Aquilent to spark USGS Web improvement

The U.S. Geological Survey awarded a blanket purchase order agreement for Web development, management and services to Aquilent Inc.

Under the five-year, $2 million contract, Aquilent of Laurel, Md., will work with the USGS' Web team to design and implement an enhanced Web presence.

The overall objective of the project is to help the agency improve the Web site's visual appeal, breadth of content and navigation features.

Specifically, the company will advise USGS on Web technology and best practices in design, human factors engineering, usability and accessibility. The company also will advise USGS on dynamic content, e-commerce, search engine optimization and the implementation of content management solutions.

Initial task orders awarded through the contract include support for USGS' Marketplace e-Commerce portal and Web analytics strategy development.

USGS is a division of the Interior Department that collects, monitors and analyzes natural resource conditions, issues and problems. The agency disseminates information through hundreds of Web sites through which users get information, maps, aerial photographs and remote sensing data.