Request For Proposal Template Hosted/Cloud .

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Request for Proposal TemplateRequest for Proposal TemplateHosted/CloudUnifiedCommunicationsand Collaboration SolutionAuthorCOMgroup, Inc.jrs@comgroup-inc.comMarch 2013

Hosted/Cloud Unified Communicationsand Collaboration SolutionRFP RequestInstruction Sheet1.There are instructions within the RFP that provide guidance for that specific section or are marked within brackets and use italics print style. After each section is completed accordingly, these instructions statements should beremoved.2.Using a global “find and replace,” insert the name of the organization submitting the RFP wherever the RFP uses Organization Name .3.Other unique details that need to be replaced with specific information are also shown within brackets and italicized.4.Within the RFP document are a wide range of potential features and functions that may be needed. If such an itemdoes not apply to your specific needs and requirements, it can be removed or defined differently if needed.5.Section 6.1 and 6.2 are intended to provide the size for initial quote and the planned deployment of services. Thesequantities should reflect actual needs because it will drive the pricing.6.After completing the RFP, right button click on the Table of Contents and update the entire table to introduce anychanges to section titles and page numbering.About the AuthorJ.R. Simmons is President and Principal Consultant of COMgroup, Inc., and an executive board member of the Societyof Telecommunications Consultants. With 37 years of experience, including 28 years as an independent consultant, heprovides a broad range of in-depth telecommunications experience. J.R. is recognized as an industry expert with specialskills in both premises solutions and cloud communications. You can reach J.R. at jrs@comgroup-inc.com or 425.284.6500.COMgroup, Inc. is an independent consulting firm providing strategic planning, requirements definition, systemdesign, business process analysis, procurement, and project management services for all types of voice, data, andvideo communications technologies. We focus on engaging and educating our clients while we analyze workflow andcommunications, with a goal of improving performance regardless of the underlying technical components. You can learnmore about COMgroup at www.comgroup-inc.com.Copyright 2013, COMgroup, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Organization Logo Request for Proposal TemplateHosted/Cloud Unified Communicationsand Collaboration SolutionDate Due: Month, day, year at time Copyright 2013, COMgroup, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Hosted/Cloud Unified Communicationsand Collaboration SolutionRFP RequestTABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont.) Table of ContentsSection 1 – Project Overview 61.1 Introduction to Organization Name . 61.2 Project Description. 61.3 Terms and Definitions. 61.4 Minimum Requirements. 71.5 Preliminary Calendar. 7Section 2 - Instructions and Procedures 82.1 Communication. 82.2 Addenda. 82.3 Proposal Format. 82.4 Proposal Pricing. 82.5 Proposal Submission Requirements. 92.6 RFP and Proposal Participation Requirements. 92.7 Standard Terms and Conditions. 102.8 Evaluation Criteria and Process. 10Section 3 – Vendor Qualifications, Service, and Support 113.1 Contact Information . 113.2 Vendor Information. 113.3 Proposed Product Manufacturer3.4 Key Personnel. 11. 123.5 Customer References . 133.6 System Support / Maintenance . 14Section 4 – Technical and Functional Specifications 154.1 Current Environment. 154.2 General System Design. 154.3 Telephony Functional Requirements. 204.4 Contact Center System Capabilities . 23Copyright 2013, COMgroup, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Hosted/Cloud Unified Communicationsand Collaboration SolutionRFP Request BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTSSection 5 - Statement Of Work (SOW) 285.1 Approach. 285.2 Implementation Template. 285.3 Organization Name Resources. 295.4 Project Plan/Schedule. 305.5 Project Management. 305.6 Vendor Responsibilities - Pre-Installation. 315.7 IVR. 315.8 Training. 325.9 Installation Coordination . 325.10 Post Installation Test and Acceptance . 335.11 Documentation. 335.12 Assumptions. 33Section 6 – System Configuration Sizing and Pricing 346.1 Configuration Sizing. 346.2 Desired / Planned Deployment. 356.3 Pricing. 356.4 Additional Pricing Options. 36Copyright 2013, COMgroup, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Hosted/Cloud Unified Communicationsand Collaboration SolutionRFP Request BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTSSection 1 – Project Overview1.1 Introduction to Organization Name Typically used to provide background information on the nature of the business and the overall size (number of locations,number of employees, geographic footprint, etc.). May also include anything that makes the organization different, such asspecific business philosophy. 1.2 Project Description Organization Name is soliciting proposals for a hosted or cloud-based unified communications and collaboration solutionto describe purpose and scope .For purposes of this Request for Proposal (RFP), the terms “Communications as a Service” (CaaS), “hosted,” and “cloudbased” may be used interchangeably. Note that the RFP includes collaboration, and the use of CaaS is not intended toexclude any functionality.Upon completion of the RFP process, Organization Name intends to contract with the selected Vendor that best meetsits needs. Vendor proposals must include application software; professional services, including implementation and training;and any required on-premises equipment. Vendor proposals must also include ongoing management, monitoring, andsupport, and must also meet the technical and functional requirements described on the following pages.1.3 Terms and DefinitionsFor the purposes of this RFP, the following terms and definitions are used to help define the roles involved in producing thesolution:a.Vendor: The proposing firm that is responsible for the solution. For purposes of this RFP, the terms Vendor,Proposer, and Contractor may be used interchangeably, although Proposer is limited to referencing potentialVendors (pre-award) and Contractor is specifically referencing the awarded