This Request for Proposal (RFP) sources a Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) Unified Communications Solution suite, (VOIP plus) support services and systems integration and implementation services. This RFP represents best practices and proven approach to the selection and implementation of a unified communications COTS based Solution that maximizes functional fit , minimizes potential custom code and assures project success. The Approach taken in this RFP helps you introduce most or all required functionality out of the box in less than 1 year.

The Procurement strategy, adopts an assurance approach designed to enable success factors and mitigate structural risks that has plagued IT centric projects for the past 3 decades. This RFP results in the selection of a COTS software Product suite and a certified systems integrator in one RFP process but resulting in 2 separate contracts. The evaluation and selection plan includes a Proof of Solution (POS) phase as an added step towards assurance of project success.  The POS would be conducted at the same time with the top 2 vendors on the shortlist and will feature the limited deployment and usability/connectivity/operability/performance and support of OOB functionality. 

Risk reduction and employment of best practices (client and vendor) are evident in the Information (I), Mandatory (M) and Rated (R) requirements under the following RFP sections:

• Procurement Strategy – defines the scope , parameters and procurement process

• Deliverables or Statement of work – The Deliverables for both the Product Vendor ( Software Publisher -SP) and the Certified Systems Integrator (CSI). The deliverables are such that the SP would lead the development of a design with the CSI support . Afterward, the CSI would lead the Implementation into the target environment with subject matter experts support from the SP.

• Statement of Requirements – The is a vendor response workbook designed to gather specific information from the vendor that are then evaluated.

  • UC Product Vendor and Product history, references etc
  • UC Product Vendor Capabilities and experience in conducting designs and plans
  • Certified System Integrator Requirements to evaluate their capability and capacity to perform the work
  • Functional and Technical Requirements of Business Intelligence System ( see detail of sub items in Table of Content)
  • Innovation – ideas for innovative methods that reduce custom code and assure project success

• Financials – Details ceiling prices on the variety of goods (COTS Product) and services required from this RFP.

This RFP allows you to manage both of the SP and CSI relationships within a three – way governance model. Also, the RFP contains flexibility to adjust the scope of work you can keep in-house and that  you can allocate to the SI ( Business process alignment, change management, project management, etc.)

NOTE: While a client can choose to manage this RFP with Word, use of the SourceX^® product, a trial offer included with your purchase, is encouraged.  This next generation tool contains a wealth of procurement experience and encourages you and your team to follow best practices.  It has many great features designed to streamline the RFP development.   Have a look at the Introductory Videos and we’re sure you’ll see the many benefits and potential savings it offers for this and other RFPs.