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Letter to Decline a Proposal
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Writing an RFP

The acronym RFP stands for Request for Proposals. So, what is a request for proposal?

Definition of a Request for Proposal

A request for proposals (RFP) is basically a publication of detailed requirements by a prospective buyer in order to receive vendor offerings.

Usually dedicated to software evaluation, comparison, and selection, a request for proposal  may be issued to select any kind of products (tangibles) and services (non-tangibles). RFP publication is an efficient tool to gather solution capabilities, which are then put into a decision matrix allowing the selection of the solution that best fits the requirements.

Thus, the RFP is seen as the bridge between expressed needs and solutions sought.

RFP is also known as: request for proposals, request for bids, request to bid, invitation to bid, ITB, invitation to tender, ITT, invitation for bids, IFB, free RFP template, free technical requirements questionnaire.

RFP Template and Sample

The request for proposals or RFP template is part of your FREE RFP Toolkit. You will find in it, amongst others, templates and samples of a cover letter, letter of intent, rejection letter, etc, and of course the RFP template.

How to write a professional RFP

Information Gathering

It is highly recommended that you to read the suggestions below in order to write a proper and successful RFP.

  1. Seems obvious but use a formal letterhead and do not handwrite your RFP. Use templates and samples provided in your FREE RFP Toolkit, 2009 Edition to create your own professional RFP document. Indeed, using an a template and sample of an RFP will save you time.
     
  2. Identify all the key common sections of an RFP you should include by simply answering each and any of the questions Why? Who? What? How? and When? as shown below:
     
    1. WHY?
      Why does your organization need to buy a new solution?
      Answering this question allows you to create the section called Statement of Purpose.
       
    2. WHO?
      Provide a brief description of your organization.
      This information will become the Background information.
       
    3. WHAT?
      What is the nature of your project?
      What are the needs?
      What are the expected outcomes?
      Answering these questions allows you to complete the following sections:
      • Scope of Work
      • Outcome and Performance Standards
      • Deliverables
         
    4. HOW?
      What is the contract?
      What kind of information and documents do you expect to receive from providers?
      How will proposals be evaluated and the best matching solution selected?
      This information will be used for the sections:
      • Term of Contract
      • Payments, Incentives, and Penalties
      • Contractual Terms and Conditions
      • Requirements for Proposal Preparation
      • Evaluation and Award Process
         
    5. WHEN?
      When to submit questions, proposal?
      When the decision will be taken?
      What is the whole selection process timeframe?
      Who are the people responsible for evaluating proposals? For taking the final decision?
      Answering these questions allows you to populate both sections Process Schedule, and Points of contact for future correspondence.

Common Sections of an RFP

By answering the questions above, you were able to gather relevant information that will help you detail the common sections of an RFP. Here is a brief description for each and any of the common sections of your RFP:

  1. Statement of Purpose
    Describe the extent of products and services your organization is looking for, as well as, the overall objectives of the contract.
     
  2. Background Information
    Present a brief overview of your organization and its operations, using statistics, customer demographics, and psychographics. State your strengths and weaknesses honestly. Don't forget to include comprehensive information on the people who will handle future correspondence.
     
  3. Scope of Work
    Enumerate the specific duties to be performed by the provider and the expected outcomes. Include a detailed listing of responsibilities, particularly when sub-contractors are involved.
     
  4. Outcome and Performance Standards
    Specify the outcome targets, minimal performance standards expected from the contractor, and methods for monitoring performance and process for implementing corrective actions.
     
  5. Deliverables
    Provide a list of all products, reports, and plans that will be delivered to your organization and propose a delivery schedule.
     
  6. Term of Contract
    Specify length, start date and end date of the contract, and the options for renewal.
     
  7. Payments, Incentives, and Penalties
    List all the terms of payment for adequate performance. Highlight the basis for incentives for superior performance and penalties for inadequate performance or lack of compliance.
     
  8. Contractual Terms and Conditions
    Attach standard contracting forms, certifications, and assurances. You may include requirements specific to this particular contract.
     
