Task: Produce Request For Proposal (RFP)
This task focuses on producing the Request For Proposal (RFP).
Disciplines: Requirements
Purpose
  • To ensure that the information distributed to prospective vendors is presented in an ordered manner, that the requirements are clearly stated, and that all vendors receive the same information on which to base their response
  • To create a Request For Proposal (RFP) that will be used to gather detailed and comprehensive information and assess a vendor and vendor offerings for potential "fit" with the acquiring organization's business goals and objectives, detailed functional and nonfunctional requirements, and any legal terms and conditions the vendors must accept before they go forward in the selection process
Relationships
RolesPrimary Performer: Additional Performers:
InputsMandatory:
  • None
Optional:
    Outputs
      Steps
      Determine the Right Content

      The contents of the RFP should be written in such a way to ensure the information presented is clear, complete, concise, unambiguous, and in an ordered manner.

      Consider the following when determining the contents of the RFP:

      • An introduction section that specifies the purpose of the RFP and gives specific instructions for responding to the RFP, such as number of copies needed, contact points, blank response forms or definition of response format, and date for submission
      • A description of the relevant portions of the IT infrastructure requirements, possibly including portions of the IT Environment Strategy
      • Information required from the vendors about the functionality of their COTS package, indicating whether their COTS package can support each of the organization's specific requirements, and whether the support is a standard feature of their product or must be custom-built
      • Additional vendor details such as acquisition, modification, installation and maintenance costs, special hardware and software requirements, vendor support services, training, contractual arrangements, and delivery schedules
      • A statement indicating that responses to the RFP might form part of the vendor contract
      • All recipients (vendors) receive the same information on which to base their response
      Create Request For Proposal (RFP)

      Using the Request For Proposal (RFP) template, assemble the pieces of the RFP and gain concurrence from the stakeholders on the contents of the RFP.

      Note: A full description of the RFP is in the Request For Proposal (RFP) artifact description.