As a business, you are most likely preoccupied with routine procurement and planned sourcing requirements. There is always a chance of emergency business procurement. In such a case, it’s natural for you to feel somewhat overwhelmed. The RFP procedure can be risky for a business that is not aware of the market jargon, particulars and players involved. Besides adding to the workload of a business, these specialty assignments have wide-reaching outcomes. As a staffing professional, a business proprietor is best aware of the peril and expense of opting for the wrong vendor. A case in point is a business that requires a new employee self-service portal. The result of that RFP is going to affect every member of staff of the business. The bad thing about an unsuccessful selection is that it can damage the reputation of your business.
Furthermore, a relatively new business will most likely need a long time to find the correct vendors and evaluate proposals. And, this process can add up to quite an expense fast. Normally, a professional rfp consultant can bring a positive result sooner and without depleting internal resources. Frequently, businesses hire them for one-time or intricate procurements. Examples are External legal counsel, Human resources solutions, Security solutions, Technology solutions and IT sourcing, and advertising and media services.
How Can A Procurement Consultant Help Your Business?
What does your business get from such a consultant? The consultant is going to commence by exploring your requirements and outlining your assignment scope. Next, they will fashion the RFP from the data they collect. They are going to establish scoring norms and fashion a list of vendors for your search. They are going to distribute the RFP and manage incoming vendor queries and proposals. Lastly, they mark and assess the proposals to build a concise list or closing recommendation.
What Does The Consultant Do?
During the whole RFP issuing procedure, the consultant must offer guidance. They will not just manage the RFP. It is their responsibility to offer the right procurement project management advice. They:
1.Make an RFP project blueprint and timeline.
2.Outline objectives and establish scope.
3.Offer Industry explicit insights and suggestions.
4.Draw the RFP structure and content.
5.Work with clients and stakeholders for the right requirement gathering.
6.Define evaluation criteria and apply an average based on your business priorities.
7.Make a list of pre-designated vendors.
8.Collect and review proposal responses.
9.Evaluate vendors and make a final selection suggestion.
It is great to have an expert to write a proposal for your business procurement. However, it’s vital that the professional rfp consultant is good.
As procurement projects continue for an average of three to eight months, it’s important that you like working with your consultant. It would be great to have a consultant who fits nicely into your business culture. It facilitates the procurement process. It is vital that the consultant has a good understanding of your requirements and the vendor landscape.