  9. Requirements for Proposal Preparation
    A consistent structure in terms of content, information, and documents types simplifies things for the people evaluating the proposals. Therefore, you should request a particular structure for the proposal and provide an exhaustive list of documents you want to receive.
     
  10. Evaluation and Award Process
    Lay down the procedures and criteria used for evaluating proposals and for making the final contract award.
     
  11. Process Schedule
    Clearly and concisely present the timeline for the steps leading to the final decision, such as the dates for submitting the letter of intent, sending questions, attending the pre-proposal conference, submitting the proposal, etc.
     
  12. Contacts
    Include a complete list of people to contact for information on the RFP, or with any other questions. Incorporate their name, title, responsibilities, and the various ways of contacting them into this list.
And remember:

FREE RFP Letters Toolkit, 2009 EditionWANT AN RFP TEMPLATE?
Learn tips on how to write a professional, very appealing RFP from the RFP template provided in your FREE RFP Toolkit, 2009 Edition and let providers propose creative, relevant, and cost-effective solutions by focusing on the end, not the means.

You will find in it lots of templates and samples of professional RFP letters, including an RFP template.

It's FREE!

 

"No doubt that these templates save time. Particularly the RFP template."
- Pascal PERRY


RFP Cover Letter

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Subcontracts from prime government contractors

by FedOpps.com
 FREE RFP Letters Toolkit, 2009 Edition

Hendrix-Barnhill Company, Inc.

Requesting bids for labor & materials for the Town of Clayton East Clayton Industrial Area Force Main Phase II project. Job includes pipe laying, erosion control, seeding, hauling and pavement repairs..

Flintco Inc

Flintco will accept bids on the New Air Traffic Control Tower at Memphis Int'l Airport on 09-07-07 by 12:00 pm CDT.We are an EOE.We encourage & invite bid from all eligible business enterprises, WBE, MBE, SDB, SBE, HBE companies.Fax bids to 901-372-8989..

Chemonics International

Chemonics International, acting on behalf of the USAID-funded Egypt LIFE Red Sea project, is soliciting offers for the supply of one US-made truck tractor with water tank semi trailer unit for use in Egypt. Contact jandersen@chemonics.com for more info..

WATTS CONSTRUCTORS, LLC

CONSTRUCT COMM CNTR, NCTAMS, Oahu, HI - Constr new 1-story bldg. Concrete, structural steel, OWSJ, roofing, EIFS, site work, fencing, landscaping, exterior work, interior const & finishes, security vault door, blast doors and windows, elect & mech..

C Construction Co., Inc.

Contractor soliciting bids for Renovate and Repair, Hangar 131S, MCAS, Cherry Point, NC. For any and all qualified Subcontractors and Suppliers, 8A, SBE, WBE, Large Enterprises, etc. We are an Equal Opportunity & Affirmative Action Employer..

C Construction Co., Inc.

Contractor soliciting bids for Interior Repairs and Renovations to Roadhouse, B3452, MCAS, Cherry Point, NC. For any and all qualified Subs/Suppliers SBE, 8A WBE, Large Enterprises, etc. We are an Equal Opportunity & Affirmative Action Employer..

Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company, Inc.

Drydock No. l Repair Wall Leaks and Deteriorated Concrete on Walls at PHNSY & IMP, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii,WR# 151065.

Kukurin Contracting Inc.

KCI seeks quotes from all interested mbe/wbe/dbe suppliers for the following construction materials & services: PVC Sanitary Sewer Pipe (8", 4" and 2� diameter), 4 ft. diameter manholes, aggregates, hot asphalt & portable toilet service..

Carl Belt, Incorporated

STONEY RUN SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM-Sanitary sewer extension including gravity & pressure mains, manholes, grinder pump station, house connections, traffic control, erosion & sediment control, site restoration... Get more info @ ftp://ftp.thebeltgroup.com.

Chemonics International

Chemonics International, acting on behalf of the Zambia Threshold Project, is soliciting offers for the supply and installation of file compactors in Zambia. Contact rkeating@zambiathreshold.org for copy of the RFP and information..

Last Modified: Thursday, June 11, 2009 11:48:45 PM

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