Step 3: Designing a Request for Proposals (RFP)

Once you know the types of contractors, the scope of services that are needed, and you are familiar with State and Federal laws, the next step is to develop your RFP. Bid packages can be constructed to include one or multiple services needed in the grant program. First create a diverse (e.g., race, gender, experience level) committee to develop the RFP. Committee members who have a potential conflict of interest with prospective bidders should not participate in the process. Your goal is to attract as many qualified vendors as possible to bid on the services you need. This can be accomplished by clearly defining the scope of work required. No consultant or agency that will bid on the services should be allowed to assist in constructing the bid package to avoid a real or perceived conflict of interest. Click on the links below to access sample RFPs.

  1. http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/services/grants/RFP-KentCounty.pdf
    This RFP was created by the Michigan Supreme Court to solicit evaluation consultants to measure the impact of parenting plans with children.
  2. www.iknowpolitics.org/files/RFP_NDI%20iKNOW%.....
    The RFP is a simple three-page document developed by the National Democratic Institute to determine the impact of women in politics.
  3. www.iris.edu/about/ENO/rfp/docs/IRIS_EO_SOW_4-21-08.pdf
    The Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology Education and Outreach Program issued an RFP for evaluators to study the impact of its efforts.
  4. Request for Bids for Grant Evaluators
    This comprehensive solicitation for independent evaluators was designed for use by school districts, non-profits, and coalitions. However, all organizations seeking evaluators will find it useful. Specifications in this competitive bid were used by the Association of School Administrators in their statewide procurement.
  5. Request for Bids for Technical, Program, Management, and Professional Development Consultants
    Evaluators primarily report program progress, but are often inappropriately asked to go outside their realm of responsibilities to provide technical and other assistance to help direct the grant. Many grantees employ independent contractors to provide this service. Components in this competitive procurement were used by state government and Association of School Administrators.