Improving the Town of Chapel Hill's Website

I just got this today in the Chapel Hill eNews (town email list). Its the details of how a vendor must register to get RFP (Request For Proposal) information about rebuilding the Towns website. Vendors you have two weeks to register.

8. Vendors Wanted for Web Site Redevelopment

The Town of Chapel Hill will be issuing a "Request for Proposals" (RFP) to obtain hosting services and support from qualified firms for the Town's web site redevelopment project. Vendors interested in submitting proposals in response to the Town's RFP must register their intentions via e-mail no later than April 18, 2008.

Proposals from unregistered vendors will not be accepted. To successfully register, submit all of the following information:

Vendors will receive an e-mail confirmation of successful registration. The RFP process, including registration, will be conducted through the Internet and email. For complete information, see the project web site at http://chapelhillwebrfp.rhjassociates.com

Periodic updates will be sent to the e-mail address supplied in the registration request including notice when the RFP is posted on the project web site. Full details regarding dates, procurement status, policies and procedures are provided in the RFP.

No pre-proposal information conference will be scheduled. Questions may be submitted through the link on the project web site. Answers to questions will be issued in addenda that will be posted on the project web site.

Please carefully read the terms and conditions specified in the RFP to ensure compliance with registration and submission requirements.

• Company Name
• Contact Name (Single point of contact)
• E-mail Address of Contact
• Firm Address (Street, City, State and Zip Code)
• Phone Numbers (Office, Fax and Cell)
• in an e-mail with the Subject "Registration" to: chapelhillwebrfp@rhjassociates.com

This is a huge opportunity for a total rethink of how we interact with our local government via the Internet. The priority must be on facilitating effective two way communication. NOT creating a pretty postcard website. A strong eDemocracy strategy must be considered this time.

Almost three years ago we discussed the "Extreme"-ly dubious makeover that the Town of Chapel Hill website got. Before that the, now defunct, technology committee gave copious recommendations and advice on how the website should be done. Now the new paid technology consultant for the Town says a new website is on the top of everyone's list for a fix. (Shock! Surprise!) Here is yet another opportunity to do it right.

What do you want your local governments to do with their your websites?