Are you looking for a request for proposal sample document? If you plan to ask several vendors to submit a bid to provide products or services to your company, reviewing an example RFP before you start writing can be very helpful.
What is a Request for Proposal
A request for proposal (RFP) is a document that businesses create for the purpose of inviting suppliers to bid for the opportunity to provide specified products or services. There is no specific format RFPs have to follow, but it is important these types of documents are thorough and specific. You can see a model request for proposal sample format on the State of Idaho's Department of Administration website.
Detailed RFPs typically include:
- Signature page
- Title page
- Executive summary
- Table of contents
- Details of request
- Technical specifications
- Vendor requirements
- Procedures for asking questions
- Description of response formatTerms and conditions
- Submission deadline
- Method of award
The exact information that needs to be included in an RFP varies based on the type of request being made. That's why it's a good idea to review several sample documents when you prepare to create a request of your own. This provides an opportunity to see format and content examples so you can make an informed decision about how to set up your own document and what to include.
Request for Proposal Samples for Review
There are many request for proposal samples available online. The list below provides links to several RFP documents you can review at no charge. Take time to look at several of these documents, as well as searching for other examples specific to the type of request you are making, and you'll be well prepared when it's time to sit down and create your own document.
- American Institute of Architects:- Detailed example of RFP for architecture services
- CRMXchange.com: Several RFPs for call center operations and related services
- ManagementHelp.org: Example of a request for consulting services
- Non-profit Guides: Several samples of RFP documents soliciting applications for grant funding for nonprofit organizations
- SMTToolkit.org: Example of an RFP seeking a company to provide telecommunications services
- TechSoup.org: Sample RFP for web site design, development, and hosting services
- Texas Municipal Group: Example request for proposal seeking a supplier to provide banking services for a municipality
Ready to Write Your Proposal?
Once you've reviewed several request for proposal examples, you'll likely have all of the information you need to put together your own RFP. It's up to you to decide how formal the document needs to be and what details and procedures need to be specified. Regardless of what you decide to include in the document you send to potential suppliers, it is essential the final version clearly specifies exactly what you are interested in purchasing and the procedures vendors who wish to submit a bid must follow.
Proofread the RFP carefully before sending it out to make sure it is free from grammatical and typographical mistakes. Once you are comfortable with the wording and format, get a few people who are less familiar with the project than you are to review the document. Ask them to point out areas that seem unclear so you can edit any sections that may be confusing to people who are being asked to submit proposals.
