How to Respond to a Request for Proposal (RFP)
Bidding on job contracts involves completing a Request for Proposal (RFP) process with the company needing the work. Successful RFPs are researched thoroughly, follow guidelines provided and demonstrate a high level of qualifications. For many companies, the RFP process is essential to getting projects and retaining good clients. For this reason, learning to submit successful RFPs is paramount.
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Things You'll Need
- Request for Proposal
- Executive Summary
- Resume
- References
- Budget analysis
Instructions
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1
Outline your company in an executive summary. Include the company description and background. Highlight relevant projects completed in relation to the nature and scope of the work in the RFP.
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2
Summarize your motivations for the project being proposed. Highlight the significance and need for the project.
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3
Outline specific goals for the scope of the work proposed. Indicate how progress will be measured. Also indicate timelines, as well as major and minor milestones to achieve.
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4
State the company's experience, ability and reputation for the type of work requested. Demonstrate why the company is the most qualified for the requested project. Include the resumes and bios of all of the key players. If appropriate, include reference letters from previous clients, along with publications showing completed projects. For instance, include pictures or news clippings from the open houses of completed construction projects.
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5
Outline specific costs and the overall budget needed for completing the project. Itemize the costs of materials, administration and management fees in a detailed budget analysis. Indicate whether sub-contractors will be used and estimate their fees.
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6
Submit the proposal according to the specifications for the RFP. Adhere to time requirements, length of RFP and format request. Some companies require just a few pages for an RFP. Contact the company if there are questions about completing the RFP.
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Tips & Warnings
Create a template from the completed RFP to use for future contracts.
References
- Photo Credit builder and the project manager image by Dmitri MIkitenko from Fotolia.com
