NLT-2073-03-CK

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Tourism Mobile Application for Android for Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation

RFP Issued By: Target Marketing & Communications Inc.,

Date of RFP Release: 20 November 2012 Deadline for Submission: 04 December 2012

November 2012

NLT-2073-03-CK

Contents

Executive Summary ....................................................................................................... 1

1.0 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 2

1.1 Objective .................................................................................................... 2 1.2 Background ................................................................................................ 2

2.0 Project Scope ...................................................................................................... 2

2.1 Requirements and Mobile App Features ................................................. 2 2.2 Project Management ................................................................................. 4 2.3 Timeframe .................................................................................................. 4

3.0 Content of Proposal ............................................................................................ 5

3.1 Qualifications & Experience ..................................................................... 5 3.2 Company Overview ................................................................................... 6 3.3 Technical Specifications ........................................................................... 6 3.4 References ................................................................................................. 6 3.5 Fee Schedule ............................................................................................. 7 3.6 Schedule & Development Timeline .......................................................... 7 3.7 Work Plan ................................................................................................... 7

4.0 Proposal Evaluation............................................................................................ 8

4.1 Written Proposal ........................................................................................ 8 4.2 Interview ..................................................................................................... 8

5.0 Questions ............................................................................................................. 8 6.0 Submission Process ........................................................................................... 9

6.1 General ....................................................................................................... 9 7.0 Selection of Winning Vendor ........................................................................... 10

8.0 Summary of Key Dates ..................................................................................... 10

NLT-2073-03-CK

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR TOURISM ANDROID MOBILE APP 20 November 2012 Page 1 of 10 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Target Marketing & Communications (Target) is seeking proposals for our client from qualified developers capable of developing and implementing a mobile application (“app”) for Android.

A custom solution to meet our tourism client’s specific mobile requirements is required. Competitive differentiation is a key criteria for our client and the final product must reflect the client’s brand positioning and experience through visual cues, design and functionality. The goal is to initiate the project in January 2013. The firm objective is to launch the app as a trip planning tool to coincide with Newfoundland and Labrador’s key travel season, May-August 2013. Specifically, the goal is to deliver a build that meets all project requirements by 29 March 2013.

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Objective

Target Marketing & Communications Inc. (“Target”), is seeking proposals for our client from experienced and qualified firms or developers to assist with the development and implementation of a mobile Android application (“app”).

Refer to ‘Project Scope’ for the specific features and requirements envisioned for the Android version of this mobile app.

1.2 Background

Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism markets the Province as a top-of-mind travel destination. For further information on Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism, visit NewfoundlandLabrador.com.

As part of it’s digital strategy, Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism launched the Newfoundland and Labrador Travel Guide iOS app in June 2012. App features include: interactive mapping and GPS capabilities; the ability to search by what’s closest to you; a function for saving ‘favourites’; news, blogs and social media updates; directory and background info by region; directory of tourism operator content accessible even without a cellular or wi-fi connection; weather reports; and ongoing updates and improvements. Note: an updated iPhone build is in progress with some added features and bug fixes and will be launched January 2013.

The app is compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), and iPad / iPad mini.

The app is available on the iTunes store simply by searching Newfoundland and Labrador Travel Guide. It can also be downloaded from: http://www.NewfoundlandLabrador.com/app.

The Android app graphics, UI, UX, workflow, functionality, features and data integration should be a direct adaptation from the iOS app.

2.0 PROJECT SCOPE

2.1 Requirements and Mobile App Features

The graphics, UI, UX, workflow, functionality, features and data integration of the Android app should be a direct adaptation from the iPhone app: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/newfoundland-labrador-travel/id534308354?ls=1&mt=8

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The selected vendor will be supplied with the iPhone assets in a layered PSD format and will lead the front-end design process. Target and zedIT will support by contributing direction and assets as required (both upfront and ad hoc throughout the design process).

Note: a new iPhone build is in progress, with some added features and bug fixes that will be launching January of 2013. This is the build that should be mirrored for Android.

The app must provide core functionality when network connectivity is unavailable. Detail with regard to offline data accessibility is outlined below. • Data Integration.

- Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism maintains a JSON API describing businesses, attractions, blogs, news and other information related to tourism within the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The app will need to perform dynamic network data syncing and parsing of this JSON data.

- The app must integrate data from disparate sources including Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism’s JSON API and social media APIs.

- The app should check for updates every time it is launched. When updates are being downloaded they should be visually represented, for the end user, with a progress bar that has dynamic loading messages (i.e., “checking for new data”, “downloading new data”). Note: the app must allow the user to optionally disable automatic data updates.

- Different fields of the data feed will need to be parsed and displayed depending on the section / area of the application.

- The app should leverage the device GPS to sort data by proximity (i.e., the app should use GPS capabilities of the device to estimate distances and directions to tourism businesses, attractions and events).

- The app must allow the user to search the data by keywords or phrases (including misspelled terms).

- The app must allow the user to filter data by region and other criteria specified by the JSON API.

