This paper reviews two examples of request for proposals (RFPs) as discussed below. The first RFP is a J &J CHC and JHBSPH funding announcement for childhood obesity prevention programs. This announcement focuses on enabling non-profit CHCs to implement EBP programs that can promote a healthy lifestyle among the target population (JHBSPH, 2016). The second advertisement is a series of RFPs from the NY state office of mental health (OMH). This advert depicts OMH in need of technical support services for the implementation of an EMR as per the VA VistA software directives. The areas covered include 26 psychiatric centers, 310 OMH outpatient facilities, and the OMH central facility (OMH, 2011).
The following is a comparison of both examples. First, both cases include a detailed background on the parent organization as well as its scope of operation. Second, both documents include an evaluation criterion and specification for the desirable product. Third, there exist a statement of work that attempts to describe the task scope for the winning bidder and timeline for deliverables. The fourth similarity is the inclusion of a quotation as a way of attracting desirable candidates. For instance, the JHSPH inclusion criteria direct that successful proposals receive a USD 200,000 grant. This kitty goes into funding activities for a two and a half period program (JHBSPH, 2016).
Finally, both cases issue an RFP invitation to multiple bidders. This flexibility reflects the complex nature of their projects and the perspective required during service delivery. For instance, the OMH EMR RFP calls for a mix of professional providers who can handle the VA VistA software in the stated locations. As a federal agency, the OMH would like to move from a physical system to an automated state-approved system for its operations. Therefore, the proposal for software operations would help in establishing and integrating the new system throughout the organization (OMH, 2011).
References
JHBSPH. (2016). RFP: Funding Announcement. Retrieved from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health: http://www.jhsph.edu/admissions/scholarships/institutional-scholarships/johnson-and-johnson/community-healthcare-organizations/request-for-proposals/
OMH. (2011). New York State Office of Mental Health Request for Proposal (RFP)/C009999 For the Procurement of Electronic Medical Records System . Retrieved from New York State Office of Mental Health: http://www.omh.ny.gov/omhweb/rfp/2011/emr/emrrfp.pdf
