Create a Powerful RFP
Selecting an appropriate vendor is an urgent task that could affect your school or district for years to come. So it is vital to make the wisest choice possible. When a school or district defines a crucial need requiring the products or services of a vendor, the first step is to create and distribute a Request for Proposal or RFP.
The process of formalizing, developing and issuing an RFP is as valuable as it is challenging. It forces you to define, organize, detail and document your requirements and expectations while providing a framework for evaluating potential vendors. The more forethought you put into your RFP, the more likely you’ll find a vendor that will satisfactorily meet your requirements. Vendors will likely return with questions you’ve never considered, which will only strengthen your definition and understanding of your needs.
Learn how to create a powerful RFP:
- Before You Write an RFP: Writing an RFP can be a daunting experience. But the key to developing an effective RFP is the time you invest before writing: time spent evaluating, planning, and defining.
- Education Technology Cheat Sheet: This handy education technology “cheat sheet” lists the common challenges faced by teachers, students, administrators and district IT directors along with possible device and digital resource solutions.
- How to Evaluate RFP Responses: Writing your RFP is only half the battle. Here are some helpful hints in contending with your RFP responses so that your school or district can award your project to the most worthy vendor.
If you're just starting the RFP process or looking at vendors, make sure to check out the full RFP toolkit from the K-12 Blueprint.