Systems acquisition in practice: When a company seeks development help outside the organization (e.g., vendors or integrators) to build a new information system, what formal document does it issue to solicit detailed proposals?

Introduction / Context:
Organizations often acquire systems or services from external providers. To compare vendors fairly, they publish a structured document describing requirements, constraints, evaluation criteria, and contractual terms. This ensures bids are comparable and aligned with business needs and controls risk during procurement.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The organization intends to outsource some or all system development.
• Vendors must receive the same specifications to respond competitively.
• A formal, standardized request is needed for pricing, scope, and timelines.

Concept / Approach:
A Request for Proposal (RFP) is the formal procurement document used to invite vendors to propose solutions. It specifies functional and non-functional requirements, integration needs, service levels, project plans, and acceptance criteria. Responses are evaluated against the RFP to select the best-value vendor. Artifacts like data flow diagrams, systems flowcharts, and a project dictionary are internal analysis/design tools, not procurement instruments for soliciting bids.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Procurement best practices distinguish RFI (information gathering) from RFP (detailed solution proposals) and RFQ (price quotes for defined items). System acquisitions typically use an RFP.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Data flow diagram / Systems flowchart: Analysis or design visuals, not vendor-solicitation documents.
• Project dictionary: Repository of terms and components; not a bid instrument.
• None: Incorrect, because RFP fits the use case.

Common Pitfalls:
Sending unstructured emails instead of a formal RFP; failing to define evaluation criteria, leading to incomparable bids.

Final Answer:
request for proposal