When a new procurement project crosses your desk, one of your first moves is probably to look for a few similar RFP examples. Not only is it normal to explore sample RFPs, it can be incredibly informative. From industry-specific RFP questions to evaluation criteria, you can learn a lot from others who have been there before. Luckily, if you can buy it, the internet can help you find an RFP example for it.
In this blog, we’ll share a list of our favorite RFP examples selected from the most searched categories. Along with each RFP, you’ll see a short description of why it is unique or noteworthy. Armed with these examples, you’ll be well on your way to creating an excellent RFP for any new procurement project.
Advertising and marketing RFP examples
- Agency RFP
- Branding RFP
- Communications consultant RFP
- Digital advertising services RFP
- Digital media RFP
- Graphic design & copy editing RFP
- Graphic design services RFP
- Public relations RFP
- Social media RFP
Business operations RFP examples
- Data analytics RFP
- Legal services RFP
- Insurance broker RFP
- Project management RFP
- Architecture RFP
- Architecture & engineering services RFP
- Commercial real estate broker RFP
- Construction management RFP
- Design-build RFP
- Engineering services RFP
- Asset management RFP
- Banking services RFP
- Endowment manager RFP
- Investment management RFP
- Electronic medical record services RFP
- Health clinic services RFP
- Health portal RFP
- Hospital strategic planning RFP
- Pharmacy benefit manager RFP
- Case management software RFP
- Help desk software RFP
- Information systems risk assessment RFP
- Mobile app development RFP
- Software development RFP
- Website design RFP
Advertising and marketing RFP examples
Agency RFP example for creative and media buying services
Inside this request for proposal, you’ll find a great example of how to provide plenty of background and project information to guide interested agencies. Issued by the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the RFP seeks an agency of record for a long-term relationship. Accordingly, the document includes links and details about the county’s business plan, target market and team structure.
Branding RFP example
Most of the RFP examples you’ll see have a very formal tone with lots of official-sounding jargon. Consequently, that’s why this branding RFP example stands out. PFLAG, a nonprofit organization, uses approachable, conversational language to convey their background, challenges and goals. Not only does this make the RFP stand out from others, but it also gives potential vendors a sense of what it’s like to work with PFLAG.
Communications consultant RFP example
The town of University Park’s RFP for a communications consultant includes a number of requested services. From creating content to social media management, the town outlines their needs in the document. This sample communications RFP strikes a nice balance between background, participation guidance and questions.
Digital advertising services RFP example
This helpful request for proposal sample comes from Stockton University. Easy to navigate and read, the RFP clearly outlines the services needed, submission requirements and RFP scoring criteria. In addition, the RFP makes good use of links. Indeed, the document contains a helpful vendor checklist with links to each form required. Not only does this format help vendors track their progress, it also keeps the RFP to a mere 35 pages.
Digital media RFP example
This RFP from Harper College offers a good example of a detailed scope of work, RFP questions tailored to the project, reference requirements and a list of required capabilities. In addition, the RFP makes the evaluation process and timeline clear. Harper College seeks a marketing firm to plan their digital advertising strategy. While the beginning of the RFP includes a lot of standard terms and conditions, the rest of the RFP delivers crucial information for interested vendors. This is a great example of how to write a thorough scope of work, customized RFP questions, case study requirements and a capability/need overview.
Graphic design and copy editing services RFP sample
When you open this RFP from WE ACT for Environmental Justice, you’ll see that they get right down to business without delay. Indeed, this RFP for graphic design research report is very direct — they outline the scope of services on the very first page. Furthermore, this no-nonsense approach translates to their proposal criteria which is only three items. Specifically, the RFP requests that the proposal detail the candidate’s qualifications, examples of their work and proposed fees.
Graphic design services RFP example
As a counterpoint to the short, project-based RFP example above, this RFP for ongoing design services is considerably longer. At 57 pages, the RFP includes background information, proposal and submission instructions, their RFP timeline and scoring criteria.
Public relations RFP sample
In this RFP example, the attention to detail, visual appeal and thoughtful approach convey the high expectations of the organization. In addition, the document itself reflects The Brand USA’s style and values. The subtle but impactful approach will attract the attention of marketing firms with similar high standards.
Social media RFP example
Generally, RFPs for social media services are either for ongoing management or campaign-specific projects. In this sample social media RFP, Newcap, Inc. seeks a partner for a year-long partnership. Helpfully, the document clearly specifies the company’s goals and the help they need to achieve them. However, the RFP questions are relatively general which may make vendor evaluation difficult.
