The document requests proposals from website developers to create a new industry-specific website. It should include user profiles for buyers and suppliers, with features like inventory listings, product searching, leads notifications, and ratings/reviews. The homepage needs basic information and login. Profiles need customizable settings and sections for company details, media, etc. Developers should provide details on costs, timelines, and examples of similar work exceeding the quality of samples listed.

1. Request For Proposal
Please send proposals or information requests to Eric.Spett@Gmail.com. Contractors will be
evaluated based on and should provide information relating to the following:
-Demonstration of clear understanding of all project requirements and a well thought out vision
for the final product.
-Timeline in which the project can be completed and methodology (phases) used to complete
project.
-Project team members including qualifications & potential responsibilities. Please indicate any
potential use of freelancers or outside recourses.
-Methods and availability for communication and collaboration.
-List of technologies/languages/scripts/services to be used.
-Examples of past work on similar projects that meets or exceeds the quality of sample websites.
-Detailed invoice that outlines costs for each major element of the system and any alternative
methods that could be used.
-List of references from similar projects including contact information as well as the services
performed and duration of project(s).
GENERAL OVERVIEW:
Our organization is seeking website developer(s) / designer(s) to create a website that will
function as an industry-specific service that facilitates new relationships between buyers and
sellers and provides the tools necessary to make better business decisions. No transactions other
than subscription payments will occur. Funds are available to begin the project as soon as a
qualified contractor is identified.
The homepage and informational pages of the website should function as any normal website
would and will contain mostly static elements. Once a user is logged into the system it should
feel more like an application or program. Members of the website will fall under the category of
either buyer or supplier. Suppliers will use the website mainly to list their inventories and
company information. Buyers will mainly use the website to browse supplier profiles and search
inventory listings.
The philosophy for the website is to create a system that is extremely intuitive, offers rich
functionality, and is visually appealing. The demographics of targeted users vary drastically so
the final deliverable must be usable by those with only basic technological knowledge while still

2. being appropriate for those with substantial knowledge. All textual content will be provided and
we will collaborate with the graphic designer in providing detailed specifications for the layout
and graphics.
Below is a list of specific technical requirements for the system divided up by homepage and
system. Anything listed may be changed based on insight/ideas from potential developers.
Additional information is available upon request, however, you may be asked to sign a Non-
Disclosure Agreement.
The final section of this document includes a list of current websites that have relevant
similarities to our vision. Please view the list in order to gain a more complete understanding of
the quality we require. We are only interested in developers who can meet or exceed the quality
of these websites.
HOMEPAGE
Login:
A box to enter username and password will be visible on the homepage as well various other
pages that stem from the homepage until a login has occurred. There will also be a “remember
me” check box which will allow a user’s login/password information to be saved in the boxes for
subsequent visits but will not log them in automatically. If a user comes back to the site within
“X” amount of time, it should automatically log them in. There will also be a link to reset and/or
resend login information in the event it is forgotten.
Create an Account:
Clicking this link will take users to the registration page. They will be shown the different types
of memberships available and have the option to select a membership type, fill out a registration
form, and accept the terms of use. Users will then choose the length of their subscription and
pay. Users will have the option of recurring monthly billing or one-time payments. The system
must have the ability to accept promotional/referral codes and track their use. Payment options
will include credit card at the bare minimum and additional options such as PayPal, Google
Checkout, and eChecks are also likely. Once payment is processed, an auto generated email will
be sent to confirm payment and have a link to activate the account.
Dynamic Information Box:
The homepage should include a tabbed box that will change information as different tabs are
clicked (when a tab is clicked, the information shown in the box will change but the user’s
browser should not load a new page if possible). This box will contain mostly static information
about the website (Overview, Benefits, How it works, Testimonials, Etc.) Additionally, a guided
tour (video, click-through, etc.) will be needed to demonstrate the system.
Help:

3. This link will contain mainly static information (Using the website, Customer service, Polices,
FAQ, Etc.)
Company Information:
This link will contain static information (Mission, Principles, History, Etc.)
Contact:
This link will contain static contact information and a contact form that will automatically
generate an email. The use of an online help system is being considered.
Promotions:
This will be an area to display current promotions. The information will change periodically.
Current News:
This will be an area to display current news. The information will change periodically.
Newsletter / Social Networking:
This section will have a form in which people can subscribe to a newsletter and/or follow on
popular social networking sites.
RSS Ticker:
The ticker will provide a feed from industry news sources.
Automated Browser Check:
This will ensure that a users' browser and computer settings are correctly configured for use of
the system.
Footer:
The footer will contain text, pictures, and links to static pages (Help, Contact, Etc.)
The System (Once Logged In):
Profile:
All users of the system will need to create a profile immediately following account activation.
Different types of subscribers will utilize different profile features and sections. Users must have
complete control over what information is displayed in their profile, who is able to view it, and
have comprehensive settings to customize their page. Users must be able to easily edit, add or

