Commodity Items RFP Technical Requirements
RFP Technical Requirements
This section of the RFP describes as completely and as accurately as possible all the functional and operational aspects of the proposed purchase and details the minimum performance standards. This section also includes a description of all the applicable acceptance tests as well as any existing hardware and software interface requirements.
Although this portion will reflect the unique characteristics of the proposed procurement and, as a result, will be highly customized to each characteristic, there are some general items that should be incorporated into this section of all RFPs.
Description of Court's Operating Environment-This should include information about the court staff size, caseload and makeup, and other entities to be involved in the project, such as prosecutor's office. A description of the court's operating environment should be included in every RFP. Depending on the type of RFP this section will require varying levels of technical specificity. A computer workstation RFP requires a different level of specificity than a RFP for an integrated justice information system. See Business Process Court Background Example.
Description of Current Processes-Description of court processes that will be reviewed in the project or supported by automation. This should include information about non-court entities that will be involved with the project, such as the prosecutor's office or law enforcement.
Required Project Goals or Deliverables-The court must specify what is expected from the vendor. See Business Process Project Deliverables Example.
Description of Existing Hardware and Software-For the vendors to provide a response that adequately addresses the court's needs, the RFP should describe the hardware, software, and communications network currently in place. The description of the local hardware, software, and interfaces should include as much information as possible. Any enhancements to systems currently in process should be documented as well.
Equipment/Hardware Acquisition-There are some technical requirements that are particular to equipment acquisition RFPs. These technical requirements include Hardware Specifications and Support and Training.
Hardware Specifications-The specific technical requirements of the system's hardware should be identified, including specifications for:
- hardware performance requirements
- system downtime and recovery
- interfaces with other systems
- operations, including response time, on-line data entry, and security
- general technical specifications for central processing units, including expandability, memory storage and speed, and disaster recovery
Support and Training-The court will want to specify expected support and training for equipment provided in the acquisition.
Off the Shelf Software Acquisition-There are several technical requirements that should be specified in off the shelf software acquisition RFPs. These technical requirements include specifying the application (including version and any optional components), Operating System, and Support and Training. See CMS Software Functionality Example.
- required hardware platforms, operating systems, and network requirements
Operating System Software-The RFP should specify the operating system that is currently used, this should include both workstation and network operating systems.
Support and Training-The court will want to specify expected support and training. See CMS Maintenance Program Example and CMS Company Information Example.
Service Level Agreements-These include services such as Maintenance/Support and Application Service Provider services.
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