Supplier Development

Attending the Pre-proposal Conference

• Print Clearly when signing in.
• Read the entire RFP before arriving, that’s why the document is made available prior to the conference.
• Bring your copy of the RFP with you.
• Bring business cards with the correct contact information (i.e. phone, fax, email)
• If anything in the RFP (T&C’s SOW, ins. req., or selection criteria) may be a problem, let us know now.
• Ask Questions
• Bring your written comments / suggestions for changes with you.

Submitting a Proposal

• If there is a “maximum number of pages”, do not violate this rule – any pages past the specified number will not be considered, and this may cause your proposal to become non-responsive.
• Include comparable previous experience (in the same $ range / scope of services).
• Include projects that were completed by the project team that will be assigned to this project.
• Use graphs to show availability of personnel and other data.
• List previous projects – indicating scheduled completion dates vs. actual completion dates, and initial contract dollar amount vs. final contract dollar amount, even if not asked to do so in the RFP.
• Include letters of recommendation, even if not requested in the RFP.
• Call the Contact Person if you have any questions. Technical questions should be submitted in writing via E-Mail or fax. Call to ensure they are received.
• If your proposal does not comply with any mandatory requirement, it will be rejected.

Presentations

If presentations are requested, use multi-media, i.e.; PowerPoint, handouts, video. If informal interviews are requested, only bring materials requested.

• Don’t repeat what is in your proposal – they’ve already read it – that’s why you were short-listed.
• Tell the Evaluation Team what you will “do for Osceola County” – how you will ensure that this project is completed on-time and on-budget.
• Do your homework. Learn about the project Owner (the County).
• Don’t talk too much about previous projects – talk about THIS project.
• You may briefly refer to another project you did, but keep it pertinent and brief – talk about THIS project. Exception: Mention how you helped previous clients save money.
• Be sure your project manager attends, and is the lead speaker. Don’t bring personnel who aren’t on the agenda, or who will not be involved in the project. Each person attending should speak about the tasks they will perform on this project.
• Use graphs to show that your project team is available to start/complete this project.
• Tell the Evaluation Team about your resources, such as your website – how it can be used to get pertinent, up-to-date information on this project.
• Inform the Evaluation Team of alternate solutions / innovative ways to complete this project.