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.

• Section III. The Scope of Work: A detailed description of users, of what you expect the LMS Vendor to deliver and all the responsibilities involved.

• Section IV. Requirements and Terms of Contract: A consistent structure in terms of content, information, and documents are needed for the people evaluating the proposals. Also, for LMS Vendors it is important to know the length, start date and end date of the contract, and the options for renewal. 

• Section V. The schedule: Clearly present the timeline for the steps leading to the final decision, such as the dates for submitting the letter of intent, sending questions, attending the pre-proposal conference, submitting the proposal, etc.

With this structure in mind, we are sure you can write a winning LMS RFP Solicitation.

At Paradiso Solutions, we respond to LMS RFPs / RFIs regularly, and we make sure that we consult with the client about our solutions prior to responding to RFPs / RFIs. In case you have any questions on how to write a Learning Management RFPs / RFIs, Please download our LMS RFP template.

We understand how important this process can be, if you are interested in getting in touch or Request an RFP Response don’t hesitate to contact us.

Call us now at +1 800 513 5902 or email us at sales@paradisosolutions.com