Wikipedia provides a reasonably robust definition of: A Request for Proposal (referred to as RFP) is an invitation for suppliers, through a bidding process, to submit a proposal on a specific product or service. An RFP typically involves more than the price. RFPs often include specifications of the item, project or service for which a proposal is requested. The more detailed the specifications, the better the chances that the proposal provided will be accurate. The bidders return a proposal by a set date and time. Late proposals may or may not be considered, depending on the terms of the initial RFP. The proposals are used to evaluate the suitability as a supplier, vendor, or institutional partner. Discussions may be held on the proposals (often to clarify technical capabilities or to note errors in a proposal). In some instances, all or only selected bidders may be invited to participate in subsequent bids, or may be asked to submit their best technical and financial proposal, commonly referred to as a Best and Final Offer (BAFO).
We sent out an RFP over the weekend to a number of vendor candidates based on their directory information in one or more professional organizations.
We received 53 proposals and one very cryptic response:
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"Unfortunately, we must decline to submit a proposal based on the number of other vendors that have also received the same request (most without experience), and the number of vendors that have taken the liberty of soliciting subcontractors for this position below. With that being said, it indicates that no specific experience and/or skills are required in the search process or to perform the services.
Our core concept is based on providing exceptional services to all of our clients without boundaries. We are expected to provide and deliver the best services possible to your buyers and sellers in addition to obtaining the best partnership with the brokers and agents we serve."
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Huh?? I get the message that "the Royal We" won't be submitting a proposal - but to paraphrase and restate their response - I understand the reason they won't be submitting a proposal is because they are aware this is a competitive process (not a slam dunk for them) and that in their opinion some of their competitors who are part of the process dont't have the experience to be a successful candidate which leads "The Royal We" to believe "no specific experience and/or skills are required .... to perform the services"
Huh?? If one understands what the RFP process is all about, it's evident that the process screens out unqualified candidates. But - hating to assume - I replied:
Sorry - you lost me at "the number of other vendors that have also received the same request (most without experience), and the number of vendors that have taken the liberty of soliciting subcontractors for this position below. With that being said, it indicates that no specific experience and/or skills are required in the search process or to perform the services."
We have no intention of contracting with one vendor only to have them contract with another vendor.
The search process is purely and simply an invitation to submit a proposal. Obviously there is a wide range of skill sets and abilities out there in the vendor world. Knowing how to submit a proposal is the first "hurdle". Am I to understand that you have self selected yourself out of the process due to the competition?
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Their response was:
Sorry, I am not interested and will not be submitting a proposal.
Best of Luck!
Well - alrighty then! - although I suppose "The Royal We" could have just not submitted a proposal instead of trying to justify why they weren't submitting a proposal.
For me, the equivalent position would be, "Mr. & Mrs. Seller. I'm aware you are talking with other agents - some of whom I consider inexperienced - and therefore I'm not going to make a listing presentation to you."
That would send a message that "it's all about me" not about the business opportunity. Ego? Arrogance? Pomposity? Lack of basic understanding of business?
What's the moral of this story?
If you're offered a the chance to compete for a business opportunity - decide whether or not you want to take the next step.
If you don't - either don't engage, or reply that you won't be pursuing the opportunity (just to close the loop and leave the door open for future opportunities).
If you do - then step up.
The worst thing you can do IMHO is to try and belittle your competition and use the fact that the competition is being considered as a reason for your decision. Why burn a bridge? What possible benefit can that type of response gain you? As always - the forum is open for insight into this seemingly bizarre business behavior!
If you are considering selling a home or real estate in the Phoenix area you owe it to yourself to talk with Haven Express at Keller Williams Realty Professional Partners to determine whether Tony Marriott is the best real estate Broker in the Phoenix and Scottsdale metropolitan area to help you with the sale of your home!
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