June 8, 2026

Website Redesign Request for Proposals
Proposals Due: July 7, 2026

The Garment District Alliance is seeking proposals from qualified firms to update and redesign its current website:  www.garmentdistrict.nyc . M/WBE businesses are encouraged to submit proposals.

The Alliance seeks to update the “look” and functionality of its current site. Our selected web consultant will develop the site with a mature, user-friendly CMS, in accordance with brand style guidelines provided by the Alliance, and in full compliance with all applicable ADA regulations.

Questions will be posted with answers as they come in on this page. 

Find the full RFP at the link below.

Q: Can GDA clarify the primary objective of the redesign beyond updating the site’s look and functionality: improved public-facing storytelling, easier content management, better access to district data, stronger SEO, higher engagement from specific audiences, or all of the above?
A: An engaging  visual representation of the wealth of neighborhood data is the primary objective of the redesign. 

Q: The RFP identifies seven audience groups. Is there a primary audience or preferred hierarchy?
A: GDA does not view any single audience group as the primary focus of the website. Our work supports everyone who lives, works, owns property, operates a business, or visits the Garment District.

Q: Are updated brand guidelines, design assets, and content resources available?
A: Yes. GDA can provide a complete branding guide, design assets, photos, and other content resources.

Q: Can we access the brand guidelines as we are working through the RFP?
A: You can find our brand guidelines here. 

Q: How much latitude should we assume within the provided brand guidelines? For example, layout system, interaction design, data visualization style, illustration/iconography, motion, photography treatment, and modular content components?
A: Thoughtful recommendations that expand upon the existing brand while remaining consistent with GDA's identity are welcome. Vendors may view the branding guidelines as a foundation to build upon.

Q: Is there a preferred CMS/platform (Drupal, WordPress, SaaS CMS), or should vendors recommend the best solution?
A: The GDA does not prefer a specific CMS platform. Vendors should recommend the solution they believe is best suited to our needs.

Q: Is there a documented inventory of Drupal content types, custom modules, and theme customizations available during discovery?
A: No, there is no documented inventory. 

Q: Total CMS users anticipated
A: We anticipate 4 users. 

Q: Can you provide monthly user numbers?
A: Over the past year our site averaged 3,166 users and 6,455 page views per month.

Q: What are the biggest challenges or limitations with the current website?
A: Current challenges include limited flexibility for presenting the wealth of data we have in a visually compelling manner, content updates involving images require more effort than desired, and we would like a more visually satisfying desktop experience.

Q: Will GDA provide a finalized sitemap and content inventory before project kickoff?
A: GDA will provide a sitemap and content inventory before project kickoff.

Q: Is content migrating as-is, or is new or revised copy expected? If new copy is needed, is this a vendor deliverable or GDA's responsibility?
A: The GDA will review and edit copy for the new site.

Q: Is a content audit or inventory expected as part of this engagement?
A: No.

Q: Will GDA's in-house team be responsible for drafting and delivering final copy for new and updated pages, or should vendors include professional content writing services?
A: The GDA will be responsible for delivering final copy for new and updated pages.

Q: What level of integration is expected with Salesforce/District360, GinkgoCity, Power BI, and LiveXYZ (real-time, scheduled sync, or manual updates)?
A: Scheduled Sync Once Daily

Q: Are APIs available for all required data sources and maps?
A: API’s are available.

Q: Should the dashboards be embedded from Power BI or developed natively within the website?
A: We are open to suggestions to updatable databases that can host the data to be visualized on the website, including but not limited to PowerBI.

Q: For each connected system (Salesforce/District360, Ginkgo.City, PowerBI), who administers it, will GDA provide API access and credentials, and will the third-party vendors be available to support the integration work if needed?
A: GDA staff will administer the system and manage providing data, API access, and relationships with third parties to support integration work as necessary.

Q: How does GDA envision this data being integrated on the new site?
A: Updatable dashboards that present the data in a visually compelling, filterable, and interactive way. 

Q: Can you provide technical documentation, export samples, or API access details before proposals are due?
A: API access will be supported by a member of GDA staff. 
API access information for Ginkgo.City is provided here. 
District 360 supports website integration with Salesforce features, more can be found here. 
Hotel, office, retail, pedestrian, subway, bus, and CitiBike data are all CSV documents, 

Q: Can you share examples of the data dashboards or maps (yours or others') you consider successful?
A:Effective transit ridership data visualization 
Effective business directory (similar communication method would work for vacancies) 
Example of an embedded Ginkgo.City map to be adapted to show streetscape assets 

Q: For the additions listed in the RFP, are these expected to be designed and built within this scope OR will they be provided to us to embed on the site and not require us to work on them?
A: The additions identified in the RFP are expected to be designed and built as part of the project scope. Existing third-party platforms and data sources may be utilized where appropriate, but these features should not be assumed to already exist in a finished form. All existing data to support these tools currently exists. The method of connecting this data to updatable maps and dashboards is up to the proposer to suggest the most effective tool and format. 

