Writing a good web-based RFP is not as easy as it sounds. Many RFPs start from templates as a way to save time and display much needed disclosure. However, an obvious danger in doing that is authors often fail to take advantage of the rich features built into web-based systems.
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This article will discuss how to take advantage of features and tools to give better RFP results.
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First, go ahead and start with a template. Of course you have a major investment in those paper based RFPs. These are usually a great starting point. But don't think that simply loading the paper RFP will result in a good web-based RFP. Once the basic framework is available, this is where the web-based tool will take over.
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With the framework online, start to think of how to fine-tune the questionnaire. Look at the question sets. Make sure as many questions as possible have distinct choices. Often our clients have scoring templates that layout the answers they consider to be good. Consider taking those answers and making text questions into multiple choice questions. Obviously multiple choice responses are easier to evaluate. The modern RFP system can also score and analyze the result reducing the amount of time you spend on the back end reviewing the result.
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Also look into the text questions to see if a "single" question contains multiple parts. Multi-part questions are great, but if you don't break them up into components you run the risk of having questions skipped, de-emphasized, or ignored altogether. Keep in mind, a single question will allow respondents to focus on the answer. Multi-part questions allow the respondent to pick and choose what to emphasize.
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The web-based platform also has the unique ability to control the type and length of the response. If you are looking for a simple "Yes or No" the system will make sure that is what you receive. If you only want 50 words on the company history, the system can limit users to that length. Attaching documents, pdfs, spreadsheets and other back up is a snap.
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With these simple steps, you will be able to better control the quality of the response you receive. By taking a little more time setting up the RFP, users can save days and weeks worth of time on the back end evaluation.

About Proposal Technologies Network, Inc.
ProposalTech, with headquarters in Irvine, CA, provides the first transaction-based, pure-Internet solution for RFPs. Its core product, ProposalLink, allows companies to create an Internet-based proposal system to automate all aspects of RFPs, from the RFP's creation, development, response, analysis, and final due diligence.

The system enables electronic RFP processing and analysis via a Web-based interface that manages information exchange, proposal creation, quote requests, and other questionnaire documents. ProposalLink makes it possible for any number of service or product suppliers to prepare proposal documents, review and respond to questionnaire specifications, ask questions of and get clarification from buyers, and ultimately propose on the requests.

For more information on ProposalTech, visit the company web site at www.proposaltech.com or contact us by telephone at (877) 211-8316. To receive a press kit send an email to presskit@proposaltech.com.

For more information please contact Jeff Spencer, (877) 211-8316 xt 81