What do you want to see in a RFP?

Part of my role at Gorton Studios is to review RFPs and evaluate if a project and client is a good match for our team. Recently folks embarking on their new web project have asked me what should be included in a RFP. They often have never been through this process before. I have given them my recommendations but I really want to be as complete as possible - solid RFPs helps us all with our work. Here is my list:

• Organization Overview – who are you and why are you doing this project

• Project Goals & Outcomes

• Desired Technical Features

• Project Team – how large is your project team? Who will be the main contact? Etc.

• Who is your audience?

• Budget – if you don’t have a firm number, a range is always helpful

• Timeline – Ideally, when do you plan to start the project and when do you want to launch the project? Is there an event or internal reason why you picked this date? Are there any big internal changes we need to know about (e.g. rebranding, new business plan, reorganization, etc)?

• List of features – While this most likely will not be a final list that is included in the site, it is great to know what you have been thinking about. If possible, include URLs from your current site of larger features. If you have been looking at other sites, include URLs of these major features.

• Vendor Selection Process

• Questions – provide the ability to all potential vendors to ask questions before the RFP deadline whether it is by phone or email.

What am I missing? What have I included that you would leave off? Any general words of advice that you give folks? My audience asking these questions is typically medium to large sized arts, educational, NGO, governmental or non-profit organizations. Thanks in advance for your feedback!