Request for Proposal: A Guide to Effective RFP Development

Customer Reviews:

Viewpoint of a novice.......2007-01-10

I bought this book because I was to lead a group in developing an RFP but had no experience with RFP's. I don't know how this book will meet the needs of anyone with a lot of experience but I am extremely impressed by its readability, organization, and applicability. I'm still working on the project but have gotten good feedback on what I've developed, which I could not have done without the guidance and information in the book. It is logically sequenced and appears to cover all bases, though someone with a lot more experience would be better able to assess this. Impressed? Very.

RFP Review.......2006-03-15

The book is an easy read and provides me with the needed understanding of developing an RFP and template.

Resource and guidelines with a coherent approach.......2004-03-01

There are literally hundreds of good books on proposal writing, but only a tiny handful on writing RFPs. From among the handful this book stands out for a number of reasons:

(1) It clearly described the RFP process from start to finish - and RFP development is a process with a defined life cycle.

(2) The author goes well beyond the immediate objective of writing an RFP and managing the process by including thought-provoking material on post-award vendor management. This material sometimes escapes the RFP development team who is more focused on getting to the award milestone without thinking about the post-award ramifications.

(3) It's not boring - the writing is lively, and the material is presented at a fast pace. The pace, however, does not leave gaps. Every facet of the RFP process is covered in sufficient detail.

In addition to the above, the approach set forth in this book is consistent with best practices in RFP development. I especially like the copious checklists, the RFP roadmap, and the way illustrations are skillfully used to reinforce concepts and advice.

Note that the focus of this book is information technology and software acquisition. Some of the material is unique to those domains; however, the basic principles and RFP process can be used for virtually any type of RFP, from office services to purchasing furniture.

Overall, this is the one book I recommend for RFP development. If you are an IT professional, regardless of role, the chances are you will be involved in this process at some point in your career, making this book a valuable addition to your library. If you have recently been assigned to an RFP team you should get this book as soon as possible, and use it as your compass and blueprint if your organization does not already have a formal RFP process in place.

Good Resource.......2003-05-13

A great resource for preparation and review of an RFP. A helpful guide for people with and without RFP experience.

The RFP book that htelp me to do the job well done.......2003-01-04

I was in charge to define the RFP for a big imaging system project and this book gave me the tools to plan, supervise and create the RFP that point out the requirements, so the providers can easily develop the correct solution in their proposal.

This book is ahead. Has very good explanation (easy to read and understand), well structured and the examples are good to have a clear idea of the content that should have all the topic of the RFP. It gave me the tools to map the plan, the definition of the requirements and the development of the RFP document.

Book Description

The federal procurement process is undergoing a major overhaul. And, to be successful, you must master a host of new methods, rules, and requirements. This new, streamlined acquisition process adopts the best practices of the business world to boost cost-efficiency and reduce the time from contract development to delivery.

Acquisition Management is the first step-by-step guide to the government's new strategies and methods for procurement. With it, you'll learn how to apply a strategic approach.

Key Features:

* Reviews acquisition principles to help you develop a basis for decision-making
* Gives you step-by-step guidance for every phase of the process, from solicitation to closeout
* Places the procurement process in a risk management context to help you troubleshoot problems and ensure success
* Outlines the roles and tasks of major players in the process to help you work more effectively as part of the contracting team
* Presents pertinent information from the FAR at each applicable point in the acquisition process

If you want to excel at every phase of the contracting process -- from pre-award procurement planning to post-award contract closeout -- Acquisition Management is the most useful, comprehensive resource you'll find.

Customer Reviews:

Great book .......2007-01-06

It's a good, interesting read. Not too over-the head; pretty easy to understand. The index needs revising, though. Some of the key words were not on the assigned pages. I'm going into the contracting field and I'll be keeping this book for reference.

Contracting with the Federal Government, 4th Edition

Average customer rating:

Contracting with the Federal Government, 4th Edition
Margaret M. Worthington , and Louis P. Goldsman
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Federal Contracting Answer Book
Government Contracts In A Nutshell (In a Nutshell (West Publishing))
Guide to Contract Pricing: Cost and Price Analysis for Contractors, Subcontractors, and Government Agencies
Multiple Award Schedule Contracting

ASIN: 0471242187

Book Description

A complete overhaul of Contracting with the Federal Government, Third Edition to reflect developments and changes since 1992. Analysis of Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (major legislation enacted in 1995), and of significant changes in cost accounting standards and requirements, statutes, and regulations governing federal contracting process. With step-by-step instructions, and forms in a clear and concise process, this professional book incorporates relevant supplemental information.

