How to write an RFP/RFI for LMS vendors?
Before we start giving you advice on how to write a Request For Proposal (RFP) for Learning Management System (LMS) vendors or even considering downloading an LMS RFP template, let us first, define few words. LMS stands for Learning Management System. But you know that already, right? otherwise you wouldn’t be here. Now, an RFP/RFI for LMS vendor is“a solicitation made often through a bidding process, by an agency or company interested in procurement of LMS Services to potential suppliers to submit business proposals.”
Now, how do you build an RFP/RFI for an LMS vendor that will generate creative, relevant and cost-effective responses from LMS providers? In this blog, we would like to give you some ideas to write a great RFP for your LMS needs. These ideas apply not only for writing a RFP for LMS in the education but also to write an RFP for enterprise LMS. 1. Know your LMS requirements: This seems to be an obvious step, but sometimes is a forgotten one. Make sure that your RFP for LMS is as descriptive as possible. Try to respond to questions like: why your organization need to buy an e-learning solution?Involve every relevant person in the process and think about the people who will use the system. During this research stage, you can think of creating an LMS vendor selection criteria list. It can be anything you consider important; pricing, expertise, client base, technology preference, security, location etc. 2. Structure your RFP: Yes. Everything in writing is about structure and an RFP/RFI for LMS vendors is not different. The following is just an overview to a basic structure that we recommend for you to write your own RFP, be that for an LMS for school district or for a corporate organization. Click here to download an LMS RFP Template. ● Section I. Context: In this section provide a summary of the whole RFP. Describe your organization, the nature of your project, the type of contract, contract award criteria, deadlines, selection criteria. This way vendors know from the beginning why, what, how and when do you want your responses to your request to be. ● Section II. The Purpose and Background: This section is to elaborate further on who your organization is and answer what you want to achieve with your LMS.