Decision details

To enhance user experience, improve accessibility, and align with strategic objectives, a comprehensive redevelopment of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and Travel South Yorkshire websites is being undertaken.

The scope of this redevelopment includes consolidating content from multiple websites into a unified and cohesive platform. The sites to be consolidated include:
• South Yorkshire Invest
• South Yorkshire Business
• South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership

An experienced digital agency with extensive expertise in developing Kentico websites is required to conduct a thorough discovery phase. This phase will guide the direction of the project, ensuring that the final solution effectively and sustainably meets the needs of all users.

Following the evaluation process, Spindogs was identified as the preferred supplier. Clarification questions were issued to confirm their suitability and address any concerns raised. The responses provided were thorough and demonstrated their capability to deliver the project as required. As a result, the evaluation panel agreed to award the contract to Spindogs.

The discovery phase is expected to take four months to complete at a cost of £71,750.00.

That the contract award to the web agency Spindogs is approved to the value of £71,750.00.

Consideration was given to a number of options:

1. Completing the work internally - Unfortunately due to available resource this was not a viable option, in addition several elements would still have needed to be outsourced (e.g. external focus groups) and therefore it was also not a cost-effective option. This option is not recommended.

2. Outsourcing to a web agency to complete the discovery and development as a complete job – The discovery will inform the required development and provide a detailed specification that can be costed. Dependant on the stakeholder requirements, additional development budget may be required from the relevant departments. In addition, some agencies may be stronger at discovery or development and this option does not allow us to select a suitable agency strong in both areas. This option is not recommended.

3. Outsourcing and selecting an agency to run a discovery – this option allows for a full discovery engaging with internal and external stakeholders providing user and data led requirements ensuring fit for purpose enhanced websites. This option provides reporting and documentation that can then be used to procure the development phase, that can be full prioritised and costed. This option is recommended.