Request for Proposals (RFP): Website Refresh & SEO Project

Issuing Organization: Del Norte Chamber of Commerce
Project Title: Website Restructure for Colorado 150 Content & SEO Optimization
RFP Issue Date: 12/9/25
Proposal Submission Deadline: 1/15/26
Submission Email: chamber@delnortechamber.org
Budget Range: $15,000 (all inclusive)

1. Introduction & Background
The Del Norte Chamber of Commerce (DNCC), the designated Destination Marketing Organization for Del Norte, Colorado, is seeking proposals from qualified web development professionals or agencies to perform a strategic refresh of our existing website, https://dncc.wildapricot.org/.

This project is funded by a grant from the Colorado Tourism Office to celebrate Colorado's sesquicentennial (150th anniversary). The primary goal is to enhance our digital presence to better share Del Norte's unique history and culture, improve user experience, and increase organic visibility through search engine optimization (SEO).

2. Project Goals & Objectives
The successful proposal will achieve the following:

• Create a dedicated "History & Culture" section to showcase Del Norte's heritage as part of the Colorado 150 celebration.

• Improve overall website accessibility to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards, ensuring an inclusive experience for all users.

• Implement on-page and technical SEO best practices to improve rankings for targeted keywords and drive more qualified traffic.

• Ensure the website is modern, mobile-responsive, and easy for DNOCC staff to manage with minimal training.

3. Scope of Work
The selected vendor will be responsible for the following deliverables:

A. Website Restructure & New Content Section:

• Information architecture planning for a new "History & Culture" section, integrating seamlessly with the existing site structure.

• Design and development of 3-5 new template pages for this section (e.g., landing page, article pages, photo gallery page).

• Migration and organization of existing relevant content into the new section.

• Ensure the new section is built on a flexible framework allowing for easy future expansion.

B. Website Accessibility Compliance:

• Conduct a basic accessibility audit of key pages.

• Implement necessary changes to ensure compliance, including but not limited to:

• • Adding appropriate alt-text to all images.

  • Ensuring proper color contrast ratios for text.

  • Implementing semantic HTML structure (correct use of headers, landmarks, etc.).

  • Ensuring keyboard navigability and visible focus indicators.

• Provide a brief summary of changes made for compliance.

C. Search Engine Optimization (SEO):

• Technical SEO:

• • Optimize page load speed.

  • Ensure proper mobile responsiveness.

  • Clean up existing code and fix crawl errors.

  • Implement and optimize XML sitemap.

• On-Page SEO:

• • Optimize all meta titles and descriptions site-wide.

  • Optimize headers (H1, H2s) and content on key pages.

  • Perform keyword research and implement a strategy targeting terms such as:

  • • "Colorado history"

    • "San Luis Valley culture"

    • "Del Norte Colorado history"

    • "Things to do in Del Norte CO"

• Provide a post-launch report detailing SEO improvements made.

4. Budget
The total budget for this project is $15,000. Proposals must include a fixed-price quote that includes all costs for strategy, design, development, implementation, and project management. Please provide a line-item breakdown of costs.

5. Proposal Requirements
To be considered, proposals must include:

1. Company Profile: Overview of your company, years in business, and relevant experience.

2. Portfolio: Links to 3-5 live websites you have developed, particularly those with cultural, historical, or tourism focus.

3. Project Understanding: A brief summary of your understanding of our goals and requirements.

4. Methodology & Timeline: Your proposed approach to the project and a detailed timeline from kickoff to launch.

5. Team: Bios of the key team members who will be assigned to this project.

6. Case Study (Optional): Example of a past project where you significantly improved SEO and/or accessibility.

7. Cost Proposal: A detailed, line-item cost breakdown as specified in the Budget section.

8. References: Contact information for two professional references.

6. Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Understanding of Project Scope & Objectives (20%)

• Proposed Methodology & Timeline (20%)

• Relevant Experience & Portfolio Quality (30%)

• Value & Cost Proposal (20%)

• Team Qualifications & References (10%)

7. Submission Details
Please submit your complete proposal as a single PDF document to chamber@delnortechamber.com by 12/31/2025.

Questions regarding this RFP may be submitted to Jack Yeaton at chamber@delnortechamber.org by 12/30/2025. Answers will be compiled and distributed to all potential bidders who have requested the RFP.

8. Terms & Conditions
The Del Norte Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, to waive irregularities in any proposal, and to select the proposal that is deemed to be in the best interest of the DNCC.

The annual Parade of Lights will take place on Friday, December 5, 2025. The event will feature the much-anticipated Parade on Grand Ave with all your custom creations, Fireworks & Santa! 

This year's theme is "A Christmas Carol"! No registration is required to participate in the parade and all participants must begin lining up for the on 6th & Cedar at 5:30PM. Parade starts promptly at 6:00PM. 

We're also excited to announce our inaugural Hot Cocoa Competition! Do YOU have what it takes to be win the title "BEST Hot Cocoa" in Del Norte?!

To register, visit https://dncc.wildapricot.org/event-6427580!

The 2025 DNCC Scarecrow Bash kicks off on September 26th and runs through October 3rd!

It's easy to participate:

1. Snap a photo of your completed scarecrow by October 3rd.

2. Tag DNCC socials (Facebook and/or Instagram) or send us a photo of your creation.

3. DNCC Board will review & vote on submissions.

4. Winners: 1 business & 1 residential winner will be announced at the October 11th FALL FEST! BONUS: Prizes will be awarded!

 Save the Date! 

Get ready, Del Norte — October Fall Fest (previously know as Oktoberfest ) is coming back!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 4:30–10:00 PM for an evening of...

 Local beer & non-alcoholic drinks
 Delicious food & merchant vendors
 Live music & yard games
 Autumn vibes under golden skies!

This family friendly event will take place on the south side of Columbia Ave in Del Norte, Colorado (near Windsor Hotel and HVCC). Vendors and Volunteers can register by contacting us at chamber@delnortechamber.org! So grab your stein, your sweater, and your favorite people and join us this fall! 

The Del Norte Chamber of Commerce is seeking a new Board Secretary. The role of the secretary includes meeting scheduling, agenda and notes management, community engagement and business support.

Please send your letter of interest, noting experience and reason(s) for applying) to Chamber@delnortechamber.org.