What Is a Mobile App RFP, and How Do You Write It Effectively?

Apart from its clarification of specific information such as price and scope, an RFP also asks prospective vendors to provide their bids. An organization can then compare bids to determine the right choice.

If you want to outsource a mobile app development project, an RFP can help you significantly. A mobile app RFP guides you in scrutinizing prospective vendors’ strengths, weaknesses, and abilities regarding your requirements. The document saves you the time of searching for suitable service providers extensively.

Additionally, an RFP helps you learn about strategies you may not have thought of before. Each service provider will put in their unique action plans and bids. The best thing is you will have this helpful information before committing to any vendor.

From the perspective of mobile app development companies, an RFP document can give you a better idea of what you are searching for. Let’s delve into the process of drafting a request for a proposal document.

How is an RFP Different from an RFI?

A request for information (RFI) usually precedes a request for a proposal. Think of it as a form of primary screening where you provide an overview of your business problem and request information about service providers. An RFI is beneficial if you seek general information and do not have properly-defined ideas about the solution to your issues.

RFIs are about gathering information, which you can use to learn about the solutions available for your problem. Vendors submit information regarding their services, specialties, and methodologies.

You can leverage the information gathered from RFIs to create well-defined RFPs. An RFP can include your project requirements, budget, and selection process. An excellent RFI will aid your RFP creation process and streamline selection.

How to Write a Great Mobile App Request for Proposal (RFP)

For a better understanding, let me divide the mobile app RFP creation process into four sections.

Section 1: The RFP Process

1. Proposal Timeline

Inform the service providers about the dates of the RFP’s stages. They can then know the timeline they must adhere to for your project. It should include the following.

• RFP generation
• Meeting
• Contractor questions
• RFP submission
• Contractor shortlisting
• Final selection

2. Proposal Requirements

Let the service providers know about your expectations. You must determine the necessary data first. It will raise the chances of obtaining relevant responses from the other end. Additionally, it will lower the requests for extra information.

3. Approval Criteria

Inform the contractors about the approval criteria – i.e. aspects such as cost, experience, and timeline, which are important for you.

4. Stakeholders and Contacts

Give potential business partners information, such as the person in charge of the app development work and RFP process. It will help them contact the relevant person in case of further queries.

Section 2: Organization and Project Background

1. Executive Summary

The executive summary will briefly summarize your business, the solution you seek, and its objective.

2. Organization Overview

Share some information about your organization’s history, products/services, goals, and targeted markets. The purpose is to help contractors get a better idea about your business.

3. Project Overview

Here, answer some critical questions. These include the following.

• Is this a new project or a revamp of an existing one?
• What issues do you want to fix?
• What type of solution are you expecting?
• What are the prospective customers?
• Who are your competitors?
• Do you have a sample or reference?
• What kind of devices are you targeting for the mobile application?
• What services do you require?

4. Project Scope Requirements

It would help if you let the vendors know as much as possible about the project’s scope. For this, you can use a mobile app scope of work template to answer some vital questions, such as the following.

• Do you possess the wireframes or prototypes?
• What app functions do you have in mind?
• What features do you expect from your application?

You can always include additional information to serve your purpose well.

5. Technical Requirements

It should include your project’s technical side. Consider the following questions.

• Do you want iOS/Android applications, or cross-platform ones?
• Do you have an existing server?
• Do you possess an internal database?
• How do you wish to update the app’s content (via the admin panel, server, or CMS)?
• Will you integrate it with third-party apps or tools?

6. Budget

In the case of budget limitations, add the highest and lowest possible price in the RFP for mobile application development. This information can help mobile app designers and developers understand the scope of work better.

7. Project Timeline

Inform the service providers about your plan. A typical app development timeline template includes questions that you must answer, such as the following.

• What is the earliest start date?
• When are you expecting to launch the smartphone-based app?
• Is the launch date related to any event?

These pieces of information help the service providers determine your app’s required team of developers and resources.

Section 3: Contractor Information

1.Vendor Overview

Ask the vendors important questions apart from the basic ones. Consider the following questions.

• What’s your experience in this field in terms of years?
• How many projects have you completed till now?
• What makes you different from other similar firms?
• Will there be involvement of freelancers in the project?

2. Case Studies

Ask prospective service providers to showcase some of their latest and best works in the proposal for app development. You can check their case studies, including the challenges faced, solutions delivered, project outcomes, and  App Store/Google Play Store links. You can also get client feedback.

3. Process Overview

Ask the vendor questions about the development process to get further detailed information. Consider the following questions.

• How do you handle the backend development part?
• What frameworks/languages do you utilize?
• How do you ensure code security?
• What is your approach regarding premium mobile apps?
• How do you ensure the safety of confidential information and client materials?

Section 4: Proposal

It should comprise information regarding what the service provider can offer you. For instance, you can follow this app development proposal template.

1. Solution

Ask the app engineering team about the most viable solutions to your problems. Know about their vision and ideas relating to your project.

2. Project Timeline and Resources

Ask the vendors to present an in-depth project timeline in the mobile app development proposal. It should contain tentative start days, a schedule of activities, resources, and deliverables.

3. Pricing Model 

A mobile app proposal template always includes a section for the pricing model. Ask the potential business partner about the ways of payment. Do they follow a time and material-based model or a fixed price? They may provide an estimation, a list of services, and a payment calendar.

4. Maintenance and Support Plan

Additionally, ask the mobile application designer and developer about the maintenance and support plans they provide.

Conclusion

The RFP process can be lengthy and time-consuming. Many entrepreneurs even feel it’s complex. However, its pros outweigh the cons as it helps you find reliable and competent mobile app development companies. Provide a concise RFP that captures vital information about your requirements.

While creating an RFP, work with your team and specify your project’s requirements, scope of work, and objectives. Next, determine the timeline and budget of the project. Having defined these pieces of information, you are set to draft the RFP document.

Outsourcing the mobile app creation work to capable design and development teams is highly beneficial. It ensures the best people are involved in the project, and you get a high-quality product.