• An RFP is a solicitation for proposals for the development of a product or service by an agency or company.
• The RFP is usually used when the product or service requires some special expertise or does not exist yet and requires research and development.
• Numerous detailed elements should be required in the RFP so that proposals can be properly evaluated, and the best proposal accepted.

A request for proposal (RFP) is a document that solicits a proposal by an agency or company interested in the procurement of a product or service.

An RFP is often used where the request requires technical expertise, specialized capability, or where the product or service being requested does not yet exist. As such, the proposal may require new research and development to create whatever is being requested.

The RFP is either sent to a list of potential suppliers or is publicly announced for open submission of proposals.

Elements usually contained in the FRP include:

• A general introductory statement describing the company, the project, and what will be required.
• All necessary details and background information on the project to assist potential bidders to ascertain their interest and expertise.
• The specific “deliverables” that will be required of a successful bidder.
• Detailed requirements to be contained in any formal bid submission.
• Deadlines for the submission of a bid.
• Bid selection criteria, such as:
  • team qualifications,
  • specialized experience,
  • record of implementation ability,
  • prior experience,
  • performance history,
  • knowledge of key planning issues, and
  • flexibility and creativity.
• The point of contact for the project.
• The budget allocated for the project.
• A description of:
  • the proposal review process,
  • the interview process, and
  • the selection process.

Adherence to these details will ensure fairness in the process and prevent challenges by disappointed submitters.