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Preparing an Fire Truck RFP Is as Easy as 1 . . . 2 . . . 3

Is your old truck in need of replacement but you’re dreading writing that pesky Request for Proposal (RFP)? Your friends at Metalfab get it. However, writing an RFP doesn’t need to be difficult. When you write an RFP for Metalfab, we’ll help make it easy as 1 . . . 2 . . . 3. Guaranteed. In this article, we are going to look at the process of preparing an RFP and let you know how to get started, a sample method for preparation, and resources you can use to help.

Before You Get Started

Before you get started on your RFP, make sure you have a basic idea of what you require for the new unit. You should also form a truck committee within your department to help make decisions concerning the new unit. Reach out to manufacturers and get them involved in the process as well. If you are working with Metalfab, we anticipate working closely with you to draft the perfect RFP for your new truck.

Sample Method for RFP Preparation

A sample method of preparing an RFP could look something like the following.

First, you will hold a meeting with your truck committee to look at the existing unit and determine what you like and don’t like about it. Write everything down that you will review with various manufacturers. If you are working with Metalfab, you may also take this opportunity to look at the recent deliveries and online product brochures on our website.

Once you’ve determined what you want, call manufacturers to discuss the new unit. They will be able to provide you with modifiable specifications for the unit that you can use in your RFP document.

Be sure to work with suppliers you trust and that can support you throughout the manufacturing process. When you work with Metalfab, we’ll meet with you—virtually or in person—to discuss the unit and also provide you with options specific to the way you operate that we believe would be beneficial to your department. We’ll help you convert all of your preferred options into the RFP format so you don’t have to worry about anything getting lost in translation.

Your RFP introduction should detail the problem you are having with your existing unit and why you want a new one. This will help your manufacturer know how to best serve you. You should then go on to include all of your requirements, any specs you’ve prepared, and a prequalification questionnaire. You can read more about how to fully prepare an RFP here.

Before you submit your RFP, review it carefully with your truck committee and preferred manufacturer. You should go over the product description, key dates, evaluation criteria, submission details, and proposal format, if required, to ensure everything is in order. Your evaluation criteria relates directly to the prequalification questionnaire if you are sending RFPs to multiple suppliers. If this is the case for you, take some time to decide what the right supplier’s responses will be to your questionnaire. Submission details refer to how the supplier requires the RFP to be submitted, whether it is in digital form or hard copy. To help take the stress off, Metalfab accepts both digital and hard copy, and we don’t have a required format for RFPs.

 

Metalfab Gives You the Resources

At Metalfab, in addition to working closely with you to prepare your RFP, we also provide you with a number of resources to help you along the way. To start, we post all of our recent deliveries online, with a database spanning over the last several years. You can use the search engine on our website’s home page to assist in finding units with specific details. The drawings, photos, and vehicle specs are available to be downloaded for each unit if you see something you like. If you prefer, you can have a look through our product brochures instead.

We also post regularly on our blog. These posts are designed to help fire chiefs and firefighters stay up to date with the latest in the fire service industry while keeping us connected with our customers. You’ll find articles on industry trends, new products, current events, and more to help your department stay informed. Subscribe to our industry newsletter to get the highlights.

However you choose to move into the RFP preparation process, your team at Metalfab is here to support you every step of the way and with each new addition to your fleet. We are committed to our role as service providers for our first responders, and delivering superior fire trucks and incredible customer service is our top priority. If you are ready to start drafting your RFP with Metalfab today, reach out to our team at 1-800-561-0012 to get started.