PickWhosWho Voting Site

We desire the creation of a website where people can nominate and vote in various categories. The backend should use Ruby on Rails (preferred - or CakePHP). We will design the front end in HTML. This RFP is for the backend functionality, with guidance on connecting the backend to the HTML. Project Requirements and Specifications Core functionality is as follows: (1) A hierarchy of categories that contain various lists of nominations (i.e., Sports >> ... “Jason Schmidt??, etc). Categories will be organized in a directory. (2) The ability for a user to vote on the list of nominations (3) The ability for users to add nominations to a list (automatically), and the ability to suggest categories (moderated). (4) The ability for users to accumulate points for participating on the site. Points will be given for registering, voting, nominating, etc., and a leader board will list top users. (5) User activity will need to be tracked, so that, for example, a user can only vote on one nomination per day (but can vote in different categories); a user can create a “watch list?? of categories; etc. (6) The application will send out email for various functions, e.g., User alerted when new list is created in a particular category; User alerted when a contest is over, and where the user’s nomination placed in the contest; User can invite friends to participate in a contest. (7) Discussion board (i.e., comments) functionality for each list of nominations. (8) An administrative back will be required to be able to add categories, moderate suggestions, delete discussion posts, etc. In addition to the core application, a number of standard components should be integrated in the application, e.g., breadcrumb navigation, search, user registration and user profile management, RSS feeds, etc. The above core functionality elements will be built in “Phase 1?? of the project. ## Deliverables Phase 2 of the project are additional elements that will be incorporated into the site depending on numerous factors. Elements of Phase 2 are not included in the scope of this RFP. They are included for the sake of completeness, and so that development can proceed with these potential future elements in mind. Phase 2 Elements include a mobile platform, a facebook application, and the incorporation of a merchant account. Platform and Language Requirements The web application must be programmed with Ruby on Rails. As much as possible, off-the-shelf plug-in modules should be used in the development of the application. The database must be MySQL. All programming must meet strict WC3 standards as outlined on the [login to view URL] web site. Scheduling and Time Frame We desire work on the web application to begin no later than Nov. 1. We desire the site to be functioning no later than mid-January 2008, in time for presidential primaries. Even with the above constraint, our timeline is moderately flexible, and we welcome a frank discussion from the vendor on timing issues. Client Deliverables and Communications A single point of contact will be provided to communicate with the chosen vendor. The client will turn around all approvals or feedback requests in approximately two business days, no longer than five days. Most approvals and feedback will be provided within one business day. The core web page design and associated graphics will be supplied by the client. Vendor Deliverables The vendor is responsible for installing and configuring the application at the host. (The beta testing of the web application and initial launch will be on Dreamhost.com.) The vendor is responsible for comprehensive bug testing and defect tracking. The vendor must have a one-day turnaround for email message from the client. Ability to maintain ordinary business hours (US Central time) and be available for phone calls is a plus, but not necessary. Instructions and Basis for Award of Job Bids should include the name and contact information of persons to be contacted for clarification of the bid if needed. Proposals should include a summary of an approach to the work with regards to process, methodology, and testing/quality assurance. Proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria: - 40% Team Experience - 30% Completion Date - 30% Price Other: 1) Complete and fully-functional working program(s) in executable form as well as complete source code of all work done. 2) Deliverables must be in ready-to-run condition, as follows (depending on the nature of the deliverables): a) For web sites or other server-side deliverables intended to only ever exist in one place in the Buyer's environment--Deliverables must be installed by the Seller in ready-to-run condition in the Buyer's environment. b) For all others including desktop software or software the buyer intends to distribute: A software installation package that will install the software in ready-to-run condition on the platform(s) specified in this bid request. 3) All deliverables will be considered "work made for hire" under U.S. Copyright law. Buyer will receive exclusive and complete copyrights to all work purchased. (No GPL, GNU, 3rd party components, etc. unless all copyright ramifications are explained AND AGREED TO by the buyer on the site per the coder's Seller Legal Agreement). ## Platform Dreamhost is the Web host.