redundancy protocols.
? Train project director and other AASLH staff on network administration, or
make recommendation on advantages and ongoing price of outsourcing to a
vendor.
? Develop a relational database system that is capable of merging databases
received from state, regional, and national sources, while at the same time
identifying redundancies-perform data modeling and normalization of data
received from other sources.
? Work with web designer and project director to be sure report writer
system works.
? Work with web designer to design and test the system.
? Provide project director with design/technical specifications.
? Along with the web designer and project director, develop a handbook for
state teams to use in submitting data for the database, including
standardization in nomenclature, how to submit databases, and all issues
involving the technology.  The project director will incorporate sections
regarding who to include and other content-related matters.
? Work with web designer modifying parts of the Web site that are not
satisfactory.
? At the end of the pilot phase, make any needed changes to the system,
based on the experience of the pilot sites and organizations filling out
surveys and develop production model based on pilot project to guide future
developments.

Essential knowledge, abilities, and skills
? Experience working with Web designers using authoring software to create
Web pages and templates.
? Knowledge and experience in on-line surveys and relational database
development and maintenance
? Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines
? Detailed knowledge of and experience working with interactive
instructional technology.
? Detailed knowledge of HTML, XML, relational database management, and
server operating systems.
? Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
? Works well as part of a team.

Qualifications

? Education:  BS in computer science from an accredited college or
university
? Experience:  Three years experience and proven experience in relational
database development.

Proposal Content

It is estimated that the planning, development, and collection of data will
take a period of 24 months.  Interested parties should submit in writing a
plan and bid for the project.  Proposals should include the following
components.  All cost should be stated on a cost of service basis, not
hourly, unless otherwise specified below.  Please indicate the length of
time the bid will be honored.

? duties as described above
? site pertinent experience and list of reference
? estimates of equipment needs for AASLH and pricing.



WEB DESIGNER CONSULTANT

? Consult with AASLH regarding technology needs, including pricing and
assistance in choosing applicable tools
? Work with development consultant to design a Web site to accommodate the
project and its database program, including sample templates and help keys.
The system must be scalable so the project can progress for the 4 pilot
sites to an estimated 50 sites.
? Develop report writer system and train project director on its use
? Provide project director with design/technical specifications
? Train project director to use the system
? Along with the data development consultant and project director, develop a
handbook for state teams to use in submitting data for the database,
including standardization in nomenclature, how to submit databases, and all
issues involving the technology.  The project director will incorporate
sections regarding who to include and other content-related matters.
? Facilitate one on-site training session and follow up consulting for pilot
sites on using the technology.
? Provide individual consultation to the data development consultant,
project director, and four pilot sites, including modifying parts of the Web
site that are not satisfactory.
? At the end of the pilot phase, work with data development consultant make
any needed changes to the site, based on the experience of the pilot sites
and organizations filling out surveys.

Essential knowledge, abilities, and skills
? Web development using authoring software to create Web pages and
templates.
? Ability to do graphic design including designing page layouts, specifying
colors, designing navigation buttons and icons, creating logos, drawing
graphics for content/examples.
? Knowledge and experience in on-line surveys and database development and
maintenance.
? Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines
? Detailed knowledge of and experience working with interactive
instructional technology.
? Detailed knowledge of HTML, XML, database management, and server operating
systems.
? Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
? Works well as part of a team.

Qualifications

? Education:  Degree in Web design from an accredited college or university
? Experience:  Three years experience in web development, and proven
experience in database web design.

Proposal Content

It is estimated that the planning, development, and collection of data will
take a period of 24 months.  Interested parties should submit in writing a
plan and bid for the project.  Proposals should include the following
components.  All cost should be stated on a cost of service basis, not
hourly, unless otherwise specified below.
? Duties as described above
? site pertinent experience and list of reference
? estimates of equipment needs for AASLH and pricing.


Organizational Structure

Both consultants will report directly to the Census project director, who
will report directly to the CEO of AASLH.  It is not necessary for the
consultant to reside in Nashville, Tennessee, but it is essential that the
consultant be available for travel and consultation.



Timeline

It is estimated that the project will last 24 months, from development to
completion.  Below is an estimated timetable for the project.


Month 1 - 2 Data development consultant works with project director to
develop the system
Month 2-4 Web consultant designs site
Month 5-6  Consultants finalize and test web site and system
Month 7-8  Consultants works with project director to develop handbooks
     for pilot sites
Month 9 Web consultant and project director conduct two-day training for
pilots
Month 10 - 16  Pilots collect information and submit to project director;
    Consultants train project director and consults as lists come in
Month 17  Project director provides consolidated lists back to pilot sites
Month 18  Pilot sites make adjustments to lists as necessary
Month 19 - 20  Consultants makes necessary adjustments to the system/site
Month 21   Final testing on system/site
Month 22 - 23  Project director compiles directory
Month 24  Project director reports to AASLH board and donors


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