RFP & RFQ

What is the difference between a Request for Proposal and a Request for Quotation?  The difference is in who takes responsibility for the outcome.  That may seem like a strange answer but it really is the difference.

In a Request for Proposal you describe the outcomes you expect to achieve by implementing the proposal.  In a Request for Quotation, you ask for a quotation on exactly what you want in the way of hardware, software, communication systems, training, installation, configuration, documentation and maintenance.

In the Request for Proposal it is up to the proposing party to decide what they will offer in the way of a solution to your problem or challenge.  This includes specifying the hardware, software, special programs, communication systems, maintenance, training, and monitoring.  If you chose to have one company do the entire project, you eliminate the possibility of finger pointing when it comes time to identify the responsible party for any failures that might occur.  That doesn't mean you will have a perfect system.  It simply reduces the level of grief experienced when it comes time to fix the defects.

Coast Computer Technology prepares both Request for Proposal and Request for Quotation documents and would be pleased to discuss your needs.

Sample Request for Proposal

Once the proposals have been received by the company the evaluation of the proposals begins.  There is a series of tools that Coast uses in performing the evaluations.  These tools are designed to create a level playing field for all bidders. 

If you are submitting a bid for evaluation, having a pre evaluation completed by an independent third party can drastically increase your chances of prevailing in the bidding process.  We invite your inquiry.

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