Questions from Potential Respondents, with CPB Answers
As of May 22, 2013
Note: Questions that are similar to each other are only listed and answered once.
Q1. Who is the web developer and what role do they play? For example, are they responsible for SEO and cross-browser compatibility? Or would the content manager be responsible for those things?
A1. The web developer is responsible for the overall maintenance of the site as well as SEO and cross-browser compatibility.
Q2. Would we be working with a graphic designer assigned to the project? Or should we budget for that?
A2. CPB already has graphic elements for the site. Any other graphic ideas or execution should be factored in to the hourly rate proposed.
Q3. Are there plans to make the redesigned site responsive or to otherwise produce a mobile site?
A3. Yes, there are plans for a responsive site in the future.
Q4. Has the project already engaged expert advisors who we would be able to turn to for consultation when developing and acquiring content? Or should we budget for that?
A4. Yes. Though we expect the content manager to bring expertise to the project related to content development and acquisition, for subject matter expertise, we also consult with an advisor. No budget is required.
Q5. The classroom resource section is extensive. Would we actively seek out new resources or is there a system in place for stations to submit resources for review and approval?
A5. There’s no current plan to add new resources. Any new resources will be added based upon requests by shows and approved by and managed by the content manager. The content manager may approach a producer for the resource or a producer may present the resource to the content manager; at which point the content manager will add the resource to the site.
Q6. Should we include promotional expenses in our budget? (e.g., newsletter distribution, Google AdWords, Facebook ads)
A6. We primarily rely on free social media channels to drive traffic to the site. You may include promotional expenses, but these costs are limited due to need based on targeted metrics, and limited availability of CPB funds to spend on marketing activities. Other paid media and out-of-pocket expenses associated with marketing should only be considered on a limited budget, and all expenses are subject to CPB approval.
Q7. Should we include in our budget funding for content acquisition, including photography?
A7. No. The goal is to use public media content to populate the site. CPB has access to stock photography footage for use as-needed.
Q8. Can you offer any clarification on the scope of "advise and support" and "assist", specifically as it relates to the redesign of americangraduate.org and maintaining the resources page?
A8. As the average work week will range from 25-30 hours, there may be a need to prioritize work with the CPB team.
Regarding a potential relaunch/redesign, the content manager will help to ensure the continuity of assets within the new infrastructure of the site.
The maintenance of the resources page will require minimal time. The resources page is primarily an archive of branding materials. The page is already populated with materials. As new materials are received, the content manager will be responsible for uploading the resources to the archive.
Q9. How many local public media stations will be served during the contract period?
A9. Currently, 75 stations are served by the website. Most of the stations are running their own sites and do not require direct technical support. Other support might involve hosting a webinar, being available to answer questions, present feature packages, etc.
Q10. How should travel to CPB offices and other locations be addressed in our budget? Or is travel reimbursed separately?
A10. Travel is considered an out-of-pocket expense and will be reimbursed separately per CPB’s approval and travel guidelines. Travel is limited.
Q11. Are you open to outsourcing this work to content creation, monitoring and moderation companies?
A11. CPB is seeking proposals from external vendors to perform the duties assigned. All posted RFPs are meant to solicit responses for work that CPB has a business interest in outsourcing.