What is an RFP?

In practice

The evaluation criteria and their weightings are the most important part of the document and the most frequently skimmed. They tell you exactly what will be scored and how much each element is worth. A proposal structured around those weightings, in the language the buyer used, outperforms a better proposal structured around what the supplier wanted to say.

Where it fits in a build

Standard for professional services, software and construction procurement above a value threshold. Related forms include RFI (gathering information), RFQ (price for a defined item) and ITT (invitation to tender).

Common mistakes

• Reusing a previous proposal and leaving the name of another client in it, which happens more often than anyone admits.
• Ignoring the word limits, which in scored evaluations frequently means the excess is simply not read.
• Not asking clarification questions before the deadline for them passes.

Related terms

• Tender
• Bid/no-bid decision
• Tender management software

Working on something that involves this?

ASTACKRA designs and builds AI systems, automation and custom software for businesses that need technology shaped around their own workflow. If this term turned up in a proposal and you want a straight answer about whether it applies to your situation, ask us — no obligation, and we will tell you if the answer is no.