Maryland Enterprise Web Strategy (MEWS)

Background
The Maryland Enterprise Web Strategy (MEWS) is initiated by the Maryland Department of Information Technology (DoIT) to address the lack of a unified platform for over 800 websites that provide information and services to Maryland's residents, employers, and visitors.

The goal of this initiative is to enhance digital experiences by creating a user-centered, accessible, and secure web environment that meets the needs of all users, including individuals with disabilities. This Request for Information (RFI) aims to gather market insights and identify capable vendors for future solicitations while promoting socioeconomic inclusion.

Work Details
The RFI focuses on three key components of MEWS:
1) A top-down approach aimed at improving the Maryland.gov website through user research, data analysis, and the development of a user-centered architecture;
2) A bottom-up approach that collaborates with agencies to enhance their specific websites using new templates and a Maryland Web Design System;
3) The establishment of a modern Content Management System (CMS) that addresses current limitations in website management, content control, and security vulnerabilities.

The RFI seeks industry input on best practices for these components, including recommendations for CMS platforms that support agency-specific needs and improve overall digital service delivery.

Period of Performance
The RFI was issued on December 27, 2024, with responses due by January 23, 2025. The timeline for subsequent contracts or projects under MEWS has not been specified but will follow based on the information gathered from this RFI.

Place of Performance
The contract work will primarily be performed in Maryland, focusing on state-hosted websites and any agency sites interested in transitioning to DoIT hosting.