Business operations RFP examples
Data analytics RFP example for consultant and solutions
When New Jersey City University (NJCU) decided to leverage their data to better understand their big-picture impact, they created this RFP. In the RFP, you’ll find details about the university’s desired outcomes as well as their requirements including a supplier diversity policy. Additionally, this RFP has a thorough list of RFP questions to inspire your own RFP.
Legal services RFP example
Great Rivers Greenway District is a political division in the state of Missouri. As such, they require a wide variety of legal services including legal research, drafting, regulatory advice and litigation. This sample RFP provides a useful list of RFP questions that are unique to legal service procurement. In addition to the standard proposal evaluation process, the organization will invite shortlisted candidates to interviews with RFP presentations.
Insurance broker RFP example
When you’re looking for an insurance broker, you want to work with someone who can serve all your needs. For the Public Health Institute, that means finding a broker with a wide-range of carrier relationships. For example, they maintain policies that cover crime, inland marine and cyber liability, in addition to more common coverages. In this RFP example, the organization makes their needs clear. Additionally, they share their RFP weighted scoring values to help vendors focus on the most important factors.
Project management RFP example
Ahead of a potential remodel, Morrow County issued this sample RFP for project management services. Specifically, they issued the RFP to seek help determining the facility needs, potential options and merits of remodeling versus new construction. Not often seen in other RFP examples, this RFP clearly states three pass/fail criteria: on-time submission, proposal completeness and the number of copies included. While these things may seem minor, they communicate to potential vendors the seriousness of the project and the sense that the organization has no time to waste.
Construction RFP examples
Architectural services RFP example
The City of Urbana used this sample RFP for architectural services to identify the best firm for three specific projects as well as potential future work. Consequently, you’ll find this detailed RFP helpful whether you need to issue an architecture RFP for a one-time project or for a long-term partnership.
Architecture and engineering services RFP example
When you face a one-of-a-kind procurement project, specificity is key. Certainly, that’s the case with this sample RFP for the Giant Magellan Telescope. The RFP outlines the goal of creating an enclosure for the Giant Magellan Telescope. It specifies the desired qualifications and experience and offers visual elements to help interested firms develop their proposals.
Explore a step-by-step guide to issuing an architect RFP in this blog: Architect RFP: How to issue and respond.
Commercial real estate brokerage RFP example
After operating from a communal office space, the Clean Power Alliance of Southern California was ready to find a new location for their 40 employees. They subsequently issued this real estate RFP, which serves as our next example. The RFP includes a timeline, proposal requirements, evaluation criteria and a detailed scope of services.
Construction management services RFP sample
While this RFP example is relatively short at only seven pages, it’s packed full of information without being overwhelming. Indeed, on the first page, you’ll find Incourage Community Foundation’s vendor priorities for their Tribune Building remodel. They’re looking for a local company that prioritizes diversity, talent development and sustainability. Additionally, they provide plentiful background information and history about the building and site.
Design-build RFP example
This design-build request for proposal example is from the city of Rockhill, South Carolina. Uniquely, the RFP requires a mandatory, in-person, pre-proposal meeting. The RFP establishes a budget and provides a detailed list of evaluation criteria.
Engineering services RFP
The County of Caroline, Virginia created this sample RFP for engineering services to find the right vendor for a three-year contract. Indeed, the document specifies the county’s engineering needs including responsibilities throughout research, planning, design, negotiation and construction phases. Each phase is broken down into bullet points with detailed responsibilities.
Financial RFP examples
Asset management RFP example
Not only is this asset management RFP example from Capital Region Water easy to read, it’s also visually appealing. Indeed, as vendors and service providers become more selective, responding to only RFPs that are the best fit, making your RFP more memorable is an advantage. In addition, the RFP is only nine pages, unusually brief for this kind of RFP.
Banking services RFP example
This banking services RFP from the County of Lapeer, Michigan has a wide range of insightful questions and clear vendor qualifications. Uniquely, for county procurement projects, the proposals must be submitted by email rather than hard copy.
Endowment manager RFP example
As you might expect, most financial RFP examples tend to contain a lot of detailed information. Typically, you’ll find lengthy background, qualifications and submission instructions. Indeed, this RFP is no exception. Issued by the Office of the State Treasurer of Delaware, the RFP includes tables to report assets under management and client base numbers. Furthermore, you’ll find lots of interesting questions to help guide your own RFP.
