Should an RFP include all possible business and technical requirements?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not Sure
• D. Depends

Answer: (B)

You should not include every possible business and technical requirement in an RFP. RFPs are meant to communicate the essential needs, desired outcomes, and evaluation criteria, not an exhaustive feature-by-feature catalog. Including every possible requirement can constrain vendors, limit innovative approaches, and lock in solutions before exploring market options. Focus on high-priority, must-have requirements that are stable and testable, and clearly separate nice-to-have items. Outline clear business outcomes, key performance metrics, security and compliance needs, and integration expectations, while inviting vendors to propose how they will meet those goals. Provide a process for clarifications and addenda to address gaps as the project evolves. Include scope, timelines, and acceptance criteria, but avoid over-prescribing every hypothetical scenario; rely on vendors’ expertise to propose viable solutions that align with the goals.