sample of answer

Week6 Course Project

RFP Response to E-Library Subscription Opportunity

Link:

https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=6d5611f41fa1fde5d650907967e44fa6&tab=core&_cview=0

Solicitation Number: RIIA-12-00119

Response Date: Jun 13, 2012 11:59 pm Eastern

Table of Contents

1.0 Cover Letter

3
2.0 Technical Approach 4
2.1 Our Understanding of the Requirements 4
2.2 Key Solution Considerations 5
2.3 SOLUTIONZ Inc. Proposed Technical Solution 5
2.4 Key benefits and advantages of the proposed solution 8

3.0 Resumes of Key Staff

10
4.0 Capabilities of executing the project 16

5.0 Cost Proposal

17
6.0 References of similar past performances 18

1.0 Cover Letter

10 June 2012

Sharon D Johnson

Office of the Chief Procurement Officer

Department of Homeland Security

Washington, District of Columbia 20528

United States

Dear Miss Johnson,

We thank Department of Homeland Security for providing the opportunity to respond to the request for proposal for “E-Library Subscription Opportunity”. We strongly value this opportunity realize that this initiative is strategic to your goals to maintain higher levels of service and quality to your customers.

SOLUTIONZ Inc. is a leading provider of information technology and consulting services, based in New York with more than 600 employees. We cognizant combine a unique customer centric business model along with deep expertise of developing IT solutions across multiple customers along with domain knowledge of building library solutions to respond to your opportunity.

I am attaching our response to your RFP, “SOLUTIONZ Inc. response to E-Library Subscription Opportunity” for your consideration. Our team would be most happy to elaborate on any specific aspects of our response. I certify that all information provided in this response is true to the best of my knowledge and that the financial proposal will remain valid for the next 90 days.

We look forward to working with you to further strengthen our relationship and our commitment to your organization and demonstrate our people and process capabilities. Once again, thank you for the opportunity.

Looking forward to your favorable response

Sincerely,

SOLUTIONZ

CEO, SOLUTIONZ Inc.

2.0 Technical Approach – The technical approach for the solution is structured as

1. Our Understanding of Requirements

2. Key Solution Considerations

3. SOLUTIONZ Inc. Technical Solution

4. Benefits and advantages of proposed solution

2.1 Our Understanding of the Requirements – Based on the RFP, the requirements that are in scope for this project are summarized below

· Web-based library automation system

· Must offer a simplified user interface for rapid information access to analysts and researchers.

· Must have a low-cost browser enabled device.

· Simplified internal workflow.

· Catalogue holdings.

· The solution system should have integrated search functions.

· The solution system should have a robust system that will track, retrieve, manage and archive reference material.

· The solution system should only allow administrators to have access to the e-Library back end tables.

· Internet-ready computer capable of running Internet Explorer to search by title, author, subject, keyword, or any of 11 standard numbers.

· The solution system should be on a back end server that will accommodate a large amount of storage area.

· The solution system should be able to be upgraded easily.

· The solution system should be able to pull updates and demographics from other U.S. government electronic libraries located globally.

· The solution system should have the capability to integrate internally and externally customers if needed.

· The solution system should accommodate multiple users at once and should include a user friendly interface.

· The solution system must provide encryption security and classification management.

· The subscription shall allow the capability to add updates, and annual renewals or options as required by the government continued requirements.

2.2 Key Solution Considerations – Various business and technical considerations are necessary for coming up with a robust and fully functional solution. Subscribers are the key to success and effective subscription management is the need for any publication unit today. Subscription management involves maintaining database of existing subscribers, ways to generate new leads/subscribers, and easy integration with other elements of the workflow. Organizations have to be quick in responding to subscriber’s needs and demands to make them comfortable with the services provided by the publishers. In order to be competitive in the market, a good system has to be in place to automate the subscription management workflow. Subscription management software helps publishers in widening subscriber base and improved sales and revenues. A strong subscription management solution includes:

· Easy-to-use interfaces: helping users to maintain their subscription profiles, update billing and delivery address, contact information, special promotions, and customer benefits.

· Centralized subscriber information: nominations can be received through online, mail, phone, and reference.

· Subscription facility for multiple items, promotions, and terms.

