What is the next step after an RFP?

After an RFP goes out, the sequence runs: vendors submit proposals by the deadline, the buyer scores them against the stated criteria, shortlisted vendors present or answer clarifying questions, one is selected, and the parties negotiate the statement of work and contract that actually govern the project.

That last step answers the RFP-versus-SOW question. The RFP asks what would you do and for how much; the SOW pins down what will be done, by when, for exactly what price. Sometimes a draft SOW rides inside the RFP, but the binding version is negotiated after selection.

For vendors, the after-RFP phase is where margins are won: the proposal got you chosen, and the SOW you negotiate decides whether the project is profitable.

Responding to one? This architecture RFP template shows the structure evaluators expect.