This is not to say you can't do a browser agnostic site using Microsoft tools, but they are designed to discourage you from doing so. A skillfully hand coded site will be a faster and have fewer browser problems than one created with, say, Microsoft Front Page. Most ISPs prefer Unix or Linux servers because they are faster, cheaper and crash a lot less. This is not yet government mandated, but it is likely to be in the future. This will likely be stuff you would have a hard time selling anyway.
Reference material is always good.
Lots of information about products like yours is good. Links to other interesting sites are good. Set up a realistic schedule and try to keep developers on target. Minimize significant changes to the site as they will seriously delay the project. If you've done the planning right, you shouldn't need a lot.