What
to include
in a Request for Proposal for a Planning (or Feasibility) Study prior
to
launching a capital fundraising campaign
Here
are the key features you should consider when preparing an
“RFP” to find
consultants who can work with your organization when you are planning a
capital fundraising campaign:
- Describe
your Organization
- Describe
the project/purpose for which funds are needed
- Identify
that the Organization is Requesting Proposals from qualified firms
and/or
individuals to conduct a Planning (or Feasibility) Study in preparation
for the proposed capital campaign.
- Ask submitting
firms/individuals to:
- Identify
their interest in conducting the feasibility study (and the subsequent
capital campaign.)
- Describe
their experience in similar studies/campaigns
- Identify
their expert personnel and who would actually do the study
- Describe
their proposed methodology for conducting the study
- Describe,
in general terms, their usual methodology for conducting the subsequent
campaign in the event that the Study recommends a campaign proceed
- Note the
time frame and ability to meet it
- List several
references with phone numbers
- Document
their proposed fees. On what basis are they calculated? What
is included
in professional fees? What additional costs will there
be?
[Needn’t be broken down to hourly rates, this is generally
quoted as an
all inclusive project]
- State
how, on what basis, and by whom the decision will be made to retain a
particular
firm/individual.
- Will a
short-list of candidates be invited for interviews? When and
with
whom will they meet? [This is vital to a good selection process]
- Clearly
state the planned time frame for receipt of submissions, decision about
whom to hire, when the study needs to take place, and when the study
needs
to be completed. [Generally, two to three months is required.]
- State
that the decision to retain any or none of the submitted applications
is
the sole prerogative of the Organization; that the decision will be
based
on a number of factors and the cost will not be the sole factor (i.e.,
the contract need not necessarily go to the lowest bidder.)
[N.B.:
This is NOT a tender process but rather a consultative process in which
the firm/individual with the best “fit” will be
retained.] |
|
