Request for Proposal Request for proposal (RFP) is an invitation given to the eligible suppliers for giving their

bid for the mentioned requirement of products or services. It is mainly created to fulfill the procurement needs of the organization. The content and topics included in an RFP are crucial for getting the appropriate bids. The major topics included in a request for proposal are listed below:

A brief overview of the project. Purpose and scope of RFP. Product specifications related to performance, technical functions and quality. Criteria for selecting the vendor (What should be Included in an RFP, 2011). Provisions for alternatives in case of anything going wrong. Communication of information. Modes of supply of products and services. Setting up and maintaining services in case of machinery or software. Mode of payment.

Key people with authority and responsibility to take decisions on areas like change requisitions. Type of contract, which will be established between the company and vendor.

(Shrm, 2012) The proposal should be comprised of a format that contains as much information as possible from all available vendors. It should seek depth, completeness and accuracy. It should also contain a statement of work, description of the response sheet and any other

additional document required, such as confidential statements or agreements (Larson & Gray, 2006).

References:

Larson, E.W. & Gray, C.F. (2006). Project management: the managerial process. (3rd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

What should be Included in an RFP. (2012). Retrieved March, 25, 2012, from http://www.shrm.org/TemplatesTools/hrqa/Pages/includedinanRFP.aspx