Business Process Outsourcing: Process, Strategies, and Contracts

Average customer rating:

It's the book I am looking for

Business Process Outsourcing: Process, Strategies, and Contracts
John K. Halvey , and Barbara Murphy Melby
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Black Book of Outsourcing: How to Manage the Changes, Challenges, and Opportunities
Information Technology Outsourcing Transactions: Process, Strategies, and Contracts
The Outsourcing Handbook: How to Implement a Successful Outsourcing Process
Intelligent IT Outsourcing: Eight Building Blocks to Success (Computer Weekly Professional)
IT, Software and Services: Outsourcing and Offshoring

ASIN: 0470044837

Book Description

Many corporations are currently restructuring their business processes in order to become more competitive and cost effective. Once the decision has been made to outsource, a corporation must structure the deal. This book will show them how to request proposals and negotiate and close the agreement--creating the outsourcing strategy.

Customer Reviews:

It's the book I am looking for.......2000-01-18

The content of the book is related to my job and my MBA course

Government Contracts In A Nutshell (In a Nutshell (West Publishing))

Average customer rating:

Poorly edited, author strays from purpose of nutshell.
In response to the review about "spelling errors"
Needs Editing

Government Contracts In A Nutshell (In a Nutshell (West Publishing))
W. Noel Keyes
Manufacturer: West Group Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Federal Contracting Made Easy, Second Edition
21st Century Essential Guide to Federal Contracting and Acquisition - Doing Business with the Government, Selling Products and Services, Vendor and Contractor ... reference Sources (Four CD-ROM Superset)
Handbook For Writing Proposals
Request for Proposal: A Guide to Effective RFP Development
Win Government Contracts for Your Small Business (CCH Business Owner's Toolkit series)

ASIN: 0314153160

Book Description

Summarizes Federal Acquisition Regulation System (FARS), improper business practices and personal conflicts of interest, publicizing contract actions, and competition requirements. Addresses acquisition plans, contractor qualifications, contract delivery, and performance. Explains contracting methods, types, sealed bidding, and negotiation. Reviews general contracting requirements, cost accounting standards, cost principles, financing, protests, disputes, and appeals. Explores research and development contracting; construction and architect-engineer contracts; contract management, administration, and modifications; subcontracting; government contract termination; and clauses, forms, and solicitation provisions.

Customer Reviews:

Poorly edited, author strays from purpose of nutshell........2006-10-29

Nutshells are supposed to be simple, objective overviews of the law, but the author could not resist frequently inserting opinion and otherwise straying from the brief overview purpose of the text. The outline does not have any coherent structure. Lots of fluff, very little beef. Keep looking, don't buy this.

In response to the review about "spelling errors".......2005-09-14

I am in Government Contracting and this book is very informative and can be used as a ver good tool.
Also in reference to the review talking about spelling errors, I'm not sure how old your dictionary is but "definitized" and "estopped" are words. Check Merriam-Webster, Online m-w.com.

Needs Editing.......2005-08-25

The book is certainly packed with a lot of valuable information, and I suggest purchasing it if you plan on writing any government proposals, or managing government contracts. Just be prepared to filter through a lot of bad editing, spelling errors, sentences that make no sense, incorrect wording that render the sentence incorrect, and, at certain times, words that do not exist. For example, the word "definitized" appears many times; and I don't think the government has ever "estopped" invoking ceiling price limitations.
It just seems unbelievable that a book in its fourth edition could be so riddled with obvious errors - especially in this day and age when spell checks and grammar checks are built in to even the most basic of writing and publishing tools.
All in all, you'll obtain some new knowledge, just be prepared to spend some time reading, and re-reading certain sentences and paragraphs to make sense out of them.

Purchasing Manager's Desk Book of Purchasing Law (Purchasing Manager's Deskbook of Purchasing Law)

Average customer rating:

Every Purchasing Agent should have this!

Purchasing Manager's Desk Book of Purchasing Law (Purchasing Manager's Deskbook of Purchasing Law)
Donald B. King , and James J. Ritterskamp
Manufacturer: Aspen Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Common Sense Purchasing: Hard Knock Lessons Learned From a Purchasing Pro

ASIN: 0136714625

Customer Reviews:

Every Purchasing Agent should have this!.......2000-03-11

This book methodically details the duties and responsibiities of purchasing agents as well as the legal ramifications of negotiations, contracts, and performance. It's written in laymen's terms so it simplifies the complex issues of such agency. Buy it.

Average customer rating:

Federal Contracting Answer Book
Terrence M. O'Connor , and Mary Ann P. Wangemann
Manufacturer: Management Concepts
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Federal Contracting Made Easy, Second Edition
Contracting with the Federal Government, 4th Edition
Acquisition Management
Government Contracts In A Nutshell (In a Nutshell (West Publishing))
Guide to Contract Pricing: Cost and Price Analysis for Contractors, Subcontractors, and Government Agencies

ASIN: 1567261051

Book Description

The one reference tool with the answers you need to do your job better!

