Sandstorm Design, Inc. - graphic design, web design, and interactive media

sandstormdesign.com • resources • RFP help

How to assemble your Request for a Proposal (RFP)

Having trouble putting into words what you are looking to accomplish with your web site redesign? Writing a request for a proposal (RFP) can be difficult if you do not know where to start. Devoting a moment upfront to write an effective RFP will save you time down the road, and will help us to effectively develop an accurate proposal for your web site project.

Often times, however, this is something easier said than done. That is why we have developed this helpful guideline to walk you through the basics of what we look for in an RFP. Whether you choose to go with us or not, at least we know we gave it our best shot, and hopefully you will think of us again on your next project.

10 ESSENTIALS TO INCLUDE IN YOUR RFP

1. Brief Company Overview: Include who you are, what you do, size of company, current url, etc.

2. Brief Description of the Project: Most commonly a paragraph describing your current web site situation and an overview of what this project will entail.

3. Project Goals and Objectives: Define the motivation for your project. Why are you investing in your web site? (outdated site/logo/collateral, expanded services, different target audience, need to generate more leads, attract job candidates, etc) What do you hope to accomplish? List short term and long term objectives here.

4. Technical Requirements: Do you require hosting? Are you currently on a windows or linux platform, or are you open? Do you have a specific programming language that you require we use? (php, .net, asp, cold fusion, etc - and it's perfectly okay if you have no preference here)

5. Usability Requirements: Do you require usability testing as part of your web site redesign? Are you interested in conducting user research or developing a persona? Do you currently have any research or statistics available about your current web site visitors?

6. Functional Requirements: What features and functionality do you want to see on your site? (secure user/password, contact forms, upload your resume option, custom calculator, database development to store lead information, custom admin area to pull reports, content management system to edit your own content, e-commerce to sell products, newsletter sign up, blogs, forums, etc)

7. Proposal Requirements: What do you want to know about the companies that you are requesting a proposal from? (# of years in business, company history, example work, methodology, key personnel, references, etc)

8. Contact Information: Name, email, and phone of project leader. How do you want the proposal submitted and by what date and time? (via email, printed and mailed)

9. Budget: Has your budget been set and approved? If so, what is the range?

10. Timeline: By what date would you like the project completed?

Let us know if we can be of any help while you are creating your RFP. The 10 questions above are simply a starting point for writing your RFP. Depending on the size and scope of your web site, feel free to adjust your RFP accordingly.