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This article is for anyone who wants to write an RFP for an upcoming project. Often, correct preparation is half of the project. If you write an RFP correctly, you’ll be able to get a precise estimate from the software development company. It will increase the chances of getting the project done on time, with high quality, and within the budget. This is why it’s so important to write the RFP (Request for Proposal) well. Read this article to figure out how to write an RFP correctly, or just scroll down to our RFP Template.
We have many years of experience with software development and RFP, so we’ll try to cover all of the key points in writing an RFP and provide you with an RFP template.
So the main goal is to find a great developer. To find the best one, you will need to write an RFP and send it to the best companies you think could potentially be the right developer. So you opened up a blank document to write an RFP, and what should you begin with?
What to begin with?
Describe the main key points in two or three paragraphs.
Use this to outline goals and requirements in a simple language. You will return to this section of the document as you go, but it’s the right section to start with. Make it informative and concise.
Make sure that the goal is within the project.
This means that when you’re asking developers to create a website, its main goal is not to sell but to make the service better for the clients. In turn, this will hopefully increase sales.
Goals have to be measurable.
Goals cannot be vague – in that case, you and the developing team can be moving in different directions. You have to set a goal similar to “double the pageviews and sales in 2021 “or “increasing the customer loyalty by 20% in a year” (even though this goal will be harder to measure).
Sometimes it’s hard to formulate the project’s end goals, but it’s a beneficial exercise, and you’ll be able to highlight the most important aspects of your business. The best-case scenario will be to form a hierarchy of goals – main goals and smaller ones.
Formulate specific tasks.
Tasks are essential to achieving your goal. These are specific actions that will bring your business closer to your goals. This is an essential section because it can be used later as a checklist for the project’s progress. There should be no tasks that do not make the company closer to its goals. Our RFP Template will help you formulate tasks more specifically.
Important points on the main content of the RFP
Separate product and services.
The product is aimed at obtaining a unique result. As a rule, before the product’s execution, the performer receives an assignment, and after completion, he reports. Services are regular, ongoing activities. Services may consist of a set of activities, but the result of service delivery is usually progress.
Separate the important from the unimportant, the urgent from the non-urgent.
The budgets are often tight, so prioritize the must-have features and separate the “nice-to-have” ones. This will really help you get the best app from the best developers within your budget. Use our RFP Template to focus on the key features.
Request a verbal presentation.
Let the proposal be small, but the presentation must be oral. You will appreciate the level of specialists, not the documents. You will get to know those who will participate in your project.
Note that the most valuable charts are drawn on a flipchart during your meeting. The most valuable arguments are in response to unexpected questions.
The people who wrote and drew everything sent to you may not work at the developer’s company by the time you’ll start the development process.
Cost management.
You may ask: “What if the proposal will be too expensive?” or “What if all contractors will give estimates with huge amounts?” or “How to limit the appetites of the developers?”. Immediately set the maximum amount and/or duration of the project in the RFP limits. If the contractor does not feel strong, he will not participate in the design tender at all.
RFP Template
If you are ready to start writing your RFP – feel free to follow the link below to download our RFP template. It will help you get it right from the first time.
If you’d like to speak to us first, then contact us, and we will be more than happy to help you bring your project to life.
Disclaimer: This post is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. It is recommended to consult with the appropriate legal professionals or licensed attorneys for advice pertaining to specific business needs.
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