The key to managing a successful RFI/RFP project is to have a process in place, and stick to the process. A fundamental aspect of the RFI/RFP process is to control communications. Relationships and personal contacts can skew the process, jeopardizing fairness and the ability to negotiate the best possible prices. When all companies are sure of a fair process we get their best effort in terms of network design and the pricing structure.

It's not just about price. Select a communications partner based solely on price and there isn't a rock big enough to hide behind when the network crashes. And It's not just about technology either. This is a service contract and while technology is important the key differentiator is people. Are their techs and engineers well trained? Do they have sufficient numbers of highly trained people to respond to network events quickly? We know these companies better than they know themselves. We can examine technology, processes, and people to insure they are up to the task.

RFI and RFP projects are time consuming and difficult processes. Watershed Networks will examine your communications requirements and develop an RFI. The RFI is distributed to a number of industry players who have been screened to insure they have the facilities and capabilities to execute on your project. Watershed Networks also insures that those who receive the RFI, will in-fact deliver a response. Watershed Networks will review all RFI submissions and provide a summary to the client. Watershed Networks will examine customer requirements in detail and craft the RFP. The RFP will be distributed to those companies that responded to the RFI and have demonstrated their capabilities of meeting the demands of your network. In a typical process the RFP is distributed to no more than four companies. Watershed Networks will receive the RFP responses and perform the evaluation. The evaluation includes a technical review, a personnel review and a financial review of the proposal. Finally, Watershed Networks presents the results of the RFI/RFP process in a company presentation.

Start to finish RFI/RFP projects can take up to a year to complete and award the contract. Watershed Networks can work with you to develop a test plan which is used to deploy infrastructure and test capabilities before traffic is directed over the network. Watershed Networks understands that voice, video and data services are a critical function. The combination of technology, processes and people differentiate your company from the competition. Watershed Networks will work with you to provide the best possible infrastructure for you to customize and present a user friendly interface for your employees and your customers.