Proposals, RFPs

A proposal is similar in some ways to an RFP response. Both require the offeror to establish capability, provide solutions, and manage delivery schedules. Unlike a proposal, an RFP comes with certain formalities, especially when the requestor is a government agency.

There is an art to crafting a winning response. Even so, sometimes winning has nothing to do with the proposal or capability or budget and everything to do with past performance. Strategies that build confidence in the capacity to deliver a solution can help.

Here are a few of our recent submittals:

UNIDO – Database Tracking and Reporting System
UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization) published an RFP for “Development of electronic database for tracking and reporting HCFC phase out activities in the Russian Federation.” The core requirement – development of the database, interface, and reporting tools – was straightforward. The details, however, were a bit more complicated. The tools had to conform to the Russian Federation regulations for monitoring HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons), meet UNIDO standards and be available in Russian. Project reports to UNIDO had to be in English.

UN DOCO – Database Reporting System (Won)
The UN Development Operations Coordination Office (DOCO) wanted to convert their existing Country Coordination Reporting System from a document-based system to a database system. Their goal was a system to help them manage their annual progress reports from 130 countries, provide progress notifications, and ultimately allow for comprehensive metrics. The new system had to allow for both online and offline access, be secure, and be able to be integrated with existing systems.

USTDA – China Healthcare Definitional Mission
USTDA (United States Trade Development Agency) requested proposals for a definitional mission to assess and gauge the market in China for US Healthcare companies and provide project recommendations. Market factors, regulatory issues, and opportunities were to be investigated via a series of in-country meetings, local dialogs, and research.