Intermediate Acquisition Certificate Program - IT RFP Series

The IT RFP Certificate Program is a nine-day (72 hour) course designed to give State procurement professionals the knowledge and skills needed to conduct a traditional Information Technology (IT) procurement that uses a Request for Proposals (RFP) solicitation document.

The nine-day course is split into five modules and delivered over a period of several months to provide participants the opportunity to apply knowledge learned at their worksite, then return for the next module with pertinent questions and experience to share.

Completion of the Basic Certificate Program plus two Basic Workshops is a required prerequisite for enrollment in the Intermediate Certificate Program.  Everyone enrolled is required to complete several reading assignments prior to attendance of Module 1, Day 1.  At least one week in advance of the training date, a reminder will be emailed to those enrolled.  Should you not receive notification, please contact Cal-PCA.  The required reading consists of the following documents:

·      Feasibility Study Report (FSR) model
·      Information Technology Procurement Plan (ITPP) template
·      IFB/RFP model

Program Contents - Information Technology (IT) Request for Proposals (RFP)

Module 1:  1 Day

• Acquisition Planning

Module 2:  2 Days

• Solicitation Development

Module 3:  2 Days

• Process Administration

Module 4:  2 Days

• Evaluation

Module 5:  2 Days

• Selection & Award

Program Offerings

Participants enroll in the entire nine-day IT RFP series (referred to as a "track").  Tracks are delivered over a several month period.

IT RFP Certificate Schedule

Course Description

Module 1: 1 Day - Acquisition Planning

The focus of this session is the planning process for information technology acquisitions that utilize a Request for Proposals (RFP) as the solicitation document.  Participants will:

• Locate information in Volume 3 of the State Contracting Manual
• Identify Information Technology Procurement Plan (ITPP) parameters
• Determine criteria for RFP development

Module 2: 2 Days - Solicitation Development

The focus of this session is to familiarize students with what they need to consider when developing a Request for Proposal.

We will cover:

• Bidding Guidelines
• Model RFP Section I - X and Appendixes
• RFP Requirements
• Evaluation Methodology
• Contract Terms and Conditions

Module 3: 2 Days - Process Administration

Part 1

This session will give students a framework for conducting a straightforward competitive IT procurement.  It will cover the process, policies and procedures from procurement approval up to but not including Evaluation and Selection.  Class exercises will reinforce the topics covered. 

Upon completion, participants should be able to:

• Identify the rules governing the RFP process for a competitive IT acquisition and its application in various RFP situations.
• Organize an RFP effort.
• Create an Evaluation & Selction Team Procedures Manual.

Part 2

This session will provide guidance and a procedural perspective to conducting a straightforward IT RFP procurement.  It will cover typical documents encountered and the process and procedures for handling them.  Participants will also understand how to hold confidential discussions with RFP participants and maintain procurement integrity.

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

• Handle typical documents & activities of a straightforward competitive IT procurement.
• Facilitate confidential discussions with RFP participants.
• Maintain procurement integrity.