REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

In the coming months, Chicago Public Radio will launch a new public radio offering to broadcast throughout metropolitan Chicago, Northwest Indiana, and be streamed on our website for even wider audiences. The mission of the service is to be a bridge, intersection or meeting space in which authentic voices of the region are given a platform to reach other citizens through innovative and interactive use of audio medium in multiple technologies.

The web platform for this service is an essential part of the project.  The radio station will embrace technology as a tool to create a greater connection with its audience.  Rather than serving simply as a warehouse for archiving audio heard on the radio, the site will seek to foster and host a creative audio community of user-generated content which will feed what is heard on 89.5 FM. From this web-based library of user-produced audio, the staff will select, assemble, and provide continuity and context for the broadcast. 
 
The site will be an active place for listeners as well as content contributors.  Users should be able to search, listen to and rate content, and upload their audio through an easy-to-use interface.  Interaction, with staff and between authors and listeners, must be encouraged and supported. 

Website Features

Membership:

·         Membership registration system
·         Searchable membership profile system that includes the ability to upload photos (limited), tag favorite audio files, send/receive private messages, and update bio/financial information.

Audio Library:

·         Searchable tagged audio library system with upload component for registered users
·         Peer rating and review system for uploaded audio content
·         The ability to stream and download audio content
·         Links to pre-built live stream of audio from station
·         Email links to audio (send to a friend)

Administrative Tools:

·         Web-based workflow system for user/audio approval
·         Blogging system for site admins and radio hosts
·         Ability for radio hosts to publish live playlists

Commerce Tools (integrated into pre-existing commerce system Convio):

·         Tip jar with options for regularly scheduled donations and premium gift selection
·         Online store with the ability to purchase a product for self or as a gift
·         Ability to purchase virtual products, like upload space, or premium membership
·         Ad tile system with click-through tracking

Other:

·         Online maps of virtual recording stations
·         Ability to move audio from library to broadcast platform
·         Contact forms
·         RSVP forms for free events
·         Community-building interactive features (polls, surveys, etc.)

Based on these elements, Chicago Public radio’s goal is to build a site that will be a destination for creative audio content.  To achieve this goal, we are requesting letters of proposal from qualified web development vendors.

We seek a firm or independent contractor with these qualitfications:

·         Proven ability to implement large scale sites using open source technologies
·        Familiarity with Drupal a big plus
·        Familiarity with object-oriented programming
·        The ability to code components that plug in to existing development platforms
·        Familiarity with other server-side languages
·        Experience setting up and working with MySQL databases
·        Experience setting up and administering *nix-based web servers
·        Familiarity with the .NET platform, and SQL Server
·        Photoshop / Imageready experience
·        A portfolio that includes completed, dynamic, data-driven web sites
·         Knowledge of data storage issues, and web site scaling issues

Your submission should include information about your services, current clients, staff vitae, and fees. If you operate on a retainer, please also include an hourly or flat rate for specific projects.

Please submit two (2) copies of your letter of proposal by Monday, September 18, 2006 for consideration. Proposals should be addressed to: Steve Gadlin, Web Developer, Chicago Public Radio, Navy Pier, 848 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611. You may also submit your proposals digitally by emailing sgadlin@chicagopublicradio.org. If you have any questions, please contact Steve Gadlin at 312-948-4632.

Sincerely,

Daniel Ash

Vice President, Strategic Communications