University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Research Institute (UTCRI)
Request for Pricing (RFP):
Chattanooga Connect Brand Identity and Website Development
DATE ISSUED: February 3, 2025
Disclaimer. Coeo Public Affairs is acting as an independent procurement agent for this request for pricing (RFP.) Applications in response to this RFP will not necessarily result in review or acceptance by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, the University of Tennessee system, the Tennessee Board of Regents, or any subsidiary thereof.
Introduction. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Research Institute (UTCRI) is intended to bolster UTC’s focus on building cross-disciplinary teams and catalyzing partnerships to establish enduring programs of excellence to address challenges that can’t be solved using a single-discipline approach. UTCRI’s work addresses specific and critical challenges in urban infrastructure, mobility, sustainability, and healthcare.
One of UTCRI’s flagship external affairs initiatives is the Chattanooga Connect conference – a dynamic annual gathering of leaders from academia, industry, and government who are dedicated to shaping fields like the future of urban mobility, smart city technologies, integrated quantum computing, and more. The conference highlights cutting-edge advancements in AI, connected vehicles, and infrastructure, with a special focus on collaboration and practical impact.
To effectively communicate our mission and expand our impact, UTCRI seeks a qualified vendor to develop:
A dynamic and modern brand identity for Chattanooga Connect that reflects its mission and innovation-driven work.
A user-friendly, engaging website that serves as a central clearinghouse for information and updates about the conference, as well as other content (i.e. blog posts, semi-annual meetups) that relate to its areas of focus.
Preference will be given to locally-owned vendors headquartered in Hamilton County as of the time of their response. Proposals from sole respondents with qualified subcontractors will be accepted provided there is a single, consistent point of contact for the client.
Schedule of Events. Subject to change
RFP Issued: February 3, 2025
Written Questions Deadline: February 14, 2025
Response Deadline: February 21, 2025
Vendor Selection: March 7, 2025
Project Commencement: Mid-March 2025
Project Deliverables
1. Brand Identity
The selected vendor will develop a comprehensive brand identity for Chattanooga Connect. This identity must:
Include a logo, typography guidelines, color palette, and other brand assets.
Be adaptable for various platforms, including digital, print, and signage.
Reflect the collaborative and forward-thinking spirit of UTCRI’s mission as represented through the Chattanooga Connect content and events.
2. Website Development
The new website will be built on a simple, scalable Content Management System (CMS), such as WordPress or Squarespace, and include the following pages and functionality:
Landing Page: Visually compelling entry point summarizing Chattanooga Connect’s purpose..
About: Sections for Mission/Vision, Staff Bios, and Current Project Descriptions.
Events: Integrated calendar with links to ticket sales platforms for events.
Contact: Contact form and relevant contact information.
Newsroom (Blog): Section for articles, press releases, and updates.
Email Sign-Up: Integrated form for visitors to subscribe to newsletters and updates.
The website must be:
Mobile-responsive and accessible per ADA guidelines.
Optimized for search engines (SEO).
Designed for ease of use and navigation.
Proposal Requirements. Respondents must include the following in their proposals:
Company Overview
A brief description of the vendor, including relevant experience in brand identity and website development.
Examples of similar projects successfully completed.
Profiles of key team members or subcontractors involved in the project.
Proposed Approach and Methodology
Detailed outline of the process for developing the brand identity and website.Timeline for each deliverable, including key milestones.
Description of how the vendor will ensure accessibility, user-friendliness, and scalability of the website.
Budget Proposal
Comprehensive budget estimate for the project, including a breakdown of costs for each deliverable and payment schedule tied to milestones.
References
Contact information for at least three (3) clients for whom the vendor has completed similar work.
Additional Information
Any other details that demonstrate the vendor’s qualifications.
Evaluation Criteria. Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Experience and Portfolio: Demonstrated expertise in brand identity and website development, especially for research or academic organizations (20 points).
Proposed Approach: Clarity and feasibility of the proposed methodology and timeline (40 points).
Budget: Alignment with project needs and budget transparency (30 points).
References: Positive feedback from previous clients (10 points).
Local Preference: Vendors based in Hamilton County, Tennessee, will receive priority consideration.
Submission Guidelines
Submit proposals in PDF format to Kerry Hayes at kerry@coeonow.com with the subject line: “Chattanooga Connect Proposal.”
Direct any questions regarding this RFP to the email address above by February 14, 2025. For procurement policy-related inquiries, refer to the University of Tennessee System Procurement Policies available at FI0405 – Procurement.
Proposals must be received by close of business on Friday, February 21, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.
Terms and Conditions
UTCRI reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and is not obligated to select the lowest-cost proposal.
All intellectual property developed under this project will be owned by UTCRI.
Vendor selection is contingent on compliance with applicable procurement policies of the University of Tennessee System.
We look forward to reviewing your proposal and potentially partnering to advance the mission and visibility of the UTC Research Institute through the Chattanooga Connect brand.
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