An RFP (request for proposal) is a document that asks suppliers to provide a detailed proposal for a supply contract. This could include materials, parts, components, services, and outsourcing partners. When issuing an RFP, it is often because the company wants to consider more than just price in awarding the contract. For example, a technology project might also consider factors such as technical capabilities, reputation, and the vendor’s ability to deliver. The following is a template that can be used as a starting point for an RFP bid.

Purpose

Describe what you want and why.

Background

Provide the context for the request.

Scope of Work

A list of requirements. This may include functional requirements and non-functional requirements. These may be presented in a variety of formats such as user stories or specifications. Each requirement is designed to be atomic, correct, verifiable, unambiguous, complete and consistent.

Performance Standards

State your expectations for supplier performance and how performance will be monitored and controlled.

Deliverables

State what the supplier will deliver.

Deliverable Quality

A list of acceptance criteria for deliverables.

Commercial Terms

State the proposed legal terms of the contract.

Payments, Incentives & Penalties

Give details of how payments, incentives and penalties will be assessed and paid.

RFP Requirements

A specification of what RFP responses must include. For example, it is common to request that suppliers describe in detail how they will achieve each requirement in the statement of work. Other requirements may include a detailed price quotation, company profile, references and elements of a solution design and a solution architecture. RFP requirements may link to other templates that must be filled out and attached to responses such as a template for software architecture.

Award Process

Describe how RFP responses will be evaluated and the contract awarded.

Schedule

Define a schedule including deadlines for anything you expect from suppliers.

Contacts

A list of contacts for the RFP process.