RFP Toolkit Resources Matrix

These resources were designed to help you create powerful RFPs (Request for Proposals) so that you may find vendors that will best meet your unique requirements.

 

Before You Write an RFP

The key to developing an effective RFP is the time you invest before writing: time spent evaluating, planning, and defining. A useful starting point for those new to the RFP process.

 

Buying Guide for Education

Education IT leaders are faced with the formidable task of making sense of today’s complex ed-tech environment.  This guide provides decision makers with a five-step framework to help with complex buying decisions.

 

Device Rubric

Before committing to the RFP process, it is vital to have your designated RFP or Evaluation Team test proposed devices and capture their observations in order to arrive at the best solution for all stakeholders. To support you in your RFP development efforts, this Device Solution Matrix is intended to help schools or districts assess their device needs and evaluate criteria so that they can choose the appropriate vendor.

 

Education Client Procurement Guide

IT buyers in education must make informed choices when evaluating student, teacher, and administrator device platform computing performance, security, and management characteristics. This PowerPoint can help IT buyers determine the importance of various technology and capability criteria and considering factors that contribute to Total Cost of Ownership.

 

Education Technology Cheat Sheet

To arrive at the best solution for all those affected by a proposed education technology program, one must weigh specific challenges with possible solutions for all parties. This education technology “cheat sheet” PDF lists the common challenges faced by teachers, students, administrators and district IT directors along with device and resource solutions.

 

How to Write an RFP

An RFP describes a project’s or program’s specific needs with the intent of soliciting proposed solutions from qualified vendors. This downloadable PDF walks readers through the essential steps of the RFP process.

 

Education Technology Questionnaire

To come up with a solution, you must first ask dozens of questions: Are students issued devices? If so, what type of device? Are the devices inventoried? Is web traffic filtered off campus? To help assess needs and requirements, this downloadable Excel spreadsheet lists questions for educators and school IT directors to answer on either a classroom-, school- or district-wide level.

 

How to Evaluate RFP Responses

Writing your RFP is only half the battle. Once an RFP is distributed, next come a flood of proposals. Devising a criteria method for grading responses is crucial. This easy-to-read PDF is full of helpful hints in contending with your RFP responses so that your school or district can award your project to the most worthy vendor.

 

Procurement Strategies for Education Technology

Educators and administrators have phenomenal purchasing power and access to qualified vendors eager to provide smart, integrated and affordable solutions. A downloadable PDF that walks readers through the ten essential steps of a successful education technology procurement process.

 

RFP Issues Matrix

Navigating RFP language can be confusing. One school or district’s terminology might differ greatly from another, making the RFP process that much more challenging. This PDF resource describes issues and value propositions and coinciding RFP terms and language, along with proven Intel-based solutions.

 

Negotiating Contract Negotiations

After a vendor selected comes the crucial task of negotiating contract terms. One mistake at this stage can undermine everything that your team has been working toward. This handy downloadable PDF cites common issues and helpful tips to keep in mind both before, during, and after the vendor contract negotiating process.

 

Sample RFP Response

Is the response well organized? Are the deliverables well defined? Does the company and team seem aligned with your school or district’s needs? Here’s what to expect in an RFP response: everything from the Executive Summary and Technical Capabilities to Project Implementation and Warranty Provisions.

 

Case Study: How Michigan is Boldly Redefining Ed-Tech Purchasing

Michigan’s Technology Readiness Infrastructure Grant (TRIG) is improving the technology infrastructure of Michigan’s school districts in preparation for the planned implementation of online growth assessments. This engrossing downloadable case study is meant to inspire readers with innovative new ways of approaching the technology procurement process.

 

Infographic: How Michigan is Boldly Redefining Ed-Tech Purchasing

Michigan’s Technology Readiness Infrastructure Grant (TRIG) has saved school districts millions of dollars. This information graphic condenses the main points of Michigan’s Technology Readiness Infrastructure Grant (TRIG) into an easy-to-understand PDF.