The Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) has released a new Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking a long‑term partner to support a major modernization effort across the state’s public‑facing websites. This opportunity is well‑suited for teams specializing in UI/UX design, information architecture, and enterprise‑scale web modernization within Adobe Experience Manager (AEM).
Opportunity Overview
Illinois is launching a multi‑year initiative to improve the usability, accessibility, and overall experience of digital services used by residents, businesses, and internal stakeholders. The selected vendor will support a repeatable design process across dozens of state agencies, contributing to redesigned websites, updated content structures, and modernized user interfaces.
All redesign work will be implemented within the State’s Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) platform, which serves as the enterprise CMS for participating agencies.
The RFP outlines a broad scope that includes discovery and design, optional development and deployment support, and ongoing maintenance as needed. Deliverables span governance planning, user research, IA and UX artifacts, UI component design, and accessibility‑aligned templates. The contract is structured to support engagements with up to 50 entities and more than 100 websites over the term.
This opportunity is particularly relevant for vendors experienced in AEM‑based design systems, accessibility compliance, and large‑scale public sector modernization.
Key Submission & Timeline Details
Illinois has published a clear procurement schedule to guide interested vendors. Highlights include:
- Pre‑Submission Conference: February 26, 2026
- Deadline for Vendor Questions: Seven business days after the conference
- Proposal Submission Deadline: March 24, 2026 at 2:00 PM CST
All submissions must be completed electronically through the State of Illinois’ BidBuy system. Vendors will be required to upload standard state procurement documents, a technical response, and any applicable utilization plans.
Access the Full RFP
The complete solicitation—including scope, deliverables, submission instructions, and evaluation criteria—is available through the State of Illinois’ BidBuy portal. Vendors can review the full documentation and confirm all requirements before preparing their proposal.
Why This Project Matters
Illinois is investing in a more intuitive, accessible, and consistent digital experience for the public. Modernizing these sites will help agencies deliver clearer information, reduce friction for users, and strengthen trust in state services. The initiative also supports long‑term platform stability by standardizing design practices across AEM and improving accessibility compliance statewide.
For vendors, this represents an opportunity to contribute to a large‑scale digital transformation with meaningful public impact.
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