Issue an RFI “Request for Information” (RFI) is the formal first step in many procurement processes. The goal of an RFI is to obtain information about vendor capabilities in a non-binding manner, i.e., just because a vendor is invit to demonstrate during an RFI process does not mean they will win the final contract.
While agencies do not have to prepare a
RFI with the same level of detail as a request for proposal (RFP), the more an agency asks in an RFI, the better prepar the agency will be for an RFP. Ask around One of the best tri-and-true ways to learn about the market is to ask peers what they are using and what they have learn. Reach out to colleagues at agencies of a similar size to yours, agencies that are adjacent to yours, or agencies that have a similar mission to yours.
This approach works especially well in
Government agencies, which are not really focus on profits or any type of bottom line. For example, Pfizer is unlikely to be willing to share useful overseas chinese in canada data information with Novartis—they want to retain their advantage in the pharmaceutical industry. However, neighboring police jurisdictions are trying to catch the same criminals, so they have an incentive to help their peers succe. Hire a Consultant Another low-risk way to evaluate the market is to hire a consultant who, ideally, has run similar processes for other agencies. That way, decision makers and IT managers can get to know each other.
Leadership is not distract from
Their normal day-to-day responsibilities, while experienc consultants manage a tri-and-true, well-defin process. Many consultants start with a visual merchandising for convenience stores: deep understanding of a particular market, so they will immiately know where to get the additional information they ne. One drawback, however, is cost. A complex, months-long RFP process run by a consultant can easily cost hundrs of thousands of dollars.
Attend Conferences An easy
Way to learn about any market is to attend a technical conference. Over a period of one to several days, vendors will tout their wares and provide rich data demonstrations, marketing materials, and information about their product suites to any potential purchaser. Conferences also provide a common time and place for peers from different government agencies to meet and talk, further helping each other understand the current capabilities in the market.