SLED Opportunity · WASHINGTON · PEND OREILLE PUBLIC UTILITIES DISTRICT
AI Summary
Pend Oreille PUD seeks vendors for a website modernization project to create a modern, accessible, and user-focused site with improved functionality, CMS, and integration. Proposals due July 23, 2026.
PDF CAN BE FOUND UNDER "DOCUMENTS" TAB Request for Proposal 26-508 Website Modernization Project Public Utility District No. 1 of Pend Oreille County Project Overview Public Utility District No. 1 of Pend Oreille County (Pend Oreille PUD) is seeking qualified vendors to provide design, development, and implementation services for a comprehensive website modernization project. The District’s goal is to deliver a modern, accessible, and user-focused website that improves customer experience, supports critical services, and enhances overall functionality, reliability, and scalability. This RFQ is intended to identify vendors with the experience and capability to meet the District’s operational, technical, and customer service needs. Project Objectives Pend Oreille PUD is seeking a long-term solution that transforms its website from a primarily informational platform into a modern, service-oriented, and customer-focused digital experience. The selected vendor will be expected to: Deliver a modern, intuitive, and accessible website design Improve customer access to core services and information Enhance system performance, reliability, and scalability Provide a flexible and user-friendly content management system (CMS) Support future expansion and integration of advanced features Scope of Services Vendors should demonstrate their ability to design, develop, and implement a website that meets the following requirements. Required Capabilities The proposed solution must include: ADA-compliant design and accessibility standards Fast load times and optimized performance Fully responsive design across all devices and browsers Clear prioritization of core customer tasks (e.g., bill pay, outages, services) Integration with existing platforms, including SmartHub Plain language content structure and high-contrast, accessible design Intuitive navigation and easily accessible contact information Robust search functionality with filtering capabilities Fillable and electronically signable forms Simple, user-friendly CMS with flexible editing (including Word compatibility) Modern visual design and overall functionality Notification/alert banner capability Optional homepage messaging features (e.g., carousel or rotating content) Embedded video support (including looping capability) Clear access to policies, interlocal agreements, and regulatory documents Consolidated and simplified careers/employment page Rate transparency tools or presentation capabilities Ability to present capital investment information clearly Preferred / Additional Capabilities Vendors should also outline availability of the following features: Quick links and “How Do I…?” navigation tools Enhanced document and file management system (single-source updates) Interactive mapping (e.g., electric, water and fiber service areas) Sticky navigation or streamlined menu design Icon-based navigation elements Website analytics and reporting tools Centralized page for regulatory and compliance postings Improved embedding options for multimedia and documents Integration points for internal resources (e.g., SharePoint) Event/calendar functionality Future-Focused Capabilities (Optional) While not required for initial deployment, vendors are encouraged to describe their ability to support: Online survey tools AI or live chat functionality Multilingual support Data dashboards or system metrics displays Customer tools (e.g., bill education, cost calculators) Integration with external data sources (e.g., weather or outage data) Content scheduling and publishing workflows Enhanced news/press release layouts Customer education hubs and informational resources Current System Challenges The District’s existing website presents several limitations that this project aims to address: Outdated visual design and user experience Limited CMS flexibility and editing capability Inefficient content formatting (including Word compatibility issues) Lack of analytics and performance insights Non-modular, flat site structure Outdated form-building tools Navigation complexity and lack of intuitiveness Limited support for multimedia and graphics Search functionality returning outdated or irrelevant content Overall focus on static information rather than interactive services RFP Requirements Vendor Qualifications Interested vendors should demonstrate: Experience with public sector or utility websites (preferred) Expertise in accessible (ADA-compliant) web design Proven ability to deliver modern, scalable CMS platforms Experience integrating third-party tools and customer service platforms Strong portfolio of similar website modernization projects Response Expectations Vendors should provide: Overview of qualifications and relevant experience Examples of similar projects Description of proposed CMS and technology stack Approach to accessibility, performance, and user experience High-level project approach and timeline expectations Ability to meet required and preferred capabilities Costing estimation(s) RFP Submittals Proposals must be submitted using ProcureWare, the Districts online contracting portal, at popud.procureware.com no later than July 23, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. PST. Submittals received after the above date and time for any reason will not be considered. Questions related to this RFP must be submitted by way of ProcureWare no later than July 20, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. PST. Responses to these questions will be made available to all bidders via ProcureWare. Evaluation of the RFP The District will evaluate each submitted bid for completeness to the RFP. Bid submittals that do not meet the minimum requirements will not be considered. The District will award the contract to the qualified bidder whose proposal is most advantageous to the District based upon the factors identified below. The District will engage the respondent with the highest scoring response to discuss a service agreement. Should the District fail to secure an agreement with the selected entity, the District may elect to pursue an agreement with the next highest scoring entity. Proposal Evaluation Criteria: Qualifications and experience The responder’s experience with similar clients and subject matter Proposed approach to Accessibility Performance User Experience Work Plan Timeline Interviews, if conducted Costing estimation(s) The District may choose to interview the top candidates. After evaluating the proposals, the District reserves the right to further negotiate the proposed work and/or method and amount of compensation. The District anticipates that the process for selection of the Consultant and awarding the contract will be within thirty (30) days of receipt of the proposal The District reserves the right to cancel this RFP at any time, or issue amendments or corrections. The District reserves the right to award this contract, or to not award this contract. Women’s, minority, and small business enterprises are encouraged to apply. The District is an equal opportunity employer.
SLED stands for State, Local, and Education. These are solicitations issued by state governments, counties, cities, school districts, utilities, and higher education institutions — as opposed to federal agencies.
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