Investment management services RFP example
Formatted perfectly and full of insightful questions, this RFP from The Investments & Wealth Institute is one of the best RFP examples out there. Indeed, the document strikes a balance between details and brevity. The questions explore the potential firm’s strength and stability, investment process, service, structure and accessibility, performance reporting and fee structure.
Healthcare RFP examples
Electronic medical record (EMR) support services RFP example
Digital transformation is driving rapid change in the healthcare sector. Indeed, one of the most noticeable aspects of this change is the prevalence of electronic medical records. Because these systems are constantly evolving as needs change, hospitals and health systems often need to find support services for their EMR systems. This RFP from UC Davis Health is a great example because of its detailed guidelines, RFP criteria and background information.
Health clinic services RFP example
This RFP for health clinic services covers a variety of services required by Deschutes County, Oregon. From employee health clinic marketing to pharmacy operations, you’ll find an extensive list of vendor requirements specific to healthcare services. To standardize pricing proposals, this RFP provides an attached RFP pricing table form for vendors to complete.
Health portal RFP example
Making the right choice in procurement is crucial. Indeed, it’s particularly important in healthcare, where the impact can literally be the difference between life and death. Luckily, there are a lot of health portal RFP samples including this one from the World Health Organization (WHO). The RFP features in-depth explanations, background, vendor requirements and scope expectations for vendors. In addition, the depth of information provided in this initial RFP generally results in less back and forth when you’ve selected a vendor and are ready to go to contract.
Hospital strategic planning consultant RFP example
For hospitals, successful strategic planning often requires an outside perspective. Indeed, the goal of this RFP example, from the University of New Mexico Hospital, is to find the right consultant team to evaluate the hospital’s current state, major competitors, new opportunities and potential future trends. The evaluation criteria include an emphasis on the consultancy’s technical approach, management approach, experience and overall cost — a common trio of measures for consultant service RFPs.
Pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) RFP example
This sample RFP from the Employees Retirement System of Texas solicits bids from pharmacy benefits managers. It is notable for the tools it includes to help vying vendors submit proposals that are complete and compliant. For example, the document includes a helpful deliverables checklist, pricing tables, and a fillable RFP response.
Want to learn more about issuing hospital and medical RFPs? Check out this blog: The healthcare RFP: Everything you need to know.
Technology RFP examples
Case management software RFP example
As you might expect, this RFP for a legal software solution, from the city of Reading, Pennsylvania, is detailed and comprehensive. The document includes additional forms to speed the contracting process. This software RFP example also provides transparent methodology and evaluation details.
Help desk software RFP example
Searching for new help desk software is a challenge. However, this RFP from Pedernales Electric Cooperative, Inc. offers a good starting point. The RFP organizes their needs by must-have and optional functionality. Furthermore, the RFP scoring prioritizes the experience and approach questions.
Information systems risk assessment RFP example
Like many modern organizations, the National Association of State Workforce Agencies manages a lot of data, including potentially sensitive information. Consequently, this RFP explores the scope as well as the expected deliverables to help them identify the right partner for this project. It’s a great start for anyone looking to engage a third-party for a systems security assessment.
Mobile app development RFP example
Of all the RFP examples, this one may be the most unusual. Issued by the Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corporation, this RFP seeks to find a partner to develop an augmented reality mobile app. Specifically, the goal is to provide visitors a one-of-a-kind experience while walking through a park filled with trees planted in memory of donors’ loved ones. Because of the unique nature of the need, the RFP includes a general vision of the project, maps of the area and specific functionality required.
Software development RFP example
From project planning to implementation, this RFP example from Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County seeks a partner to provide the full range of services. The RFP breaks down into two primary projects. Specifically, the RFP identifies the need for a meeting tracking system and a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request system. While the document doesn’t identify specific scoring weights, it does provide very specific directions for vendors as well as a detailed timeline for the project.
Website design and development RFP example
Thorough and detailed, this RFP for website design and development from Design Lights Consortium is a great example of how to set your prospective vendors up for success. The project-specific questions in the RFP are direct and will make it easy for the organization to compare the results. In addition, the RFP asks a number of project-specific direct questions that will enable the organization to easily compare their options.
Using examples to build RFPs
From formatting styles and attachments to questions and requirements, seeing RFP examples can inform and improve your own RFP process – no matter what kind of procurement project you need to undertake.
For more information about how to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your RFP process, check out the ebook: The RFP process guide.