Anyone who works with government contracting - whether you are a contractor or a federal contracting professional - knows how tough it is to keep on top of the contracting process.

Now there's a reference that delivers straightforward, easy-to-understand answers to every contracting question you have. Federal Contracting Answer Book is an essential resource that eliminates hours of frustrating, dead-end searches for accurate information and practical guidance.

Over 500 pages - over 200 answers! Every contracting professional will make this an integral part of the contracting process. Always at your fingertips. Always ready to provide you with the answers you need.

Use Federal Contracting Answer Book to

* Get the answers to your contracting questions … quickly & easily with keyword and index search capabilities
* Train new contracting and noncontracting personnel ... by providing answers to the most basic - and critical - questions about contracting
* Support the most seasoned contracting professionals ... by providing answers to questions about special circumstances * Learn what you need to know about federal government contracting ... broaden your knowledge and do your own job better

Federal Contracting Made Easy, Second Edition
Average customer rating:

Great Book

From the Horse's Mouth - Where's the Best Value

Govt Contracting 123

Do you think government contracts are hard to get?

The best general book on government contracting available

Federal Contracting Made Easy, Second Edition
Scott A. Stanberry
Manufacturer: Management Concepts
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Successful Proposal Strategies for Small Businesses 4th edition (Artech House Technology Management and Professional Developm)

ASIN: 1567261582

Book Description

How to Find, Apply for, Win, Manage, and Get Paid for a Government Contract.

Here is a step-by-step guide to doing business with the biggest customer of all: the U.S.government. Written in plain English, not government jargon, Federal Contracting Made Easy explains the process in terms that are easy to understand and follow.

This second edition has been completely updated with the most current resources available to federal contractors. Whether you are an entrepreneur seeking government business for the first time or a current contractor with years of experience, Federal Contracting Made Easy offers you a treasury of proven methods. You'll learn how to identify new contracting opportunities, enhance your efficiency, and boost your profitability when doing business with the federal government. With over 2,500 buying offices nationwide, the federal government needs a huge array of products and services. This practical handbook will help you find your opportunity.

Customer Reviews:

Great Book.......2007-05-13

This book has really terrific info on all the red tape you'll have to cut to make it as a government contractor!

From the Horse's Mouth - Where's the Best Value.......2006-01-19

Currently a member of the Federal Acquisition workforce, I see this book covers the gamut, as we know it. Particularly impressive is its coverage of GSA. GSA is a prime Federal market research tool. This can give prospective contractors an idea of what government organizations regularly buy, and government contacts for soliciting business.

As an insider, there does still exist widespread indirect nepotism; cronyism; military who roll into contracts, and other versions of same (so much so that various government bodies such as Government Accounting Office handle contests of unfair play), so the better you know the rules of the game, the better your chances of getting in and getting your fair play of public funds. Government is pro small business; however, you have to slog thru bureaucracy, and that means having the information to even get started and what to do. The driving force is supposed to be acquiring the "best value" for public funds for a requirement. This book can be a map to help you on your journey to propose how you can get the job done. If you know where you want to go, pick up this map, and get the edge to get there.

Govt Contracting 123.......2005-08-16

Very informative and a useful tool for anyone interested in selling to the federal government.

Do you think government contracts are hard to get?.......2004-08-17

Scott Stanberry shows you just how easy it is to contract for the government. Some contractors take one look at the government spec's and throw up their hands. Government spec's aren't as hard as they look. This book will take you step by step through the process of bidding government contracts. Once you get use to the paper work, which this book shows you some of, you have it made. Read this book and go out and make your fortune in government contracting.

Larry Hobson- government contractor for over 30 years

The best general book on government contracting available.......2003-10-27

I've read many books on government contracting. I think this is the best primer on the market. Chapters are well-organized and the writing is succinct. The graphics are useful, including government forms, rate calculations, sample cost formulas, and more. The bid formula example for a small disadvantaged business (p.63) and the progress payment schedule (p.253) are just 2 of many excellent and easy-to-understand graphics.

Average customer rating:

Read THIS BOOK before you submit a schedule contract!

Multiple Award Schedule Contracting
John W. & Aronie, Jonathan Chierichella
Manufacturer: Xlibris Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Federal Contracting Made Easy, Second Edition
Getting A GSA Schedule: A Step by Step Guide
Guide to Contract Pricing: Cost and Price Analysis for Contractors, Subcontractors, and Government Agencies
Contracting with the Federal Government, 4th Edition
Administration of Government Contracts

ASIN: 1425709230

Customer Reviews:

Read THIS BOOK before you submit a schedule contract!.......2003-09-18

This is a very thorough book that seems to cover almost every aspect of Multiple Award Schedule contracting. If you are a small business and are even considering applying for a MAS contract, you have got to read this book FIRST. There are so many potential pitfalls associated with Schedule Contracting and you need to go into the process with open eyes.

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