Requests for Proposals

Program # 1776-SCGI 19

One of the most widely used forms of solicitation is the Request for Proposal (RFP). This form of solicitation is used for situations such as problem identification and resolution, product or service replacement, or improving organizational effectiveness. The buyer has the need and the seller has the solution.

This two-day course will focus on the planning and development of RFPs, including the analysis and preparation of the RFP and project requirements, establishing proposal evaluation criteria, information gathering and solicitation processes, suggested RFP and proposal formats, conducting proposal evaluations and debriefings, negotiation considerations and contract preparation.

Topics and the key benefits to attending this course will include:

• Understanding the RFP planning framework
• Preparing Requests for Information (RFI), Expressions of Interest (RFEI) and Requests for Qualifications (e.g. proponent pre-qualification process - RFQ Preparation Guidelines / Template)
• Developing and preparing the RFP Requirements - A Planning Guide and Checklist
• Identifying anticipated project / contract objectives, deliverables and associated requirements - the functional description of the expected services / work - The Initial Project Scope
• Planning for and anticipating the detailed description of a project - A Detailed Project Scope Planning Guide
• Identifying risk management issues / requirements - A Risk Management Planning and Assessment Guide
• Identifying performance measurement, quality assurance and project monitoring requirements
• Establishing and conducting the proposal evaluation process - An Evaluator's Guideline to Proposal Evaluations
• Preparing the RFP document including format and writing guidelines - RFP Preparation Guidelines
• Understanding and facilitating the RFP solicitation process
• Planning for and conducting a proponents' (pre-bid) meeting
• Understanding project (proposal) planning factors (Planning Guidelines for both the RFP author and Proponent)
• Proposal submission guidelines (Proposal Response and Format Guidelines and Writing Tips)
• Guidelines to conducting proposal presentations
• Understanding the importance of establishing a negotiation strategy (Negotiation Topics and Planning Guidelines)
• Understanding a typical Contract Statement (or Schedule) of Work

This course will provide you with the practical knowledge to plan and prepare Requests for Proposals, as well as proposal format and submission guidelines. Participants will be given the opportunity to plan an actual RFP situation, and what would be expected in a Proposal response through a series of exercises and discussions. Participants will be afforded opportunities to relate and discuss RFP examples from their professional experiences. Participants will be given a comprehensive manual including all presentation notes, guides and checklists to assist in your RFP planning and preparation, as well as writing tips and format, sample proposal evaluation spreadsheets and an evaluator's guideline to planning, preparing and conducting proposal evaluations. A sample RFP based on the course case study will also be provided for discussion and review..

REGISTER for seminar in: Alberta, British Columbia, Regina, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia