Developing the Request for Proposals Document
Theresa R.M. Bauccio-Teschlog, Dennis Carney, Joyce D. Foster, Ronald King, Christine Weber · 2020
The quality of responses received from a request for proposals (RFP) is directly related to the quality and completeness of the RFP document, particularly the scope of work. The RFP must provide potential proposers with a clear understanding of the entity’s needs and desired outcomes; it must also provide instructions on how to submit the proposal. Potential proposers are more likely to respond to an RFP that is well written and provides for fair and open competition. An RFP document varies with the type and complexity of commodities to be procured, and contract performance is heavily dependent upon the completeness and quality of the solicitation document, with emphasis on the scope of work and specifications. The entire solicitation must clearly express the entity’s needs and the terms and conditions with which the successful offeror must comply, since all requirements will ultimately become part of the contract.