4. remove, and rearrange (physically) sections they choose to use. The following is a list of
sections, features, and requirements for the entire system, most of which stem from user profiles.
Company Information:
This section will be used to list general company information for a member. They will be able to
choose what information they would like to include from a comprehensive list of predefined
fields. Users should be able to upload and use their company logo in this section.
Dynamic Lists / Trends / Search (Database):
A user will be able to create either a list of their inventory and prices (supplier) or a list of
products they are looking for (buyer). A users' inventory or wanted list will be displayed in its
entirety on their profile page and individual products will be displayed in search results and
related pages. All potential products listings need to be added to a database. Each type of
product has many associated variables that results in a large number of products coming from
relatively few "top-level" choices. Users should be able to create their lists with minimal hassle
and it would be ideal to integrate these lists with an Excel spreadsheet that can be downloaded or
exported, changed, and re-uploaded. The following is an example of our vision for the process
in which a user adds a product.
1. User begins typing name of product and a list automatically appears below displaying
potential choices.
2. User makes a selection from possible variables specific to that product.
3. User selects appropriate check boxes, inputs any other pertinent information and clicks ADD.
Ideally, users should be able to drag and drop products around their price list and also be able to
add either a product or text (heading, info, descriptions, etc.) to any cell.
All data regarding user inventory lists must be stored in databases for use by other features. The
system should be able to generate trends and information about each of the products and groups
of products listed on the website. Initially, users should be able to obtain simple data such as
high, average, and low prices for a given product as well as the number of listings for it, where
the sellers are located, etc. In the future the system should be able to generate more complex
trends such as seasonal patterns in listings and prices from all current and historical data stored in
the product and user databases.
The search function of the system is also a very crucial component. As previously mentioned,
there are many different variables for each type of product and users must be able to be as broad
(simple search) or specific (advanced search) as they would like. Search results must be able to
be filtered on based on variables located in both the user and product databases.
The database and features accessing it will be the most used aspect of the system and therefore it
is crucial to have substantial experience working with databases and advanced search functions.

5. Buy/Sell Leads:
If a seller lists a product on their inventory list that is located on a buyer’s wanted list the system
should be able to notify the seller of a potential selling lead. Users must be able to choose the
types of alerts they want sent/received.
Overstocks/Specials:
Each member that lists inventory will be able to select a predetermined number of products from
their inventory list that will be displayed on a specials page. This should be as simple as clicking
a checkbox while editing their pricelist or having their products come up in a list with an
“add/remove” button next to them.
Rating & Feedback:
Users will need to leave feedback for each other that is both quantitative and qualitative. A
system similar to those found on popular online retailers should be sufficient. Users will need to
be able to sort by member ratings in applicable search result pages.
News:
This section will allow members to display current company news.
Specials:
This section will allow members to display current company specials.
Media Gallery:
Users must be able to display pictures and video on their profiles. Pictures can probably be
uploaded directly to the website while videos should probably be hosted on a 3rd party website
(YouTube, etc.) and embedded.
Favorites:
Users browsing a profile or search results should be able to add the member to a favorites list
that will serve as an address book.
Profile Settings / Account Management:
Users must be able to have complete control of who accesses their profiles and what they are
able to see. It must be easy and straightforward for users to set up their profile exactly how they
want and restrict access to only those they want. Subscribers will be broken down into logical
categories based on the information they provide in the registration form and these categories
will be used to restrict access and viewing permissions. This section will also contain account
management settings. Users will be able to edit their account information as well as cancel
subscription, enter promotional codes, renew subscription, add on services, etc.

6. Journal/Notes:
While using the system, users will need access to a notepad at all times. The notepad should be
readily available from any screen and users should be able to add multiple notes. Additionally,
users should be able to search within, tag/categorize, and email notes.
List ("Shopping Cart"):
When viewing a specific product that is located in search results or on a profile inventory list,
users should be able to add the item to a list for future reference.
Chat:
A chat or instant message system should be in place where users are able to have conversations
with each other in real-time. Users should be able to save, store, or email their conversations.
Mail:
Each user will have a mailbox in which they can send and receive messages to/from other
members. A thread should be created for each new conversation.
Security:
The website, databases, and payment systems must have security controls in place to prevent
theft and/or destruction.
Advertising:
Initially, the website will be mostly free of advertisements. However, advertising will likely be
implemented as soon as use of the website is widespread. Developers must be able to account
for the need to advertise on static pages as well as in dynamic pages such as search results.
Advertising could be in the form of banners or “keyword / search term” based targeted ads.
Graphics:
We are looking to collaborate with the designer(s) / developer(s) in the creation of the website
layout and images. We will likely provide detailed specifications and sketches for many of the
graphics required. The graphic designer's vision and abilities will determine how much
instruction is needed.
Web Analytics:
The system must be able to track the usage of the website and provide meaningful data that can
be used to improve usability and design.
Upkeep / Maintenance:

7. Periodic updates to the website will likely be handled in-house. However, major updates and
new projects will inevitably occur.
Search Engine Optimization:
The website must be designed with SEO in mind. We would like to be in the top 5 search results
when the major keywords associated with our website our searched.
Sample Websites:
www.koofers.com Login: espett@uga.edu / Password: testtest
The overall feel and functionality of this website is very similar to what we are looking for. The
site is very clean, extremely intuitive, and offers some functionalities similar to what we
envision. The homepage and login/registration forms are both done well. Also, the class
scheduling/adding system functions very similar to how we would like our inventory system to
function. The toolbar and section tabs are also similar the navigation we would like to
implement on profiles. The search results page displaying different categories and rollover
boxes is also very appealing. This website is the best example of the level of quality and
functionality we are looking for.
www.facebook.com
The way profiles are set up, edited, arranged on Facebook shares many similarities with how we
would like our profiles to function, although Facebook contains many more options than we
require. Facebook is the best model for how profiles should function and the types of settings
used to control them. Additionally, the bottom toolbar that never disappears would be ideal for
the tools (notes, search, chat, etc.) that should always be available for use and multi-tasking.
www.beattheinsiders.com Login: espett@uga.edu / Password: testtest
This website is also very clean and intuitive. The tabs located below the week number provide a
good way to navigate without reloading pages. All of the sites functions work well and are very
user friendly.