# Request for proposal and technical design

> Two documents that save time at the start of a project: a request for proposal when choosing a supplier, and a technical design before development.

At the start of a project, it pays to have things in writing. Two documents help with that: a request for proposal (RFP), which you use when choosing a supplier, and a technical design, which comes before development begins.

### What an RFP is

An RFP helps a client choose a supplier for a website, another service or a product. It asks the questions the client cares about, and the answers show which services the supplier offers and where it is stronger than the competition. In it, the client also describes exactly what it needs from the supplier.

It takes the form of a questionnaire and cuts down lengthy back-and-forth, because the supplier answers every question at once. It also makes it easier to compare several offers.

#### What an RFP might include

- contact details,
- a description of the specific request,
- how the order is confirmed,
- a schedule including the delivery date,
- a price quote and payment terms,
- the process by which the supplier will deliver the service or product.

#### Why it matters

It means both sides know exactly what the partnership is meant to achieve and what the result should be. The supplier learns the client's requirements, and the client learns which steps will lead to meeting them.

### What a technical design is

A technical design contains a detailed project plan and the technical solutions and methods the project will use. It describes every part of the project, how each part will work and what it will be built with.

#### What a technical design covers

- the technology the website will be built on,
- the website layout and navigation structure,
- database systems,
- server use and configuration,
- backups and security.

#### Why it matters

A well-prepared technical design prevents problems during development. But it is not a document you write once and file away. It needs updating throughout development so that it reflects the current requirements and changes.

Our [How we work](/en/about-us/how-we-work/) page describes how we approach analysis and specification.

### We'll prepare the brief together.

You don't need to come with a finished specification. We'll help you clarify the goals, the scope and the technical solution.

[Discuss your project](/en/contact/)

[UX/UI design](/en/services/ux-ui-design/)

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Source: https://webikon.sk/en/blog/request-for-proposal-and-technical-design/