Request

Once you’re satisfied that the best set of candidates has made it to the shortlist, issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) The RFP should provide as much information and documentation as possible as only then will the OSP’s have a fighting chance of presenting a proposal which reflects your true requirements.

Request For Proposals

RFP’s should clearly specify what the requirements are. The clearer a client is in his RFP’s, more prospects of him getting right kind of service providers. Client can create an environment of healthy competition to get better outsourcing options.

RFP’s should to avoid being too prescriptive; the temptation to ask an OSP to replicate the processes you’ve developed in-house is strong, but will limit their opportunity to be innovative and to introduce recommendations for change that will move your business forward.

A first draft of the contract should also be included with the RFP and bidders should be asked to comment on any areas of it that they would want to change if appointed.

Investing time at this stage to capture the needs of the business within a contractual framework will mean you’re likely to receive proposals that can be meaningfully compared and measured on their merits. It may also have the happy side effect of shortening the final contract negotiation stage, because both parties will have had their cards on the table from the outset.