Help improve the RFP

It is not uncommon for clients to release draft Request for Proposals (RFPs) in the course of finalizing their acquisition strategy.  Even if draft RFPs are not issued, old RFPs are often instructive about what a re-compete RFP might look like.

Acquisition specialists are sometimes conflicted about how much they can and cannot talk with industry about their solicitation plans.  More experienced acquisition specialists understand that discussions with industry, prior to the formal RFP release, can be very beneficial to their acquisition and often welcome input.

It is important to keep in mind why they might treasure your input and to craft your feedback to meet their needs!  For example, requirements that unnecessarily restrict competition.  Or, requirements that unnecessarily increase the cost or time it will take to accomplish the client's objectives.  Prior to solicitation release, all matters may be open for you to influence, including technical requirements type of contract, length of contract, proposal preparation instructions, evaluation factors, past performance criteria, etc. 

In a recent solicitation, I saw requirements for NIST SP 800-172 and the ask to be compliant with all the enhanced security controls.  Upon asking the contracting officer about the requirement, they indicated that it was put it in the solicitation because the end user thought the enhanced security controls would be "nice to have." 

When we explained the complexity and costs associated with implementing all the enhanced security controls, literally millions of dollars, the client changed their mind and thanked us profusely for educating the acquisition team about this possible pitfall before RFP release.  We bought much good will.

I can point to many other instances where experienced acquisition specialists were grateful for feedback that made their RFP better!  Of course the suggestions benefited us also, making it a win-win. 

Bottom line, don't be shy about providing draft RFP feedback but make sure you always craft it from the perspective of why it benefits the client!   Helping the client improve their RFP is not only legal, it can be greatly appreciated.