I used to be a “Certified Government Contractor”…which meant I was fairly skilled at sifting through BS. Although the RFP process is extremely daunting for a “newbie”, just remember that 85% of the requirements are there because the Government got burned in the past at some point with a similar job request. With that said, the contracting officers, and COTRs, and everyone involved are there to “help” you. More often than not, you’ll find you (as the expert) are needed to re-write the specs they provide. If that’s the case, just remember they are only people, and relationship DOES have it’s advantages…even though they say the decision is strictly objective. In summary, give RFPs their due diligence, BUT don’t waste your time if you can’t perform EVERYTHING in the requirements, or can find someone who can…cost effectively.
One issue with RFPs without the ability to discuss with the client is that unless we talk to the major movers/shakers, it’s hard to clarify what’s really needed, and thus the real scope of the job. I’ve found that sometimes a potential client will include something based on not fully understood language (but in reality they don’t need it), and sometimes things are left out. This isn’t surprising, since we can’t assume that potential web clients are fully conversant with industry jargon, let alone the technology, nor are they always fully aware of all the things they *could * do, but a conversation would have sorted this out in short order.
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macfreek
I have always been curious about whether there are state or federal laws that require a bid process for government agencies. I couldn’t find any substantive information to support that for this article, so if you work for a government agency and can shed some light on this for us, please add your two cents in the comments area.
Here is the regulation for the European Union (sorry, I don’t know the rules for to me foreign countries like the USA):
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Back to the ArticleShankopotomus
I used to be a “Certified Government Contractor”…which meant I was fairly skilled at sifting through BS. Although the RFP process is extremely daunting for a “newbie”, just remember that 85% of the requirements are there because the Government got burned in the past at some point with a similar job request. With that said, the contracting officers, and COTRs, and everyone involved are there to “help” you. More often than not, you’ll find you (as the expert) are needed to re-write the specs they provide. If that’s the case, just remember they are only people, and relationship DOES have it’s advantages…even though they say the decision is strictly objective. In summary, give RFPs their due diligence, BUT don’t waste your time if you can’t perform EVERYTHING in the requirements, or can find someone who can…cost effectively.
Diane Vigil
One issue with RFPs without the ability to discuss with the client is that unless we talk to the major movers/shakers, it’s hard to clarify what’s really needed, and thus the real scope of the job. I’ve found that sometimes a potential client will include something based on not fully understood language (but in reality they don’t need it), and sometimes things are left out. This isn’t surprising, since we can’t assume that potential web clients are fully conversant with industry jargon, let alone the technology, nor are they always fully aware of all the things they *could * do, but a conversation would have sorted this out in short order.
macfreek
I have always been curious about whether there are state or federal laws that require a bid process for government agencies. I couldn’t find any substantive information to support that for this article, so if you work for a government agency and can shed some light on this for us, please add your two cents in the comments area.
Here is the regulation for the European Union (sorry, I don’t know the rules for
to meforeign countries like the USA):http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/internal_market/businesses/public_procurement/l22009_en.htm