Proposal Letter and Article Summary - Essay Example

Proposal Letter and Article Summary November 18, Mr. Carl Thomas College of San Francisco Purchasing 33 Gough Street San Francisco, CA 94103 Dear Mr. Thomas: Acting on behalf of the experienced and dedicated team at Smartechs Corporation, I am pleased to provide this response to the City College of San Francisco’s (CCSF) Request for Proposal titled Computer Systems and related tasks Fiscal 2002-2003. Our corporation has critically analyzed the requirements set by the Request for Proposal and has found itself supremely capable to address the issues outlined. This would be effective from November 18, 2011 until May 15, 2012. We understand CCSF is in the middle of a massive technology upgrade which will incorporate the need for installation of new desktop computer, and a new computer system. Upon a critical review, of the request for Proposal, our skilled team of Information Technology experts developed a comprehensive structure that will aid in the equipment of the latest computer system. New desktop computers from IBM will be purchased and installed. Our supplier chain will be able to provide sealed pricing proposals of the latest branded and generic (IBM clone) desktop systems, as well as laptops. These computers will have to be networked in order to allow for information sharing and tighten security. Our team has developed a plan that integrates networking of the computers, configuration, installation of software and antivirus software, and training will provided to the staff in order to give them a hands-on experience on this new technology. We have already sent a catalogue of desktop computers and laptops from our supply chain to Kathy Hennig, the senior Purchaser at C.P.M., which has been approved. Smartechs Corporation specializes in software development and supplies computers and computer accessories to our esteemed customers. We also provide training solutions to our customers on Internet security, networking, and basic computer use, and software. As implied in our name, which means “smart technicians,” we are a dynamic company who believe in embracing technology for future change and success. We believe in infusing energy and vitality through remarkable training solutions and strategies, which are pivotal in teaching and engaging individuals and organizations. A renowned leader in the technological world and e-learning field, we have curved a name by creating effective solutions for organizations such as the San Francisco department of Public Welfare, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, New York University, and Procter & Gamble. We also in the recent past successfully finished a training solution in the field of Android technology and operating computers based on Windows platform, as well as Linux based operating systems. Moreover, we recently completed installing computers and providing training solutions on the implementation of a three-dimensional corporate, working environment for IBM Company. I believe you will be satisfied with Smartechs efficiency, dynamic nature, and unique approach to networking and installing computer systems in your institution. Our business relationship with IBM has earned us a reputable position with them and our prices are affordable. We have in the past supplied their computers and still continue to do so, among other companies. Our team will install the approximately 1000 to 2500 computers and network them. The team at Smartechs is looking forward to meeting with your representatives on December 2, 2011 to critically discuss our plan of action in further detail (Gould, 2005). We will break up the cost involved and provide the pricing structure for the different computers and computer accessories. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me by e-mail at jwatson@smartechs.com or by phone at (610) 453-2871. We are looking forward to hearing and partnering with CCSF. Sincerely, James M. Watson, President and CEO Smartechs Corporation Call and Response: Handling RFP Tension Drafting efficient proposals for clients has created a love-hate relationship in the workplace. In addition, being able to produce a winning proposal is crucial towards clients getting the contract. This article digs into the intricacies involved with designing RFPs and how designers can draft effective and efficient proposals for their clients. Also, the article evaluates four core areas that result to tension between a client and the designer. To start with, project budget experiences friction from clients and vendors. Clients may not provide a budget, and may be waiting for responses in order to make an estimate. On the other hand, designers find it difficult to name their price. A fair and accurate budget can be developed through formal writing by designers to ask for a budget estimate, or if the client is adamant, the designer should use their discretion to come up with an appropriate budget. Secondly, expertise is another field that experiences tension. Clients know their business better, while designers know the information needed. Therefore, the two groups should avoid making assumptions by communicating the parallels involved on the part of the client’s operations and the designer’s process. Designers should map their proprietary process to the client’s project requirements. Communication is crucial in coming up with a valid proposal. In “spec” creative, clients expect vendors to create speculative designs before-hand. However, most designers can be irritated with the need to develop designs under circumstances that have not been well outlined. Designers need to realize that the lack of speculative designs may make them lose a project. Lastly, process timeline and transparency is another area with friction. Clients try to set logical and reliable deadlines that designers are expected to meet. In case of any unprecedented changes on designers’ resources, communication should be initiated in order to update the client and avoid any misunderstanding. Designers should make detailed and unrestricted telephone conversations before engaging in a proposal (Gould, 2005). Works Cited Cohen, Jason. "The ABCs of RFPs: Developing a Request for Proposal for Your Data Conversion Projects." Inform 12, no. 2 (February 1998): 34 Gould, Nick. “Call and Response: Handling RFP Tension.” Digital web Magazine, 29 August 2005. http://www.digital-web.com/articles/call_and_response_handling_rfp_tension/. 18 November 2011. “RFP 557 Request for Proposal - Computer Systems and related tasks.” 2002. http://www.foundationccc.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=iwzJPnLWPww%3D&tabid=231&mid=1169. 18 November 2011. Read More