- The app must display news and blogs by rendering HTML content sourced from the JSON API within the app. It should allow the user to follow hyperlinks to content sourced externally to the app when connectivity allows.

- Data must be cached / stored upon download so that it can be accessed when not connected to wi-fi or a cellular network. Furthermore, the app should dynamically check when launched, returning from background and during session usage to determine if it has lost connectivity. If connectivity is lost the wi-fi / network dependent functions (e.g., mapping) should have a smart and aesthetically graceful method of not appearing (i.e., the app should work when not connected to wi-fi or a cellular network). Likewise, these features should gracefully return when connectivity is regained.

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• The app must fully integrate Google Maps within the app, via their API, to provide location information and travel directions for the tourism businesses, attractions and events listed in the JSON data.

• The app must integrate with Twitter and Facebook to display Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism’s social media feeds.

• The app should support the following versions and screen resolutions for the Android smartphone platform:

TABLE 1: Android Smartphone Platform

2.2 Froyo 2.3 Gingerbread 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich 4.1 Jelly Bean

800 x 480 854 x 480 1024 x 768 1280 x 720 1280 x 768

• The option to expand the proposed app to Android tablet devices supporting the below parameters should be quoted separately for consideration:

TABLE 2: Android Tablet Devices

3.0 Honeycomb 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich 4.1 Jelly Bean

1024 x 600 1024 x 768 1280 x 720 1280 x 800 1920 x 1200 2560 x 1600

• The app should be monitored via an analytics package that tracks app opens, visits, feature visits and other key metrics.

2.2 Project Management

This project will be managed by Target and zedIT on behalf of the client.

2.3 Timeframe

The goal is to initiate the project in January 2013.

The firm objective is to launch the app as a trip planning tool to coincide with Newfoundland and Labrador’s key travel season, May-August 2013. Specifically, the goal is to deliver a build that meets all project requirements by 29 March 2013.

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3.0 CONTENT OF PROPOSAL

Proposals should address the following:

3.1 Qualifications & Experience

In an executive summary format no greater than five (5) pages in length, provide a description of relevant experience and expertise relating to the requested work.

The company must demonstrate experience in the app development industry and demonstrate experience in developing apps for the tourism and travel market (destination marketing experience preferred), as well as proven experience in Android development. Specifically, the company must be able to demonstrate the following: • The development of published Android apps that show a range of custom

graphics and UIs with intuitive workflow and UX (i.e., not an “out of box” solution).

• Knowledge of Google Play, its policies and submission process. • Experience working with data sourced from mature enterprise class

systems, ideally from a government environment. Experience working with data related to the tourism industry is preferred.

• An understanding of OCIO best practices, especially in regard to data integrity and network security. Refer to: http://www.ocio.gov.nl.ca/ocio/itresources

• Expertise in the development of published Android apps that are data heavy and meet the following criteria: - Parse data and apply different display and sorting rules throughout

different areas / sections of the application. - Dynamically update data and visually represent the update process and

progress for the end user. - Extensively categorized informational directory that provides filtering

options for the end user to sort data. - Functionality that allows the user to search the data by keywords or

phrases (including misspelled terms). • Experience in development of apps that leverage GPS capabilities of the

device to estimate distance points of interest and sort items by proximity. • Experience in development of Android apps that work when not connected

to wi-fi or a cellular network. Specifically: - Data caching so content can be accessed when the device is not

connected to wi-fi or cellular network. - Dynamic checks during session usage to determine if there is device

connectivity to a network or wi-fi. If connectivity is lost the wi-fi / network dependent functions of the app should have a smart and aesthetically graceful methods of not appearing. Likewise, these features should gracefully return when connectivity is regained.

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• Experience in the development of published Android apps that fully integrate Google Maps via their API.

• Experience in the development of published Android applications that integrate with Twitter and Facebook to display social media feeds.

• Experience in the development of published Android applications that support the following versions and resolutions:

2.2 Froyo 2.3 Gingerbread 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich 4.1 Jelly Bean

800 x 480 854 x 480 1024 x 768 1280 x 720 1280 x 768

• Experience in the development of published Android apps that support the following versions and resolutions:

3.0 Honeycomb 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich 4.1 Jelly Bean

1024 x 600 1024 x 768 1280 x 720 1280 x 800 1920 x 1200 2560 x 1600

3.2 Company Overview

Provide a brief description of your company, including: • Number of years in business. • Number and profile of employees to be assigned to this project including

the ability to assign a dedicated account manager or project manager. Outline the size and skill sets of your development / graphics team.

• Primary / alternate contact person with address, telephone and fax numbers.

3.3 Technical Specifications

Provide a description of the company’s systems (hardware and software) to be used to provide the services requested and also note the proposed hosting solution / backup system. If applicable, describe user tools to be made available as part of the proposal for the purposes of data exchange, reporting, communication or other (e.g., device for client based user acceptance testing).

3.4 References

Provide three (3) references of similar services with comparable magnitude conducted over the past two (2) years. For each reference provide a contact name and telephone number as well as a description of the project for which the services were provided. The client reserves the right to contact any of the references provided.