Q: Approximately how many records are expected in the garment industry directory?
A: Approximately 1600 records.

Q: What search and filtering capabilities are required for the garment industry directory?
A: At a minimum, users should be able to filter by business type and use a keyword search to refine results. Depending on the available data fields, additional filtering may include product categories (e.g., womenswear, menswear, outerwear), or other industry categories.

Q: Is the garment industry directory a new feature being built from scratch, or a migration/redesign of something that already exists in Salesforce?
A: The directory is a new feature being built for the website. The data to support this new directory currently lives in Salesforce. 

Q: For the garment industry directory and vacancy maps, who owns and updates the underlying records, and how often?
A: The GDA owns the directory records and will update them as often as possible. The vacancy data is also owned by the GDA and will be updated quarterly.

Q: For the embedded maps (vacancies, retail, hotels, streetscape assets), should these be custom-built, or is integrating an existing tool (e.g., the current LiveXYZ retail map, Ginkgo.City's own map views) acceptable?
A: Either solution is acceptable. The location information for the maps will be pulled from Salesforce.

Q: The MTA, CitiBike, pedestrian, and economic data is currently stored locally. What format is it in, and who will be responsible for updating it after launch?
A: The data is contained in CSV files and will be updated by a member of GDA Staff.

Q: For the "comprehensive repository for quarterly, annual, and special reports", roughly how many documents exist today, and do you need search/filter/tagging, or a simpler, organized library?

Q: What ADA compliance standard is required (WCAG 2.1 AA or WCAG 2.2 AA)?
A: WCAG 2.1 AA, but we are open to reasons why we should consider 2.2.

Q: Has GDA conducted any recent SEO or accessibility audits that can be shared?
A: GDA has not conducted a recent SEO or accessibility audit.

Q: Are there any security, privacy, or compliance requirements beyond ADA accessibility?
A: The website should follow current industry standards for security, privacy, and data protection.

Q: The RFP mentions “The Alliance seeks a firm qualified to offer a strategic SEO plan and recommendations to improve the organization’s web presence.” Do you view this as an ongoing retainer to support SEO or making sure the site improves SEO through the rebuild?
A: The GDA views this as something the vendor would make sure the site improves through the rebuild.

Q: Do the dashboards and integrations need to be live by December 14, or can they phase in after the core sitelaunches?
A: GDA would prefer the dashboards and integrations launch with the new site.

Q: Are you open to 2027 launch or phased launch?
A: GDA's preference is to launch the full website in 2026. However, we are open to considering a phased approach or adjusted timeline if vendors believe it would significantly improve the quality, functionality, or long-term success of the project.

Q: Who will be the primary stakeholders and approval team during the project?
A: The main contacts will be the Director of Planning & Marketing and the Communications Manager. Final approvals may involve executive leadership and select board members.

Q: How many review rounds should vendors plan for?
A: Vendors should assume multiple review rounds, but GDA will endeavor to provide complete feedback in a manner that aligns with our timeline.

Q: How quickly can the project team expect consolidated feedback?
A: GDA will endeavor to provide consolidated feedback within three business days.

Q: Is there an incumbent vendor currently supporting the website, mobile applications, or related systems? If so, will knowledge transfer and transition support be available?
A: Yes. A vendor currently supports the website. We anticipate an orderly transition if necessary.

Q: Could you please confirm the anticipated budget range for this project and whether it includes ongoing maintenance and support services?
A: GDA has established a project budget that includes consideration of ongoing maintenance and support, however, the budget will not be disclosed during the procurement process. Vendors should submit pricing based on the scope outlined in the RFP and identify any optional services, and recurring costs.

Q: Do you require case studies specifically from nonprofit organizations, or are website redesign case studies from other sectors acceptable?
A: Case studies from other sectors are acceptable and welcomed.

Q: Would you prefer vendors to showcase experience with website redesign projects involving data dashboards, directories, and interactive maps?
A: As this is a feature GDA has not used before, examples of projects involving this would be very helpful.

Q: Would GDA consider recommendations for additional functionality or phased enhancements beyond the RFP scope?
A: Yes. Vendors are encouraged to recommend opportunities beyond the current scope of the RFP.

Q: Is the use of offshore development and support resources permitted for this engagement? If permitted, are there any restrictions regarding the type of work that may be performed offshore?
A: Offshore development and support resources are permitted. The GDA currently has no restrictions in this regard.