IS4799: Unit 1 Common RFP Sections
The common sections of an RFP are:
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Introduction:
The Introduction section of an RFP states the purpose, scope, and necessary background information about the RFP. The introduction sets the stage for the RFP and summarizes its main points. Each RFP introduction is different and contains information that is specific to that RFP.
Many RFPs contain general information that is common, including the following:
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Statement of purpose:
The statement of purpose summarizes the intent and purpose of the RFP and briefly conveys its reasons for its existence. While it does not contain many performance requirements, this section provides a very general overview of the RFP. The statement of purpose is deliberately high-level and provides few details.

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Scope:
Readers should gain a general sense of the performance requirements of the RFP from this section. The scope defines the specific products, services, period, terms, and conditions of the RFP. In many RFPs, the scope section simply refers readers to appropriate appendices for more detailed coverage.

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Compliance stipulations :
The introduction often contains any general compliance stipulations that apply to the RFP process, including vendor selection and performance of the proposal contents. W hile government-related RFPs usually contain statements of compliance with equal opportunity and disability regulations, any other mandatory compliance requirements will be included here.

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Communications:
This section defines the primary point of contact with the client and the preferred communication mechanism.

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Initial process:
The introduction normally contains brief instructions that inform prospective respondents how to get started in the RFP response process and lists any upcoming meetings or events.

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Schedule of events:
The Schedule of events is a list of important milestones and deadlines that pertain to the RFP response and award process. The Schedule section defines the basic plan for the process from the perspective of the client. It is important for respondents to carefully evaluate the requirements necessary to meet each of the dates in the schedule.

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IS4799: Unit 1 Common RFP Sections
The Schedule contains information that helps respondents in the following way:
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Develop initial project schedules for the response effort.

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Determine the pace and work effort required to produce an RFP response.

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Understand important RFP milestones and deliverable due dates.

Organize and prioritize response efforts.

Proposal requirements:
The RFP requirements section, sometimes called the Proposal requirements section, defines the contents and form of an acceptable RFP response. The RFP response, or proposal, must contain the elements defined in this section and propose solutions as specified in the requirements section. This section includes the following:
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Required vendor actions that result in providing one or more products or services

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Expectations of deliverable cost, quality, and availability schedule

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Requirements that must be addressed in an acceptable proposal

The criteria used to determine suitability of all requirements

Vendor requirements:
The Vendor requirements section lists the standards each vendor must meet to be considered as an authorized RFP respondent. This section may also list desired vendor characteristics that may not be mandatory. The vendor requirements section defines any requirements that respondents must meet to be eligible to participate in the RFP process. This section can include many different types of requirements, including business organization, size, classification, and prior experience.
This section includes the following:
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Explicit vendor requirements, such as the organization type, classification or certifications, status as a registered vendor common with government RFPs

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Minimum requirements for be considered a valid vendor, such as size, sales volume, or location coverage

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Actions that vendors must complete prior to submitting a proposal, such as attaining certification or other status

Although the RFP contains requirements for vendors, if your organization lacks any of the requirements, you may be able to form a partnership with one or more organizations that do possess the missing requirements. Check the RFP details to ensure partnership proposals are allowed. © ITT Educational Services

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IS4799: Unit 1 Common RFP Sections
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Award criteria and process:
The Award criteria and process section provides details about how the client will evaluate RFP responses and award the business to one or more vendors.

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Appendices:
The Appendices section enlists any additional information that will be necessary to fully document the RFP intent, requirements, and process.

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