· Easy to block or renew subscription feature.

· 24*7 web-based systems, which is available to everybody and controlled by strong authentication/authorization.

· Strong search capabilities and payment options.

· Integration with order management, reporting tools, and company web sites.

Based on the requirements that are given in the RFP, and applying our expertise in designing such systems, the key considerations for building such a system that go into the technical solution are detailed below.

· N tier, Service Oriented architecture

· Presentation layer consisting of multiple User Interfaces for Web based and Mobile based applications.

· Services layer providing Strong Integration capabilities with external systems

· Powerful open source search solutions

· Provides Plug-in services for extended functionality.

2.3 SOLUTIONZ Inc. Proposed Technical Solution – Given the solution considerations and requirements, SOLUTIONZ Inc. proposes to implement this solution using the Subscription Express Subscription Management Solution. Subscription Express is a hosted software solution for all types of companies including publishers, universities, societies, niche and new media subscription businesses. Subscription Express hides the deployment complexities and infrastructure of a subscription management system, allowing you to focus on core business and on your customers. The solution provides customer service and web tools essential in a subscription environment with a low cost of ownership. The solution is focused on speed to market to get you up and running quickly.

The Subscription Express solution combines the powerful features of THINK Enterprise in a hosted environment. Successfully manage your front and back office business with applications built for and used by subscription businesses across the world. Whether your business is simple or complex, you can rest assured that you will be able to promote and monetize your content based on traditional and forward looking subscription models while driving successful renewal and recapture campaigns. Make the decision today to protect and grow your customer base with our world class solution to better serve your customers, build stronger relationships, and increase your ROI. The functional architecture of this solution is depicted below followed by description of various features

Customer Management – Accessible through any Internet connection, our Customer Service modules allow you to see and manage all of the customer data that is critical to the success of your business. The streamlined workflows help you manage subscriber orders and renewals, process payments, create service tickets, manage payments & billing, and more. Use the configuration tools to manage your product codes, variations, and pricing structures. Subscription Express is a cloud-based subscription management solution. This focused solution is designed for accessibility, flexibility, and simplicity. Since this solution resides in our facilities there are no capital expenditures for hardware, no complicated installations or deployment processes, and no complicated integrations.

Web Services – Internet commerce is an essential part of business. The Subscription Express solution includes web services for an XML/SOAP interface to manage e-commerce transactions including presentation of products for sale, purchase, subscriber self-service, authentication and authorization to subscription and non-subscription content.

Essential Data – From the outset, you will receive reporting data in several forms. We will provide system output files (label, renewal, payment, etc.) in .csv format which you can format and print or transfer to your fulfillment house. In addition, transactional, marketing, and accounting data will be available on specified intervals so you can track the success of your business and make adjustments as necessary. You will also be able to interact with your subscribers for events like order confirmation, renewal reminders, and fulfillment utilizing standard email templates.

Data Security – THINK Subscription maintains a PCI Level 1 certified datacenter to ensure that your data is secure and protected. For extra security, THINK Subscription has also completed PA-DSS certification for the THINK Enterprise application. Rest assured that your data is secure. Data privacy is handled by THINK Enterprise security and server access logins. Sensitive credit card information is tokenized and encrypted using the newest payment technologies deployed by the major payment gateways. Other sensitive data is encrypted using strong encryption technologies. The solution provides incremental and full backups with weekly off-site secure storage.

Professional Services – We recognize that professional services will be important to you. The THINK Subscription team includes experts in publishing, subscription management, and marketing who can augment your needs with Professional Services in the following areas: training, education, data conversion, and best practices.

2.4 Key benefits and advantages of the proposed solution – Benefits and advantages of the proposed solution include

Flexibility and Simplicity:

· Options and modules can be matched to your business needs and easily expanded in the future.

· Clear and simply designed forms with easy navigation between them.

· Multiple forms can be opened without disruption or delay.

· Intuitive design for rapid data entry including keyboard only data entry if desired.

· Subscription and Mail Order Wizards for easy data input

· Bundle options for combining subscription and product offers

· Range of standard reports including ABC analysis, plus option for user defined reports in Crystal Reports.

· Reports can be viewed, printed or exported to .csv or formats.