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3.5 Fee Schedule

The bid must address all cost factors associated with the project as outlined in the ‘Project Scope’ and listed within the RFP. The fee schedule should include a detailed listing of all fees (hourly / daily) and incidental charges that will be included in project quotes for development. All fees should be broken out by individual and/or task.

Proponents are asked to clearly indicate the expiration date of the price quoted for services to be rendered (e.g., 30, 60 or 90 days).

The costs evaluated include initial development for Android smartphone platform – specifically the versions and screen resolutions listed in Table 1 in Section 2.1. Also, the option to expand the proposed app to Android tablet devices noted in Table 2 in Section 2.1 should be quoted separately for evaluation. In addition, ongoing maintenance fees or any other fees that will impact the app development and implementation should be clearly itemized.

There is no obligation to select the lowest cost proposal. Proposals will be evaluated based on the above-listed criteria and the company must demonstrate high quality at a competitive price. Quality is paramount to help ensure our client’s ongoing tourism marketing leadership.

3.6 Schedule & Development Timeline

The Proponent must commit to the in-market date and provide a realistic development timeline and testing plan that they will commit to as well as a dedicated project lead for the development with Target and zedIT. The company must be easily accessible and available at all times.

The goal is to deliver a build that meets all project requirements by 29 March 2013.

3.7 Work Plan

The Proponent is to provide a realistic work plan to support the efforts required to develop and implement the mobile app and to identify the Proponent’s state of readiness to assume responsibilities set out in this RFP.

In terms of an ongoing maintenance approach, the company must commit to updating the app in conjunction with OS and hardware updates on an ongoing basis and to address any bugs, etc.

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4.0 PROPOSAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

4.1 Written Proposal

Written proposals will be evaluated on the basis of the overall best ranking for the development, implementation and maintenance of the Android mobile app based on the quality, service, price and other criteria set out in this RFP.

Specifically, submitted proposals will be evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:

Mobile App Development, Implementation & Maintenance Points

Proposed Development Approach: (a) Understanding of work scope, development approach and technical

requirements (b) Proposed schedule / ability to complete the project in a timely manner (c) Key professionals assigned – number, qualifications, experience Subtotal Proposed Development Approach Cost: (a) All fees for development, ongoing maintenance Subtotal Cost Company: (a) Information to demonstrate the company has sufficient experience and

resources / facilities to complete project (b) Experience / reputation of company in conducting similar development,

specifically in tourism / travel app development for Android Subtotal Company

20

10 5

35

25

25

20

20

40

4.2 Interview

The top candidates may be interviewed to determine which firm or individual most closely meets the requirements set out in this RFP.

5.0 QUESTIONS

Questions relating to this RFP may be directed by email to Trevor Kearsey, Digital Developer, at tkearsey@targetmarketing.ca. The deadline for questions is 27 November 2012.

Questions must reference this RFP and include the individuals name, company, and contact information. Aside from the designated contact person listed above, we ask you not to contact any Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism employees, NATI Board Members or other members of Target. Such contact may result in immediate disqualification.

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6.0 SUBMISSION PROCESS

Three (3) copies of the proposal should be submitted to the contact information below:

Target Marketing & Communications 90 Water Street (On the Park) St. John’s, NL A1C 1A4 Attention: RFP Submissions – Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism Android

Mobile App, Trevor Kearsey, Digital Developer

Proposals are due on or before 04 December 2012 at 12:00 noon Atlantic Standard Time.

6.1 General

Lowest or any proposal not necessarily accepted.

Proposals received on or before the stipulated closing date will not be returned. All proposals shall be treated as confidential.

There shall be no payment for costs incurred by the proponent in the preparation and submission of a proposal in response to this RFP, or costs incurred in making necessary studies for the preparation thereof, or to procure or contract for any services or supplies.

The right is reserved to reject or authorize for utilization any offer in whole or in part, with or without further discussion or negotiation.

The right is reserved to amend this requirement or cancel it in its entirety.

The right is reserved to seek clarification on any proposal submitted to facilitate the interpretation of the proposal’s content.

The right is reserved to enter into negotiations with parties who have submitted accepted proposals, with the view to establishing an agreement acceptable to the client.

Please direct any requests for clarifications to the content of this RFP solely to the designated contact person listed within this proposal (Section 5.0 and 6.0).

Proponents are instructed to respond, in their proposal, in sufficient depth to permit evaluation against the stated requirements as identified within this document.

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Proponents must submit their proposal in one document, which contains both a technical proposal and a financial proposal. One (1) hard copy and one (1) electronic copy are required.

7.0 SELECTION OF WINNING VENDOR

It is expected that the winning vendor will be selected by w/o 17 December 2012.

The winning vendor will be notified both by email and by phone. 8.0 SUMMARY OF KEY DATES

RFP Issued 20 November 2012

Deadline for Questions 27 November 2012 Submission Deadline 04 December 2012

Interviews (If Applicable) w/o 10 December 2012

Expected Date to Award Contract w/o 17 December 2012

Expected Start of Contract 02-04 January 2013 Delivery Date 29 March 2013