To borrow from the construction industry, do you want design-build, or just build? Do you want them to tell you the models, locations, etc? Or would that be from a separate company? Our most recent wireless RFP was for construction of a new building, and we separated the design and build. We worked with the wireless manufacturer directly (Juniper in this case), and they provided us with a recommended layout, models, etc based on the CAD drawings of the building. This made the RFP easier and more directly comparable.
Remember, the more detail the better. Timelines, limitations they will have to work with (e.g. ceiling heights and types, for example). Invite questions; a good vendor may see areas you didn't address. Assume nothing and list everything you want for deliverables; do you want them to physically hang APs? Will they be responsible for all configuration? Will they test signal strength or throughput? Also ask for references, especially education and specifically higher ed. We sent out an initial RFP and gave a week for feedback and questions. Some of the questions led to additional information and clarifications so we sent an updated version of the RFP before asking for bids. I think this helped us end up with a better, smoother solution. It depends on the policies at your institution, but use the responses to deal as much as possible. We had a company that wasn't the cheapest, but had by far the best recommendations. We gave general feedback to all respondents ( e.g. not the lowest bid, etc) and allowed them to modify their bids. They basically matched the lowest bid and threw in some extra consulting as well. Thomas Carter Network and Operations Manager Austin College 903-813-2564 -----Original Message----- From: The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Christopher Wieringa Sent: Friday, March 28, 2014 7:26 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [WIRELESS-LAN] Wireless RFPs I'm going down the road of issuing my first RFP for wireless replacement for a set of buildings. My team and I have never issued an RFP before, so we're a bit unsure about everything that we should include (or shouldn't include) in the RFP. Has anyone issued a wireless RFP that wouldn't mind letting us read over it? Also, suggestions for things that must be in the proposal? (If you feel like you can share, feel free to send it to me directly if you don't want to share with the whole list.) Thanks a ton! Chris Wieringa Sr. Systems Engineer Calvin Information Technology ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. ********** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/.