· Produce letters and bulk emails using Oak Letter, a powerful built in html editor.

· Import data from .csv or fixed format files and set up CSV definitions for exporting data

· Import subscriptions and orders directly from a website without re-keying of data.

· Subscribers can review and renew their subscriptions online.

· Full membership capability

· Multi-currency and multi-VAT rates.

Customer Records:

· Central customer file with ability to list possible duplicate customers as new customer details are entered.

· Selection of check methods for scanning for duplicate customers.

· Manage customer mailing preferences.

· Customer membership facility.

· Optional fields eg. organisation, job title, department, DOB, sales agent.

· User definable fields.

· Customer discount rate.

· Customer List – with selection of filters for easy customer grouping.

· Multiple delivery addresses.

· Full display of historical transactions.

· Vertical links with organizations and other customers.

· Comprehensive, dated notes facility.

· Record all letters and emails sent to customer.

· Multiple data list with various uses e.g. recording multiple competition entries.

Subscriptions Wizard: The Subscriptions Wizard enables quick, simple and easy entry of customers, subscriptions and payment details with the minimum of effort. In one continuous process, the user moves smoothly between screens to create all transaction records in seconds.

Subscription Dashboard:

· Unified view of portfolio

· Real time KPIs

· Life-cycle visibility

· Ensure profitability

Subscription Contract Administration:

· Create Subscription Contracts from Sales Orders

· Easily Update, Add, Delete Items

· Multiple Types

· Start and End Dates

· Item History from Start to Finish

· Case History on Subscription Contract

Renewals

· Proactively manage renewals

· Automated reminders

· Identify upsell opportunities

· Co-terminate Subscription renewals

· Prevent revenue leakage

· Eliminate data re-entry

Subscription Contract Accounting

· Flexible billing schedules

· Improve billing accuracy

· Enhanced revenue recognition

· Fully integrated to general ledger

3.0 Resumes of Key Staff

We at SOLUTIONZ Inc. understand that the quality of implementation is directly related to the quality of people working on it. We are a team of highly motivated and skilled individuals with experience of having done similar work before. In this section we present resumes of key company personnel expected to work on the project if we win the bid.

Resume 1 – <>

SUMMARY: Expert Knowledge of XHTML (standards compliance and basic accessibility) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). Good knowledge of Adobe Fireworks/ Photoshop/Dreamweaver/ Homesite, QuarkXPress, and Microsoft Office. Windows and Macintosh environments. Knowledge of Flash. Basic video editing.

EXPERIENCE:

WEB DESIGNER

· Responsible for design, site structure (information architecture), and daily maintenance of a global website and many of it’s localized sites.

· XHTML & CSS coding, image editing, and some Flash. Basic use of ASP, JavaScript, and some VB script

· Play a key role in the design and layout of several sites, Interactive CDs and other projects

· Editing and preparation of videos for the web

FREELANCE WEB DESIGNER
2000-PRESENT

· Planning, design and implementation of complete web sites

· Design with standards compliant code with emphasis on browser compatibility, accessibility, and search engine optimization

· Audio and video editing for the web

GRAPHIC DESIGNER
1997-1999

· Layout and design of advertisements with attention to detail

· Worked with production team to meet critical weekly deadlines

· Performed memory upgrades and general file cleanup of network server

EDUCATION

WEBMASTER / INTERNET DESIGN, A.S.

Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Winsted, CT, 2000-2002

COMPUTER SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY, A.S.

Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Winsted, CT, 1995-1998

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA, HVAC/P

Oliver Wolcott Regional Vocational Technical School, Torrington, CT, 1991-1995

Resume 2 – <>

Career Objective: To obtain a challenging position as a Senior Web Designer where I can utilize my graphic and web designing skills for the growth of the organization.

