The do’s and don’ts of writing a cloud-friendly RFP

Successful cloud adoption flows from well-designed procurement strategies and cloud-centric contract vehicles. Getting procurement “right” will lead to a portfolio of cloud technology and services that truly realizes the benefits of cloud computing.

One way to procure the cloud is by issuing an RFP. Public sector organizations can issue a solicitation to an SI or managed service/consulting firm and have them propose a comprehensive solution. This allows you to request comprehensive services, but designate that they must make use of public cloud services.

Below are some tips for writing a cloud-friendly RFP:

Do:

• Focus on the outcomes
• Maintain flexible language
• Focus on functionality needed and overall performance-based requirements
• Encourage recommended alternatives to deliver and/or enhance the services and outcomes you seek
• Take advantage of fluctuating prices rather than a fixed price model
• Specify commercial item terms

Don’t:

• Be overly prescriptive
• Include specific details, which may outdate the contract
• Dictate the specific methods, hardware, and equipment to be used
• Refer to part numbers to achieve desired outcomes

Learn more of the best practices in cloud acquisition and more guidance on writing a cloud-friendly RFP by visiting our Cloud Acquisition Strategies for the Public Sector page.

Want to learn more about cloud procurement? Check out the blog post “Ten Considerations for a Cloud Procurement” and visit the Getting Started on AWS for the Public Sector page.