News & Updates
10/04/2023
CBP’S WEBSITE RFP – Due 10/27/2023
Community Business Partnership (“CBP”) seeks an experienced website developer and administrator (“Contractor”) who will help the CBP expand its mission of helping people start, grow, and finance their businesses.
RFP QUESTIONS PERIOD NOW CLOSED
Answers to Questions submitted prior to the deadline have been listed below.
WEBSITE RFP DUE DATE:
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2023
BY 5:00 PM ET
Interested parties may download a copy of the proposal at the link below.
10/23/2023
RFP QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Question_1:
Provide a password-protected area for downloadable documents for the CBP Board of Directors.
Would you prefer this to be one generic password or link to individual user accounts?
ANSWER:
Each board member would have their own log access via our Box.com file sharing system. We simply want to make it easy for board members to access via the website.
Question_2:
Primary Audience Demography item 5. Business Directory.
Will this be tied to anything from the outside that would need to be integrated?
ANSWER:
Likely external integration, e.g.: edirectory.com. IF a better alternative is presented, it will be considered.
Question_3:
Ability for donors to make financial contributions.
Would you want this done directly through the website or a third party like network4good?
ANSWER:
This will be done through the website via our own payment system.
Question_4:
There is a list of 6 different integrations. Will these all be actual integrations or will some of them just be linked from the website?
ANSWER:
Most will be links. See question 5 answers below.
Question_5:
- If some will be linked vs integrated, could you please note which of the below would require integration?
- Loan Application Portal – LINK
- Loan Clients Access – LINK
- Technical Assistance Support. – LINK
- Email Marketing. LINK
- Elearning Access-point. – LINK
- Storage – Box.com Integration
ANSWER:
See above responses in Italic per each bulleted item.
Question_6:
Would you prefer to use a vendor that is local to you?
ANSWER:
Yes
Question_7:
Is there a preference to partner with a small business?
ANSWER:
Yes
Question_8:
The RFP mentions that your current website is on WordPress. Is there a preference to remain on WordPress or to use a new CMS?
ANSWER:
Website must remain on WordPress.
Question_9:
You indicated a need to accept donations. How are donations currently accepted?
ANSWER:
Data is currently not available.
Question_10:
Do you use a third party to collect donations? A Payment Gateway?
ANSWER:
No, to third party collection source. Yes, to payment gateway.
Question_11:
For CMS, do you like using WordPress or do you prefer a different CMS?
ANSWER:
WordPress is preferred and there are no plans to change.
Question_12:
Could you define social media scrolling and which platforms?
ANSWER:
Linking CBP’s social accounts (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter & YouTube) with the ability to have CBP’s latest LinkedIn post showing on the website.
Question_13:
How are you currently handling your business directory? Does it use a specific plugin? Are you looking to maintain that system?
ANSWER:
This is a new feature/option CBP wants to launch after the website is fully developed.
Yes, CBP will maintain the business directory system via an external/third party provider like edirectory.com.
Question_14:
Are there any external systems which need to be integrated?
ANSWER:
Yes
Question_15:
Which system are you currently using to manage events?
ANSWER:
WordPress integrated plugin
Question_16:
Regarding the website objectives outlined in section 5, particularly the integration of a calendar reservation system and payment portals:
Are you open to incorporating a third-party booking system, or are you looking for a custom-developed solution for CBP?
ANSWER:
Yes, to a third-party booking system or the best WordPress plug-in for effective event/calendar integration.
Question_17:
Regarding to section 7 and the addition of a business directory:
To clarify, are you seeking an advertising system that facilitates recurring payments on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis for companies wishing to be featured in the directory?
ANSWER:
Yes, CBP will consider using a site like edirectory.com for integration of the new business directory.
Question_18:
Concerning the external database integration mentioned in section 9:
a. Loan Application Portal:
- My understanding is that the current system will be migrated to the new website with the existing form. Can you confirm if the form is directly pulled from Lenderfit.io, or was it initially constructed on the cbponline.org webpage?
ANSWER:
The Lenderfit portal is not currently linked to the website.