Summary:

· Possess eight years of professional experience in web designing

· Extensive knowledge of current web standards, CSS and HTML

· Familiar with designing layout for various web pages

· In-depth knowledge of creating workable links between different portions of pages

· Effective written and verbal communication skills

· Ability to identify core requirements of a successful web page navigation

· Possess good organizational and management skills

· Goal oriented and ability to work effectively with a number of clients

Technical Skills:

· Extensive knowledge of PageMaker, CorelDraw, Photoshop, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and Microsoft FrontPage

· Familiar with JavaScript, HTML, Perl, Windows 95/98, Macro Media DreamWeaver, Windows XP and Illustrator

Educational Qualification:

· Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from XYZ Science College, University of Boston, Boston in the year 1997

· Master’s degree in Computer Science from university of Boston, Boston in the year 2001

Certification Course:

· Certification Course in Web Designing, System Web Designing Centre, Boston 1997

Work Experience:

Senior Web Designer

· Assigned the tasks of developing and maintaining internet and intranet by using Dream weaver, Photoshop, HTML and Flash

· Handled the responsibilities of designing user-friendly interface for on-line programmers like web-driven e-mail and multimedia

· Responsible for creating graphics like logos and icons by using Photoshop and Fireworks

· Assigned the tasks of administering Internet e-mail accounts for clients

· Conducted training sessions regarding the use of programmers like Dream Weaver and Fireworks

· Responsible for installing shopping carts by using CGI scripts for client websites

Web Designer

· Responsible for creating corporate portals, websites and large scale-web applications

· Handled the tasks of designing and optimizing graphics for corporate clients sites

· Assigned the responsibilities of reviewing information architecture and creative design for feasibility

· Responsible for designing and coding on user forms for website that require user registration

· Designed interactive web pages for e-commerce sites

· Handled other tasks under the instructions of the Senior web designer

Areas of Interest:

· To apply new software tools in designing web and adapt to the changing environment

· Ability to adapt visual designs into dynamic websites and websites templates

· To contribute my best web designing skills in creating original designs for web

Resume 3 – <>

OBJECTIVE: To obtain a challenging position as a Web Designer within a large exciting company.

EXPERIENCE:

Web Designer

· Met and corresponded with clients to determine client needs for company sites

· Created corporate web sites, portals and large-scale web applications

· Developed and designed new web interfaces, layouts and site graphics

· Created and Designed test web sites for sales as well as demonstration purposes

· Comprehensive technical knowledge of HTML programming and JavaScript coding

· Responsible for quality assurance of finished websites including the validation of web forms and links

· Designed trained users and templates on development of future pages

· Developed and maintained intranet and Internet for Company Websites utilizing Dream weaver, HTML, Flash and PhotoShop

· Performed validation of completed sites including the debugging and testing of code

· Developed and designed user-friendly interface for on-line programs like multi-media systems and web-driven e-mail

· Created graphics including icons and logos using Fireworks and PhotoShop

· Facilitated training on the use of programs such as Fireworks and Dream Weaver

· Installed shopping carts by use of CGI scripts for business client websites

EDUCATION: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Boston, MA 
1994 – 1998 BS in Computer Science

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

· Languages: C, HTML and JAVA.

· Proficient with HTML, Macromedia Dream weaver, Fireworks, Allaire Home Site, Microsoft Office Professional Edition, Adobe Acrobat, WebPosition Gold, Top Dog, Search Engine Optimizer (SEO)

· Familiarity with Adobe Go Live, Microsoft FrontPage, Adobe PhotoShop, Jasc Paint Shop Pro, Macromedia Flash

Resume 4 – <>

Objective: To seek a position of a web designer in a company where my skills and abilities will be used and nurtured.

EXPERIENCE: Copley Web Designers, Boston MA 
2000 – Present

Web Designer

1. Responsible for the design and development of Internet, Intranet, web sites and web applications through the use of Macromedia Dream weaver, Front Page and Adobe PhotoShop 5.0

2. Developed page layout, navigation, copy, animation, buttons and icons

3. Presented designs and concepts to clients and the management for review

4. Installed shopping carts, automatic response mailers and online forms

5. Assisted help desk staff in streamlining the process

1998 – 2000

Jr. Web Designer

1. Responsible for the design of client websites right from conceptualization stage to its implementation

2. Worked with digital graphical design tools including Adobe PhotoShop, Fireworks, Flash and Illustrator

3. Created animations using flash for an on-line multimedia store

4. Responsible for web hosting and the installation of e-mail and forms

5. Developed access database and web interface suitable for client needs

6. Perform the validation and testing of the finished web sites

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

Windows 95/98/2000

MS DOS

Java

HTML

JavaScript

Shell

Visual Basic 4.0

Microm Rbase

Macromedia Dream Weaver

Fireworks

Adobe PhotoShop

MS Access

Microsoft Front Page

Oracle

Corel Paradox

Visual C++

Adobe Photo Mill

  

Resume 5 – <>

Objective: To seek a position of a web designer in a company where my skills and abilities will be used and nurtured.

