Opportunities Among the Growing Chamber Membership.

Requests For Proposals is a free service for the members of the American Chamber Of eCommerce. We are Small Business Advocates for our membership. Those searching for or providing products, services and other solutions may find business opportunities through this program.

RFPs: What is a Request for Proposal?

An Request for Proposal (RFP) is a bid solicitation issued by an organization to procure goods and/or services.

It is a written document that announces a new project, provides a detailed description, and requests bids in the form of a thorough written proposal from qualified providers.

Who can post RFPs?

Requests for Proposals is a free service provided for the members of the American Chamber.

How do I write a Request for Proposal?

1) Write your background and introduction.
2) Define your project goals and scope of services.
3) Detail your anticipated selection schedule.
4) Describe the time and place for the submission of proposals.
5) Clearly define your time line.
6) Specify the key elements of a proposal.
7) Make your evaluation criteria clear.

Does the Chamber manage Proposal Requests?

Requests for Proposals are posted by members for members. The Chamber will facilitate their publication and distribution. If we recognize an opportunity for any member, we will follow up.

Are Requests for Proposals a standard business practice?

RFPs are routine for larger enterprises and government entities. We are introducing the efficiency of the Request For Proposal model to Chamber membership of entrepreneurs and small businesses.

The Chamber is making it easy and effective for a small business to do business by attracting project managers, venders, suppliers, tech providers and other strategic needs.

Where can I find Requests for Proposals?

We may highlight several RFPs here on this site. However, all Chamber RFPs can be found on our website:   www.AmericanChamber.net

How are RFPs promoted?

A request for proposal (RFP) is a project publicly announced by a business specifying that bids for providers to complete the project are actively being sought.

The Chamber will actively promote the platform and RFP listings among our growing membership, and accross our social media network.

Are there any requirements for submitting a Proposal?

Yes... Only those businesses that thoroughly meet the minimum skill level and capabilities to appropriately match any given Request should consider submitting.

A business should be ready to back up any claims of capabilities, and provide in-depth details regarding portfolios, experience, history or referrals, etc.

Why are RFPs an important business tool?

A business that posts a Request for Proposal is putting their needs in writing... publicly. There is little room for ambiguity or misunderstanding, or dishonesty.

In reciprocal fashion, a Proposal is a detailed written response that leaves equally little room for error or misinterpretation.

For example, if a small business startup wants a website solution, they can post their detailed Request, and receive a number of comprehensive Proposals.

Why waste time shopping around or learning through trial and error? Investigate the Chamber's curated partners, or post a Request for consideration among our growing membership.

What should NOT be done with Requests for Proposals?

You should definitely not just "blow off" anyone that submits a proposal. They are replying in good faith to your Request, and deserve your full consideration for the time they have invested. In fact, you should be prepared to answer any inquiries for anyone actively preparing a Proposal.

Nor should you leave your Request posted when you know you will not entertain any further Proposals. Consider "pausing" your Request by taking it down if you are working with one or more providers that appear to offer a potential solution. You can post it again at any time.

Abuse of the Chamber's RFP system on either side of the deal may lead to loss of future privileges, or loss of membership for worse case scenarios.

Can we talk to each other?

We expect maximum efficiency with this RFP service.

Project Requests may be complicated. A phone call or two may be needed to provide the most appropriate Proposal. Requesters should expect such conversations, and prepare for a timely response.

Providers should NOT abuse this privilege, particularly by trying to "sell" their services in such conversations.

Is an RFP a contract?

An RFP is a public announcement that you are open to receiving proposals that inevitably (hopefully) result in a contract.

How do you politely reject an RFP?

Professional courtesy dictates that you don't just string someone along when you know you will not pursue a particular proposal.

Thank them for their time and effort. Explain that another proposal is an extremely good fit, or that their submission was very much worth consideration, but just not the right fit.

They deserve more than just a "Thanks, but no thanks..." Provide your criteria and reasoning, if asked.

Close your message in a professional manner.

It would not be unreasonable to expect a polite reply.

Please note: How ever contact ends, neither side should place the other on any email list without asking.

Do we have to be a Chamber member to post Requests?

No... But it will cost more than membership to participate in the program.

Chamber staff will receive your Request directly, and validate your business status before posting it on your behalf.

For consideration, send an inquiry with a phone number (in total confidence) to the email address at the bottom of this page.