The USAID site is the product of many individuals. In order to maintain a consistent standard within this type of environment,
a development server has been put in place as a staging area where content providers can post their work.
Content providers may request ftp access to this server in order post pages and see them in their final form with
the server side includes in place and the stylesheet in effect. Prior to receiving access to the server, content providers
working on the USAID site must demonstrate a minimum level of skill and familiarity with the technology involved in web development.
Please be aware that if you answer "no" to any of the questions below, training is available.
The External FTP Request Form
Your name:
this is a required field
Are you a Direct Hire or Contractor?
this is a required field Direct Hire Contractor
Your e-mail address: Must be in the form of xxxxxxxx@usaid.gov
Please read our privacy policy regarding e-mail.
Who is your USAID Direct Hire responsible for the web site content?:
Are you able to create code approximating HTML 4.0 standards?
yes no
It is understood that the extent of detail inherent in HTML 4.0 standards may be difficult to achieve in each document produced. However, with the implementation of the use of stylesheets on the USAID web site, it is important to move toward more strict coding rules. Examples of these changes include using the </p> tag to close paragraphs and not using the deprecated <font> tag to control the appearance of fonts within the pages.
Are you able to correct common errors created by WYSIWIG editors or conversion to HTML from other file formats
yes no
Many content providers are accustomed to using WYSIWIG editors or the "Save As HTML" function in some software packages. However, this must not be the sole level of understanding of HTML that the content provider employs. These methods leave documents over-sized with useless and malformed code, such as empty tags, multiple tags for a single function, extraneous tags that affect the entire document's appearance, and even extra directories. These types of documents are often not fully accessible to the disabled and often will not display correctly in one browser or another. In conjunction with being able to code to HTML 4.0 standards, the content provider should use these tools as support for, not as the sole method of conversion, and must be able to spot and correct coding errors caused in this manner.
Do you have a working understanding of cascading stylesheets and their use?
yes no
Content providers must understand how a stylesheet works, and how to apply a stylesheet to their pages. As the <FONT> tag is deprecated, content providers should be prepared to implement local stylesheets, or page level or inline styles to supplement (not overwrite) those definitions provided for within the USAID stylesheet.
Do you have a working understanding of server side includes?
yes no
Content providers must demonstrate that they understand how a server side include functions and how to refer to a server side include within their pages. Because the USAID web site utilizes SSIs for the top navigation and bottom navigation bars, content providers should know the significance of the code string within the template. In addition, should the content provider want to use this functionality locally, they should understand how to add a server side include to their own directories and pages.
Do you have a working understanding of the issues surrounding web accessibility to users with disabilities?
yes no
USAID is committed to the goal of providing a site that is accessible to all users. As such, content providers must be aware of and implement coding practices that enhance accessibility and meet all standards mandated by federal regulation, as stated in USAID's guidelines, found online at http://www.usaid.gov/info_technology/xweb/toolkit/federal_regs.html.
Do you have a general understanding of file transfer protocol (FTP), related issues and concerns
yes no
Because the content provider will be posting to a server on the USAID network, the individual must demonstrate a working knowledge of the function of file transfer protocol. The content provider must be aware that posting to a server may entail overwriting files (intentionally or accidentally) during the development process that LPA may not be able to retrieve, and therefore, must exercise appropriate caution. In addition, the use of ftp poses inherent security concerns, which the content provider must be aware of and work to offset.
Do you know how to use FTP software?
yes no
Because the content provider will be posting to a server on the USAID network, the individual must demonstrate a working knowledge of the function of file transfer protocol. The content provider must be aware that posting to a server may entail overwriting files (intentionally or accidentally) during the development process that LPA may not be able to retrieve, and therefore, must exercise appropriate caution. In addition, the use of ftp poses inherent security concerns, which the content provider must be aware of and work to offset.
The USAID site guidelines describe the requirements for pages to be posted to the external server. Because the USAID web site is the result of collaborative efforts among many web developers within the agency, these guidelines form a foundation for consistency across the site. Each site that is created for the main USAID site must follow the guidelines set forth by LPA and IDS. We recommend that you consult with LPA prior to developing a site in order to have a better understanding of the design and technical considerations involved, and to facilitate getting your site posted. The guidelines may seem extensive, however, we have tried to provide as much insight as possible into what both LPA and IDS look for when conducting a review.
