Software Development RFP: Your Ultimate Project Booster

Editor’s note: Follow the tips from ScienceSoft to create RFP that will bring you the best vendor for your needs. And you can always include us in your list of potential vendors: check our software outsourcing offer based on 36-year experience in software development.

Companies looking for a vendor often skip a request for proposal (RFP) stage as they believe this document to be unnecessary. In the article, ScienceSoft dispels this myth and gives an insider’s look at RFP creation, drawing on vast experience in writing proposals as a software outsourcing provider. Read on to understand why and when you need RFP and how to make the best use of it.

Why do I need RFP?

Software development RFP is the document with detailed information on your project that is sent out to potential vendors to get their proposal and a bid for participation in the project.

With RFP vs without RFP

Let’s compare which benefits RFP gives you in contrast to its absence.

Is RFP the only option?

RFP can be used independently, preceded by a request for information (RFI), or even substituted with a request for quotation (RFQ). The table below explains the difference between these documents in detail.

In most cases, RFP is the preferred option as it maximizes your chances to find a trustworthy vendor who will tick all the boxes of what you were looking for.

What should I include in RFP?

ScienceSoft recommends the following structure of RFP:

Don’t get frustrated by so many points to cover! A mature vendor will help you define the project aspects you are not sure about yet, for example, estimate the project timeframe and offer the most suitable technology stack.

What are the don’ts for writing RFP?

• Don’t include too many project goals or put all selection criteria as top priorities. Thus, you’ll see more realistic proposals from vendors and better alignment with your time and budget.
• Don’t focus on a possible solution in your RFP. ScienceSoft suggests describing your pain points closely but not going into details about the solution – let vendors offer their solutions that may be much more efficient.
• Don’t send RFP to numerous vendors. To save time and effort, ScienceSoft recommends making a preselection of companies that meet your initial idea of a suitable vendor (if you’re not sure, you can send RFI first before including them in the list): 3 – 5 companies are the best option.

Make a step towards your project launch

ScienceSoft is ready to create a concept of a software solution for you in the framework of your RFP process. However, feel free to turn to us even if you don’t have ready RFP yet – we offer a preliminary consulting on your software development project.

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