ASSIGNMENT: CUSTOM EQUIPMENT REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Your company is designing a brand new 2.0 space craft for Jeff Bezos. You do not have the capacity to build the specialized "space chair" that is required. You need to find a supplier that is capable of building one for you to install in the finished space craft.

The product must be ready for installation in 36 months!

This chair will be used for civilians to travel to space, it must be safe, and it must be durable enough to last for 1 year before replacement is required. This contract is worth millions of dollars for your company and your job is one the line, so it is critical that the specifications are very detailed. You only have 1 shot to get this right!

1. Research suppliers that you think might be capable of building a space chair.
2. Create a Request for Proposal using the instructions above.

PLEASE FOLLOW THESE FORMAT IN WRITING YOUR RFP

1. Introduction.Explain to potential bidders in broadterms why you are putting out an RFP and what you hope to accomplish by hiringone of them. You may also summarize key points from other sections, such aswhen their responses are due and when the project would start.
2. Background information.This sectionincludes information about your organization and the history of the current project, leading up to the need for the RFP.
3. Requirements. Give a detailed explanation of whatyou want the vendor to do, and a list of the information you expect to receivefrom the candidates.

It is the mostimportant section and usually requires the most time - both for you to writeand for the vendor's response.

1. Specification of the product. Clearly explain what is required for the space chair. This will be very detailed as we need a product that is suitable for installation in a space craft.
2. Structure of the response.Present thestructure of how you would like to receive the response. If the project iscomplex or highly technical, you can break out the requirements into bulletpoints to which the vendors are expected to respond.

A typical formatfor the response from the vendor might include:

1. Executive summary (high-level overviewwith key points)
2. Vendor company background information
3. Proposed services or deliverables (howthe vendor will meet the RFP requirements)
4. Pricing
5. References (previous customers)

Awarding the Contract

1. Selection criteria. Tell vendors how the winningbidder will be selected. This gives you a chance to highlight your priorities, your must-haves and nice-to-haves, to guide vendors' responses.
2. Timelines.Specify the deadline to receive theirresponses, the date you will announce the winning bidder, and the date theproject will begin.

Keep in mindthat the longer your RFP is, and the more detailed response required ofbidders, the more time you need to allow them to prepare a thorough response.

1. EvaluatingVendors. The evaluationprocess actually starts before you receive any RFP responses - that is, when youdecide who the recipients of the RFP should be. Do a little homework to get somegood prospects.

Finally, onceyou choose a vendor, write a good contract that spells out all the particularsand protects both your interests and those of your vendor. Your RFP and thevendor's response to it form the framework of your contract. If the RFP is wellwritten, the contract negotiation process should go more smoothly.