It's been a crazy few days. Last week or two I've been managing the RFP/response process for a very large Web site that my firm is doing for the State of Maryland. I broke off the front end design/UX for my agency to do and we are subbing out the backend database integration/cleanup to a second firm.
So I had to put together, with the help of the State's people, an RFP, select vendors, hold a pre-proposal conference, evaluate the responses, and help the State make a decision as to what vendor to pick.
The job is nearly done, thank goodness. I, personally, have responded to more RFPs than I can count. However I've only been on the issuing side twice (this being the second time). I can conclusively say that the process of putting together a good RFP is just as difficult, if not more difficult, than responding to one.
It's also interesting in seeing what factors influence the decision to go with one particular vendor over another (more on that after the contract has been awarded). Suffice it to say that there is a wide variance in the quality and presentation of responses and its amazing how the smallest thing can sway opinion negatively.
My time the rest of this week is tied up doing some use cases for a new project. They've been sitting, maturing in my head for a few days and it is now time to get them down in 'Graffle. Fortunately, the latest version of Graffle has a stencil for Jesse James Garrett's IA objects. Very useful.
Posted by artandscience at February 12, 2007 05:59 AM