Practical Request for Proposal (RFP) Training Online

If you would like to learn how to write an RFP, or how to evaluate vendor offerings, or a simple step by step outline for developing your RFP, or many other key business skills listed below, then be assured that we have the information that you need.

Developing an RFP involves much more than just writing the RFP document. This class covers everything from forming your team to developing business requirements to preparing conducting a bid evaluation. The class also includes a simple step-by-step guideline for how to prepare a bid evaluation and information on how to establish foolproof acceptance criteria to make sure your organization actually gets what the vendors promise in their proposals.

This two-session Webinar will take you step-by-step through proven techniques and formats successfully used for RFP planning, development, issuing, negotiating, and management. Join us and learn the skills you need for an effective RFP procurement.

Learn from anywhere in the world with our live, interactive, 3-hour online training class, or watch the recorded version right now!

What You will Learn (Session #1)

• How to plan the entire RFP process from soup to nuts (team formation to acceptance) and avoid costly surprises.
• How to build your procurement project team and establish management approval.
• How to develop your true Requirements in an effective format for justification, procurement, and implementation.
• When and how to use RFIs or RFQs and why you might use them to get more Vendors to bid on your project.
• How to establish and document the Scope of your procurement.
• The nuts and bolts of writing an RFP including a complete outline for the RFP and how to write each section.
• How much you should tell your Vendors about your business and how you will evaluate their bids.

What You Will Learn (Session #2)

• How to establish your Business Requirements and specify Systems Features.
• How to document your Technical Requirements and Specifications.
• How to get Vendors to tell you more about their upcoming proposal and how their offering will be configured.
• How to get Key “Valued-Added” features like Price Protection, Training, Security, Maintenance, and Warranties for less.
• How to assess and compare Vendor offerings and services to get what you want.
• How to set up effective negotiation tactics and control the RFP procurement process.
• How to help Vendors stay competitive and proactively address their questions, concerns, and issues.
• How to use comprehensive techniques to evaluate bids and recommend award.
• How to link the RFP, Bids, and proposals to the Contract.
• How to manage the delivery, testing and acceptance of the products or services to the contract.

Your Instructor (for both classes)

Keith Custer, PE, has over 30 years of consulting and management experience and is an expert in project management and the use of integrated cost and schedule techniques. Mr. Custer is an electrical engineer and has been involved in project management ranging from nuclear power electrical systems and controls to office telephony systems, international voice and data communications systems, computer systems, custom software development, and major package software applications like Financials, CIS, HR, CRM, MMIS, PMO, and ERP. His experience spans a wide range of industries including electric power, insurance, financial, retail, manufacturing, health care, and customer service. Mr. Custer has served as CIO, Program Manager, Project Officer, and Project Cost and Schedule Manager for companies such as Bechtel, SWEC, Oracle, Keane, IMRglobal, and Marriott as well as Utilities such as FPL, NUSCO, MPL, Centerior, TECO, PECO, PPL, PSEG, SMUD, and GSU.