We currently use WPForms for our loan inquiry submissions. Upon receipt of inquiries and review of inquiry information, the individual is invited by email to apply for a loan. It is at that time they will receive direct access to our Lenderfit portal.
Based on Lenderfit’s pending upgrades, we believe we will be able to eliminate the WPForms portion. (see form here: https://cbponline.org/financing-loan-inquiry-form/)
Question_19:
Loan Clients Access:
- Is the Downhome Solutions Loan Portfolio Management system currently integrated into the existing site, or is integration into the new site part of your requirements for this project?
ANSWER:
No, Downhome is not integrated into our existing site. What we will need is a link for borrowers to access the Loan Client Portal via: https://cbponline.myloanpanel.com/users/sign_in
Question_20:
Technical Assistance Support:
Similarly, is the support provided via Outreach Systems’ Neoserra software already integrated into the current website, or are you planning to have it integrated into the new site?
ANSWER:
No, Neoserra is not currently integrated. Integration with Neoserra is possible and preferrable. It depends on the new site system used for events/calendar management plus not all activities or events will be linked to Neoserra.
Question_21
Regarding the budget in section 19:
Does the anticipated budget of less than $25,000 encompass the entirety of the site’s development, training for three employees, ongoing website maintenance, and content assistance?
If so, how long do you expect the on-going support and maintenance to last?
ANSWER:
The RFP presented a 2-phase approach: Phase 1 – Website Redevelopment and Phase 2 Website Maintenance.
The initial support and training of staff should not require more than 10-15 hours.
Content assistance will be nominal as CBP will be providing most of its content. This assistance will be to provide input that helps the site present in the best way possible, not to write our content.
Again, CBP will consider proposals that meet the requirements of the RFP.
Question_22:
SECTION 8 – USER INTERFACE FOR EVENT REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT
What are the requirements for registrants to ‘book a space’? Will this system be solely used for events and meeting registrations, or will registrants be able to book a space for Incubator here too?
ANSWER:
We use a WPForm for interested parties to inquire about our Business Incubator Center (BIC). The events and meeting registrations will solely be for the Technical Assistance support we provide to clients. The BIC will continue to use the WPForms and internal processes until further notice.
Question_23:
SECTION 10 – WEBSITE SECURITY MEASURES
RE: “SSL certificates and other security measures are paid for directly by the organization.” Is the “organization” referenced here CBP, or will it be the company who builds the website?
ANSWER:
The organization is CBP.
*NOTICE
ALL fees relating to any AND all integrated systems, softwares, photos, or third-party fees directly relating to our website must be approved by CBP and paid for by CBP.
Question_24:
SECTION 17 – PAGE OPTIONS
Under ‘OTHER Pages or info to be added where applicable’ it lists “Media.” Can you provide specific media examples to include?
ANSWER:
Media sources like ‘Inc.com,’ Local Area News sources, etc.; this page would also have our Media Contact information.
We would also like to share media mentions for both CBP and current client updates.
Question_25:
OVERALL FILE MANAGEMENT
The Board of Director files are noted to be stored in Box. Are all files associated with the website stored here or is there another file management system used?
ANSWER:
Yes, Box is our primary online file storage system. Other file management system would be internal / offline.
Question_26:
PLUGINS
Will Plugins be needed for booking space and event sign ups? Will these costs be covered directly by CBP, or should this cost be included in the proposal as a third-party vendor estimate?
ANSWER:
All costs associated with required Plugins and other necessary systems needed to fully develop CBP’s website will be covered by CBP.
NOTICE:
If you submitted a question before or by 10/16, and do not see it posted above with an answer, please resend to the approved contact listed in the RFP.
Thank you,
CBP Management
08/01/2023
FINANCING MARKET EXPANSION
Community Business Partnership is pleased to announce that it has expanded its financing footprint to include the following counties and cities in Virginia:
Counties Added
- Clark County
- Caroline County
- Culpeper County
- Fauquier County
- King George County
- Orange County
- Spotsylvania County
Cities Added
- Culpeper City
- Fredericksburg City
- Winchester City
