BACKGROUND
The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council addresses human resource issues facing agriculture businesses in Canada. Its objectives are to support an adequate, reliable, and well-trained work force that will strengthen the ability of the agriculture community to thrive and be successful in an internationally competitive marketplace. The Council’s efforts are collaborative and involve the participation of agricultural leaders, governments and educational stakeholders to research, develop and implement solutions to challenges in employment and skills development in agriculture. It is recognized as the centre for reliable labour market information, and the access point for customizable solutions related to HR management and training. For more information about the Canadian Agricultural HR Council, visit www.cahrc-ccrha.ca.
REQUEST FOR STANDING OFFER
The Council is soliciting proposals from service providers to provide web design services for our organization, encompassing revisions, additions, and upgrades. We are seeking to enhance our online presence and user experience. web design services for our organization. The purpose of this RFSO is to select suitable contractor(s) and establish Standing Offer Agreement(s) with the successful bidder(s) for the provision of services.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
The following are skills and competencies that are required:
HTML and CSS
- Strong knowledge of HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) for structuring and styling web content.
- Responsive web design to ensure websites display correctly on various devices and screen sizes.
JavaScript and Front-End Frameworks
- Familiarity with JavaScript to enhance interactivity and functionality. Proficiency in front-end frameworks such as React, Angular, or Vue.js.
User Experience (UX) Design
- Understanding of UX design principles to create websites that are user-friendly and intuitive. Knowledge of wire framing, prototyping, and usability testing.
- Create an intuitive and user-friendly shopping experience by understanding user behavior and preferences. Consider factors like navigation, product search, and checkout processes.
Information Architecture
- Organizing products, categories, and content in a logical and structured manner for easy navigation.
Web Accessibility
- Awareness of web accessibility standards (WCAG) and the ability to design websites that are accessible to people with disabilities.
Content Management Systems (CMS)
- Proficiency in CMS platforms like WordPress, Drupal, or Joomla for building and maintaining websites.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) & Analytics
- Knowledge of SEO best practices to ensure websites are optimized for search engines and can rank well in search results.
- Implementing e-commerce SEO best practices to improve visibility on search engines, drive organic traffic, and increase sales.
- Proficiency in using analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to track website performance, user behavior, and sales data.
Web Performance Optimization
- Skills in optimizing website performance, reducing page load times through techniques like image optimization, content delivery networks (CDNs), and server optimization to improve user experience and SEO rankings.
- Ability to design websites that work consistently across various web browsers.
- Conducting split testing to refine elements of the website and improve its performance over time.
E-commerce Platforms
- Proficiency in popular e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce (WordPress) as well as their customization and management.
- Ability to integrate various payment gateways securely, ensuring a smooth transaction process.
- Understanding how to manage product inventory and orders effectively, including automation and tracking.
- Integrating multiple payment options to accommodate a range of customer preferences and needs.
- Understanding and adhering to e-commerce-related legal and compliance requirements, such as tax regulations.
Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO)
- Employ CRO techniques to enhance the website's ability to convert visitors into customers. This includes optimizing CTAs, checkout processes, and A/B testing.
Security and Privacy
- Ensuring the safety of customer data and financial transactions by implementing SSL certificates, data encryption, and compliance with relevant privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR).
User Reviews and Ratings
- Implementing systems for customers to leave reviews and ratings, which can build trust and inform purchase decisions.
Data Security
- Knowledge of data security practices and protocols to protect customer information and payment details.
THE WORK
Following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and during the timeline outlined below, the service provider may be engaged to provide services for one or multiple projects, as required.
The following activities are examples of, but not limited to, what may be required:
- Analysis and recommendation to optimize user experience (review of sitemap, content organization for enhanced navigation)
- SEO analysis and recommendations to optimize visibility and Google ranking
- Migration of our website to Wordpress
- Set up of a payment page for subscribers
TERM
The term of the standing offer will be for a period of two years, from November 24, 2023 to November 24, 2025 with an option to extend.
GUIDELINES
A submission is not to exceed 5 pages, excluding consultant CV’s and three references.
Submissions must include but are not limited to the following components:
- Description of services to be provided;
- Demonstrated ability to perform the work, demonstrated experience in competencies required for web design and e-commerce solutions;
- Organizational history with experience and qualifications profiles;
- 2-3 samples of your work including e-commerce examples;
- Number of years of professional web design work;
- A list of previous industry association clients. Experience in working with agricultural clients would be an asset;
- References;
- Financial proposal and rates.
