When soliciting bids from different contractors, a request for proposal (RFP) is key. This is a document that details all of the services needed for a clinical project. It will often take the form of an in-depth questionnaire, but optimizing your RFP can be a little more complicated. In this article, we’re going to show you how to lay the ground for successful study implementation using an RFP.
Table of Contents
1. Understanding The RFP Process
Creating an RFP will typically take 2 to 4 weeks of intensive work. The RFP will need to be sent to all potential vendors and each company will need to construct an elaborate response. The sponsor will then choose a winning proposal and request a quote.
It is worth noting that clinical research organizations are well equipped to help with RFPs because they often issue their own requests when outsourcing services.
The first tip to be aware of is that the party who issue an RFP should attach the study synopsis and key study parameters, such as the length of the trial and preference for regions.
2. Choosing RFP Recipients
The buyer’s goal when issuing an RFP should be to receive just a few comprehensive replies.Large numbers will not only decrease in relevance, but increase the time needed to evaluate each reply. Prescreening service providers means that you are able to ensure a small number of high quality responses.
3. Assessing Scope
It is best to determine the scope of services requested as early as possible. This will allow for shorter negotiations later in the process and allow recipients of the RFP the time to identify potential bottlenecks.
4. Facilitating Feedback
Giving recipients a good amount of time to reply is important. Even if you are projecting a close starting date, it is best to provide bidders enough time to send back a detailed proposal.
The RFP should leave room for alternative suggestions and comments. It’s always worth getting service provider’s expert input on particular areas.
5. Incorporate a Bid Defense Step
A Smooth RFP Process
Coordination and preparation are integral to a smooth RFP process. Once timelines and processes are established on both sides, the entire procedure is streamlined. Incorporating opportunities for conversation and feedback wherever possible accelerates the process.
To learn more about the clinical operations and clinical trial process or accelerate your progress by avoiding common issues, get in touch with the team at Dokumeds.
The content after this, under the title “Making a Quality Proposal after Receiving an RFP” I don’t think fits with this new layout. I’ve cut it; it could work as a separate article though?
_Marked as resolved_
_Re-opened_
@[email protected] – one for the brainstorm list?