Click here to view a PDF of this request for proposals.

Request for Proposals:
Complete College America Website Redevelopment 

Introduction 

Complete College America (CCA) is seeking proposals from qualified firms or agencies to partner with us in developing a new website that aligns with our updated strategic plan and brand redesign. The new website will serve multiple audiences, including higher education leaders, practitioners, policymakers, funders, and students, and should communicate our mission, vision, and commitment to higher education innovation. 

Background 

CCA is a national nonprofit focused on eliminating barriers to college completion, particularly for underserved populations. We are currently completing a multi-year strategic plan and brand refresh, emphasizing bold, data-driven solutions to transform higher education systems. This website project is a key component in presenting our updated identity and connecting more effectively with our diverse audiences. 

Our Audience 

Complete College America seeks to engage with higher education leaders, practitioners, policymakers, funders, and students. Our primary audience is professionals who work within the higher education space, including campus practitioners, leaders, policymakers, and funders. We refer to our core audience as a “coalition of impatient reformers”—individuals who are unapologetically committed to moving the needle in college completion and making higher education an engine of equity, prosperity, and hope. 

As a secondary audience, we look to reach students and the broader public to demonstrate the importance of higher education to national, regional, state, and local communities and economies.  

Project Objectives 

The website redesign should: 

• Reflect CCA’s refreshed brand identity and strategic plan. 
• Enhance user experience and ensure accessibility for all users. 
• Showcase CCA’s thought leadership, resources, and success stories. 
• Be optimized for both mobile and desktop platforms. 
• Serve as a hub for engaging with our various stakeholders, including students, educators, policymakers, and funders. 
• Integrate seamlessly with our existing content management systems and digital tools. 

Scope of Work 

Discovery and Strategy

• Collaborate with CCA to define goals and identify key audiences. 
• Analyze current website content and architecture. 
• Develop a sitemap and wireframes based on user needs and brand guidelines. 

Design

• Provide a modern, user-friendly design that reflects CCA’s bold, innovative brand. 
• Ensure accessibility compliance (e.g., ADA/WCAG). 
• Design consistent visual elements across pages, including mobile optimization. 

Development

• Build the website on a scalable, easy-to-manage platform (e.g., WordPress, Drupal). 
• Migrate relevant content and pages from the existing website. 
• Ensure integration with CCA’s CRM and other tools. 
• Optimize the site for SEO and fast load times. 

Testing and Launch

• Conduct thorough testing for functionality, security, and usability. 
• Train CCA staff on website updates and content management. 
• Provide post-launch support services to support ongoing website maintenance. 

Submission Requirements 

Proposals should include: 

1. Approach: Outline your process for discovery, design, development, and testing, including how you will ensure the website meets the needs of CCA’s diverse audiences. 
2. Timeline: Provide a project timeline with key milestones, beginning immediately after selection. 
3. Budget: Include a detailed budget breakdown. 
4. Portfolio: Provide at least two examples of similar projects, including “before” and “after” snapshots of the redesigns. 
5. Team: Introduce the team members who will work on the project, including their relevant experience and qualifications. 
6. References: Provide contact information for at least two clients from similar projects. 

Selection Criteria 

CCA will evaluate proposals based on the following criteria: 

• Demonstrated understanding of the project and CCA’s brand refresh. 
• Relevant experience, particularly in higher education or nonprofit sectors. 
• Creativity and innovation in approach to website design and user experience. 
• Alignment with CCA’s timeline and budget. 
• Quality of work from previous projects, as demonstrated through portfolio submissions. 
• Positive references from past clients. 

 Budget 

The budget for this project is not to exceed $45,000.  

Project Timeline 

• RFP Released: January 2, 2025 
• Proposal Submission Deadline: February 3, 2025, 5 pm EST 
• Interview Period: Week of March 3, 2025 
• Final Decision and Notification: Week of March 17, 2025 
• Project Start: Week of March 24, 2025 
• Website Launch: August 1, 2025 

FAQ 

1. What platform should the website be built on? The platform should be scalable and user-friendly. We recommend WordPress or Drupal, but we are open to other suggestions. The current website is in WordPress. 
2. What kind of audience does CCA cater to? CCA engages with a wide range of audiences including higher education administrators, students, policymakers, funders, and advocacy groups. 
3. What branding elements will be provided? CCA will provide our branding guidelines (updated in Fall 2024), including logo, color palettes, fonts, and tone from our ongoing brand refresh. 
4. Is there a budget limit? We are looking for proposals that balance quality and cost-effectiveness, with a cost not to exceed $45,000. Please provide detailed budget estimates for design, development, and maintenance. 

Contact Information 

Please submit your proposal in PDF format to: info@completecollege.org.  

For additional information, feel free to reach out with any questions before the submission deadline. 

We look forward to your submission and to partnering with a dynamic team that will bring CCA’s vision to life!  

Complete College America
350 Massachusetts Ave., Ste. 300 
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
CompleteCollege.org