Does anyone have a sample RFP they would like to share. I'm not looking to upgrade any time soon, I want to refine my telecom knowledge and start creating RFP's.
What do you want to acomplish in your RFP? Is this for maintenance, a new system, or something else? I know you said you are not looking to upgrade anytime soon, but is that what you are looking for, info on an upgrade RFP?
scotts right, a good rfp sets in place exactly what your trying to achieve.. a new system with 400 voip plus 400 tdm x number of trunks list of station feature and voice mail type etc.. follow up maint, warrenty install schedule etc.. the more you include the fewer problems you'll run into. i worked for a company out west that low bid every rfp and counted on add on's and changes to make the major part of the money
The book Telecommunications Projects Made East by James Harry Green (1997, Telecom Books New York) has details of what information shoul dbe included in a whole variety of different types of projects.
I have to say that I am not crazy about this book (it is almost too detailed and assumes you know too little) but it could be a useful starting point.
The book Mike's Basic Guide to Cabling Computers and Telephones by MIke Gorman (1997 Prairie Wind Communications) has a chapter "Learning how to create a cabling bid or proposal".
This is really meant for bidding, and it only covers cabling systems, but it is vey good. I like this book and think it would be perfect for training.
WOW, I have NEVER heard anyone else reference that book before. Did you get a copy from Mike directly, or through some training? I have known Mike for about 10 years, and I also have this book. As you said, great book with lots of good information. He used to do cabling for us in new buildings, so I can say he really knows what he is talking about.
Great post. I had totally forgotten about that section, but great advice.
I'll look into that book. I just want to get a FEEL, of an RFP, writing and structure wise. Not looking for detail or stations count, just what questions to ask and wording of the document
Sadly the Green book does not actually show the final RFP, just has checklists of what is needed.
The Gorman book is a bit better, but still not what you are looking for.
I am not sure, but Cabling Business may cover RFPs every so often. You might contact them and ask - if not suggest they do such an article.
Scott,
I believe I first heard about Mike's book from ads in Cabling Business Magazine, but I am not sure. I was looking for a better book and decided to pick it up. Since I discovered it, he and his wife have co-authored articles in Cabling Business and a few in Radio World magazine.
Of course Mike drawing are clear and the style is great - it is similar to that old Volkswagon manual (I can't recall the title, but it was something like "everything you ever needed to know about Volkswagons".
If folks on this list do not have a subscription to Cabling Business, you should (no charge if you are in the trade).
You're thinking of "How To Keep Your VolksWagen Alive: A Manual Of Step-By-Step Procedures For The Complete Idiot", or "The Idiot Book" for short. Wish I still had my copy - hell, wish I still had my 1959 Karmann Ghia. Perhaps someone should write "How To Keep Your PBX Alive..."
jsaxe
"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro."
Hunter S. Thompson (R.I.P. Doc)
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