Start by putting together a requirements document - this should describe the business objectives - it should also give a description fo the functional requirements and depending on how big/complex the project is and your capability inhouse you might want the contractor to write a detailed functional specification - against which their performance will be measured.

Ask for a high-level project plan - this outline will give you an idea as to whether or not they take a structured approach - check for control points they have through the project (e.g. functional spec sign-off)

As for selecting 6 companies you can start by looking at well-known web companies in your locale and check for RECENT successes - ask for 3 reference clients giving approx. project values & time to deliver (and contact the referees)

Get each of the 6 companies to issue a proposal and then invite the best 3 in for presentation.

If it's a large project look at the capability of the company - public sector risk managament would expect a ratio of at least 1:4 (contract value: contractor revenue). There are also agencies who will do financial checks on companies.

Hope this helps

On 23:07:32 11 November 2003 trarymary wrote:
>Hello
>I've been asked to manage the tendering process for a
>website relaunch. The company has it's own graphic
>designer and will supply its own content. I'm project
>managing the relaunch and doing site architecture and have
>been asked to put the web development part of the project
>out to tender. The boss wants me to approach 6 companies
>but beyond that there is no established tendering process.
> I usually work with in-house developers so I could do
>with some advice on what is an appropriate way to
>conducting the tender process and produce a speedy
>result.
>Thanks
>Cath

When it comes to selecting a company - do ask to talk to their clients and find out about previous solutions delivered.
Was it:
on-time
within budget and
according to spec.

Were there any hiccups along the way and if so how did the developers handle them.

regards

There are no real templates as such, each project will have its own requirements. There are many specialist law companies as well as contractors that can assist with drawing these up. You can use this list as a basis...

A typical SLA for software dev should include:
Purpose
Agreement
Product description
Timescales and costs
Requirements phase
Application development lifecycle
Technical specification
Development phase
Debug and testing
Document & release
Technical support
Crisis management
Issue escalation procedure
Glossary of terms

An SLA is more effective if it is part of a Legal Agreement which should include:
Definitions
Appointment and obligations of the parties
Delivery, installation and acceptance testing
Fee
Warranty, support and maintenance
Additional services
Liability
Copyright, trademarks, and other intellectual property rights
Indemnities and liability
Confidential information and security
Termination
Non-solicitation
Variations
Assignment
Force majeure
Project management and notices
Data protection
Escalation procedure
Waiver
Severability
Partnership
Law and jurisdiction

Peter

On 23:44:42 13 November 2003 trarymary wrote:
>Thanks for the useful responses. They helped confirm what
>I suspected already - good point about the SLAs as well.
>Does anyone know of any good templates out there?
>
>Thanks
>Cath

Cath,
Are you now sorted for a Tender template?
If not, please let me know.

When you are at the point of submitting tender applications to companies, might I take the opportunity to express our interest. This is assuming that you do not already have a particular list of companies in mind.

More information on us can be found at www.e-scapemedia.co.uk and my e-mail address is

Best regards and good luck,
Paul Randall

We would also be interested in tendering for your project - if you have not already shortlisted who you would like to work with. Our website gives client references and case studies that will help you to determine if we are a good fit for the project that you have in mind. http://www.marketingnet.com

I hope all goes well.

Best regards, Jane.