b'approach to the project. It is in the RFPAspect RFQ RFPprocess that the owner can get a clear idea of how the firms plan to fulfill thePurpose To assess qualifications,To solicit detailed design proposals, projects requirements and vision. experience, and capability including concepts and costsFocus Firm experience and expertise Design approach, innovation, cost, and When is an RFP Used? project execution planIn Missouri, an RFP is typically usedContent Company profile, past projectDesign proposals, project approach, when a government agency, educationalexperience, qualifications timelines, budget estimatesinstitution, or other public entity needsDetail Level High-level and general Highly detailed and specificto procure goods or services and wants to solicit competitive bids or proposals.Public Procurement: State, localdifference lies in the level of detail andservices, Facility assessment and government agencies, and publicthe purpose they serve in the selectionmaster planning services, Energy institutions often use RFPs for large- process, along with proposed fees andService company (ESCO), etcscale purchases or services. Thisbudget (see table above). RFPConstruction Managers, could be for things like constructionWhile the RFQ process tends to focusDesign/Build services (both projects, IT systems, consultingon filtering out firms, contractors andrequired RFQ as first step), services, or professional services. Byvendors that dont meet the baselinecommercial products, specific using an RFP, these entities ensurecriteria, the RFP process is more aboutconstruction projects such that they comply with state lawsevaluating the specific plans of the firmsas roofing projects, hardware regarding competitive bidding andthat pass the RFQ stage. replacement, product contracting. purchasing, etcComplex Projects or Services:4. Best Practices for RFQs and RFPsWhen a project or service requiresFor owners, the RFQ and RFPConclusionspecialized expertise, such asprocesses can be complex andBoth RFQs and RFPs are essential IT consulting, legal services, ordemanding. However, following besttools in the procurement process for environmental studies, an RFPpractices can streamline the process: various reasons: A/E design services, is useful for outlining specificBe Clear and Detailed: Whethercontractors, vendors for a specific requirements and evaluatingyou are issuing an RFQ or RFP,product, or services related to a specific proposals based on factors likeproviding detailed and clearproject. qualifications, experience, and cost. instructions is key. Make sureRFQ serves as a vetting tool to Competitive Biddingthat your expectations are wellensure that firms meet the necessary Requirements: Missouri state lawdefined and that firms have all thequalifications; RFP invites firms to requires competitive bidding fornecessary information to respondpropose a detailed solution. It is very certain contracts over a specificappropriately. important to provide as much detail as dollar threshold (often $25,000 orTransparent Evaluation Criteria:possible for the design intent and needed more). The dollar amount is oftenLet potential firms know how theirdeliverables for any project you are set by local school boards or by thesubmissions will be evaluated.soliciting for.state. If the scope is large or complex,This helps ensure that you receiveRFQ focuses on qualifications and an RFP can be used to invite vendorsproposals that align with your needscapabilities; RFP focuses on proposals, to submit proposals that meet theand vision. including how to accomplish the project agencys needs. Set Realistic Deadlines: Bothand at what cost.Non-standard Solutions: If theRFQs and RFPs should allowRFQ asks for qualifications and state or a local government agencysufficient time for firms to prepare needs a customized or non-standardthoughtful responses. Unrealisticallybackground information; RFP asks for solution (like a new software system,short deadlines can lead to rushed,detailed, actionable plans.unique training programs, or specificincomplete proposals. RFQ is typically used earlier in the health services), an RFP allows theEncourage Innovation: In the RFPprocurement process to narrow down agency to ask for detailed proposalsprocess, particularly, allow room foroptions; RFP is used when the project that explain how vendors will meetcreative design solutions. This canspecifics are clearer, and you need more those needs. result in unique, forward-thinkingdetailed responses and pricing.proposals that can add value to theRFQ: Fees are not allowed to be 3. Differences Between RFQ and RFP project. requested in an RFQ process for Although the RFQ and RFP shareExamples of typical solicitations: architectural/engineering services per some similarities, their primaryRFQArchitects/Engineersprovision 8.285 to 8.291, RSMoWWW.MSPMA.COM|27'