Note: This worksheet recaps two evaluation approaches: RFP-based and Brief-based.
About Finalize Evaluation Process
Finalize your evaluation process by incorporating learnings from the previous diligence steps, such as conducting research, networking with peers, focusing on vital needs, guiding principles, and scoring methods.
RFP-Based Evaluation Process
List and describe each evaluation stage you will use from the typical RFP-based evaluation processes on this sheet.
Tailor as appropriate to meet your objectives.
Brief-Based Evaluation Process
Organizations that don't mandate a compliance-based RFP evaluation and select approach should consider a Brief-based approach.
Refer to the flowchart section to the left for an overview of a Brief-Based approach.
Primary Benefits of a Brief-based Approach
The primary benefit of a Brief-Based approach is speed-to-market.
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It requires a thorough Diligence stage to winnow out most vendors, resulting in the most viable 2 to 3 vendors.
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The Diligence processes are conducted in parallel, not sequentially.
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The brief addresses the scope of work and includes the same vendor questionnaires as the RFP-based approach.
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Vendors may be winnowed after their proposals are assessed and scored, but not necessarily.
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Invite the 2 to 3 vendors onsite for a summit -- an intensive 2 to 3-day accelerated evaluation process that covers much of the same topics as an RFP-Based approval but in a much more parallel, condensed timeframe.
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This approach requires experts, such as Capability Analysts and front-line business SMEs, on the evaluation and scoring team -- individuals with deep domain knowledge and experience in the business application space.
Secondary Benefits
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Agile negotiation requires vendors to submit their best and final offers (BAFO) before vendor selection.
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In RFP-based approaches, a vendor is selected, and negotiations begin. The vendor knows this and becomes much more reluctant to negotiate, drawing out the negotiation process for months.
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A brief-based approach allows much more flexibility in alternative evaluation processes.
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Base your selected evaluation process and scoring methods on your organization's compliance requirements, culture, sector, level of expertise, size, and risk level your organization is willing to accept.
Compliance & Culture
Balance evaluation and scoring rigor with requisite compliance and your organization's cultural norms.
Public sector organizations typically mandate by policy or statute that they publish RFPs. In this case, any individual or organization could submit proposals.
