An Alternative to the Evaluation RFP Process

This post is the last in our series about hiring an evaluation firm. Just to recap, we’ve suggested in our previous posts that while technical expertise is absolutely critical to a successful evaluation, soft skills, including flexibility and a strong client services orientation can make or break a project. (See our White Paper on Hiring an Evaluation Consultant here.) Many organizations seeking a consultant issue a formal RFP, or request for proposals, believing that it creates a level playing field on which firms can pitch their approaches and compete for business. Typically, the RFP describes the program in question, suggests some high level evaluation questions, and specifies the form the response should take, and the criteria upon which responses will be evaluated. It may offer a budget or budget range. It is important to recognize however that not all evaluation projects begin with an RFP. Indeed there are good reasons to not employ an RFP process. What are they?