EXPERIENCE:

Web Designer

1. Responsibility for overall web project management from development to execution and maintenance

2. Responsible for the graphic design and implementation of company web site including navigation, writing HTML and JavaScript and optimization of web graphics

3. Developed banners for advertising on corporate client sites

4. Created and maintained database driven intranet sites

5. Upgraded servers, clients and hardware in order to comply with new standards

6. Used excellent communication skills in tandem with an extensive technical knowledge to help resolve problems for clients

Jr Web Designer

1. Led a team of designers for designing and developing interactive Web Sites using Dream weaver, Fireworks, Front Page and Adobe Photoshop

2. Designed and optimized graphics for corporate client sites

3. Coordinated Quality Assurance procedures including testing and debugging of code

4. Write HTML, JavaScript, Tables, Frames and Graphics

5. Installed Shopping Carts using CGI scripts

6. Administer Internet e-mail accounts for corporate clients

7. Responsible for training staff to provide technical support

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

· HTML/CGI/Perl, JavaScript 

· Adobe PhotoShop, Illustrator, In Design, Image Ready 

· Macromedia Dream weaver 

· Windows 3.11 to Windows XP 

· Microsoft Front Page and Office Suite 

· Operating Systems: MS DOS, Windows 95/98, Windows NT, and UNIX.

4.0 Capabilities of executing the project – We have multiple solutions developed that can be added to this project in a value creating manner. We also have the right set of people and have done this work before which ensures we have the right credentials to do the project. One of the solutions we have developed is discussed below that is very relevant to this project and shows our capabilities is discussed below

SOLUTIONZ Subscription Solutions – SOLUTIONZ Inc. provides efficient and cost effective software and services for all subscription based businesses and are the developers of SOLUTIONZ Subscription Solutions, a powerful subscription management package with many innovative features. SOLUTIONZ Subscription Solution is aimed at both the SME and corporate markets and is fully scalable with a range of options and modules to match your business needs both now and in the future. Easy to use, yet powerful, SOLUTIONZ Subscription Solution is the subscription management system developed with the forward thinking publisher in mind and provides the tools to effectively manage and increase your subscription business by delivering a host of strong benefits:

· A full range of subscription types, either paid or controlled circulation, suitable for print and digital issues or date based for premium web content.

· Order processing facilities for the sale of non-subscription items such as books, DVDs, event tickets, etc.

· A single fully integrated online shop online subscription management and online validation for digital issues and premium web content subscriptions.

· Flexible renewal processes designed to improve renewal retention with options to communicate by letter and/or email.

· An integrated PCI compliant payment handling facility for both web and telephone/mail order sales channels.

· Pro-active marketing and targeting capability based on customer criteria and transaction history data using SOLUTIONZ Subscription Solution’s unique Campaign Wizard.

5.0 Cost Proposal

Based on the scope and details provided by your organization through the RFP, SOLUTIONZ Inc. proposes to complete the e-library subscription project in 16 calendar weeks including 4 weeks of warranty/post implementation support. The fixed fee for the project is $500,000 USD including T&E expenses.

Note: The above pricing details are based on the information received in RFP and during Q&A call.

6.0 References of similar past performances – Details of various customers who have implemented our library subscription and online solutions are given below. If necessary a call or visit to the customer can be organized upon consultation with the sales representative at SOLUTIONZ Inc.

Customer Name

Scope of Work

Current Status

ABC Inc.

Library Management System

Project Successfully Completed

XYZ Corporation

Online Books Catalog System

Project Successfully Completed

KK Systems

Subscription Management Solution for 50000 subscribers

Project Successfully Completed

Modern Library

Exhibition Management System

Project in Progress, to be completed by FY12

TTT University

E Subscription Library system

Project in Progress, to be completed by FY12

ABC Schools

Online Books Catalog System and Library Management System

Project Successfully Completed