Preparing RFP response from a Netweaver Portal point of view

RFP better known as request for proposal is a first step in bidding for a project. I am working on multiple RFPs these days and whatever learning I have got after working on RFPs I am going to share here. Many times your manager asks you to work on a proposal, also called a persuit and you are least aware of the process. There are multiple documents that are suppoed to be maintained, created & read. Some of these documets are relevent to Netweaver portal and some are not. As an SAP Netweaver Portal expert, it is expected from you that you will prepare proper reply to RFP document.

RFP documents are usually comprised of Design document, technical document, process map (optional) and some more. As a Netweaver Portal expert, you are supposed to fill some of the templates like FRICEW, RAID sheet, Funationality in/out scope & resource estimation.

FRICEW better known as forms, reports, interface, conversion, enhancements, workflow, is not applicable if you are preparing for Netweaver Portal RFP. FRICEW template is usually applicable only for ABAP. For Netweaver portal, you need to prepare RAID sheet, Funationality in/out scope & resource estimation. There may be a requirement of some more documents depending upon the client and their requirement. Some may ask for a detailed training plan and some may ask for Architectural diagram.

RAID Sheet commonly known as Risks, Assumptions, Issues & Dependencies, is a document that explains major factor that can impact execution of project and may also affect project schedule.

Functinality In/Out scope is a document that you have to prepare after reading both Functional & Technical requirement document. You cannot prepare this template without going through minute details of both of the above mentioned document.

Obviously, your variety of experience will help you and make your life easy. But if you are new to Netweaver portal or rather you never get to work on portal in and out, preparing RFP reply may be a nightmare for you.

I will write about RAID sheet in details in coming document. I hope this post will help you understand what are the necessities from Netweaver Portal point of view.