Vendor.b)Manufacturer(s): The company or companies that make the solution components and provide the Vendor withtechnical support and upgrades to the underlying systems.c)Service provider: The firm supplying the carrier services elements, although this may be the same company that isthe Vendor in some situations.Copyright 2013, COMgroup, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Hosted/Cloud Unified Communicationsand Collaboration SolutionRFP Request BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS1.4 Minimum Requirements Organization Name requires, at the time of submission, that the proposing Vendor and the proposed products meet theminimum requirements listed in Section 1.4.1. Proposals may be rejected by Organization Name if these requirementsare not met.1.4.1 Vendor Requirements1. Vendor has been an authorized distributor of the proposed cloud-based solutions for a minimum of six months andpreferably one year or more. The Vendor must have full authorization and support from the manufacturer of thecore solution.2. Vendor must employ (have on direct payroll or contract) a minimum of two software engineers certified on theproposed core products.3. Vendor is authorized to do business in insert locale as appropriate and has, or will obtain, the necessarylicenses, registration and permits.1.4.1 Vendor RequirementsProposals must include all of the elements required for the solution, even if multiple entities are included in the productmix. The proposing Vendor (i.e., the prime contractor) must provide a coordinated project plan that includes the totalsolution, identifies all components that are provided by others, and act as the primary point of contact for the proposal,while providing contact information for the others in Section 3.1. Ideally the proposing Vendor will be able to deliver allproducts that make up the entire solution and minimize the use of third-party elements in the solution.1.5 Preliminary Calendar Organization Name has established the following anticipated sequence of events and tentative schedule dates forthis procurement process. All dates set forth in the table below are subject to modification at the sole discretion of Organization Name .DateDayTimeProject Activity1 Month, day, year day of week time Request for Proposal distributed2 Month, day, year day of week time Deadline for submission of questions3 Month, day, year day of week time Answers posted/released4 Month, day, year day of week time Vendor proposals due5 Month, day, year day of week time Short-listed finalists notified6 Month, day, year day of week time Vendor demos/interviews completed7 Month, day, year day of week time Apparent successful Proposer named8 Month, day, year day of week time Contract executed9 Month, day, year day of week time Project startup10 Month, day, year day of week time Anticipated project completionCopyright 2013, COMgroup, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Hosted/Cloud Unified Communicationsand Collaboration SolutionRFP Request BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTSSection 2 - Instructions and Procedures2.1 CommunicationAny questions about the solicitation shall be in writing and submitted through email to: Primary Contact Copy: Additional Contact Organization Name Organization Name Phone number Phone number email email Proposers who contact any individuals representing Organization Name , other than the above named designatedindividual, may be disqualified from consideration. Questions must be submitted by email no later than time , date . Organization Name will respond to all written questions submitted by this deadline. Organization Name will not conduct a preproposal conference for this procurement. To obtain answers to any questions,or for further clarifications, submit all questions as noted above. Or, replace with a section providing date, time, andlocation of a pre-proposal conference. 2.2 Addenda Organization Name may make changes to this solicitation. Oral or other interpretations, clarifications, or submittalinstructions will be without legal effect. Any information modifying a solicitation will be furnished to all known proposers by aformal, written addendum.2.3 Proposal FormatIt is essential that Organization Name be able to easily match a Proposer’s response with this RFP’s requirements.Therefore, all proposals must use this RFP to format the actual response. Failure to follow this format will be grounds forrejection. Where appropriate, indicate compliance and/or note any exceptions to the requirements and provide responses toall questions.Proposals should be clear and economical, providing a straightforward and concise description of the Proposer’s capabilities tosatisfy the requirements of this Request for Proposal. Emphasis should be placed on clarity of content.2.4 Proposal PricingThe Proposer shall submit the proposed pricing on the forms in Section 6.3 or provide a formatted pricing response thatincludes the identical information.Copyright 2013, COMgroup, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Hosted/Cloud Unified Communicationsand Collaboration SolutionRFP Request BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS2.5 Proposal Submission RequirementsThe Proposer shall submit one (1) electronic copy of the proposal, provided in unlocked Microsoft Word format andspreadsheets provided in unlocked Microsoft Excel format.Proposals shall be delivered on or before time , date to the following: Delivery address 2.6 RFP and Proposal Participation Requirements2.6.1 Right of Selection/Rejection of Proposals Organization Name reserves the right to select a proposal for telecommunications services and equipment throughnegotiations. Organization Name reserves the exclusive right to select or reject any or all proposals for any reason,to waive any informality in the proposals received, and to waive minor deviations from the specifications. OrganizationName ’s waiver of any informality or immaterial deviation shall in no way modify the RFP documents or excuse theVendor from full compliance with the RFP requirements. Selection of a Vendor as the apparently successful Vendor shallnot be construed as an award of a contract but as the commencement of contract drafting, discussions, and negotiations. Organization Name may select an apparently successful Vendor on the basis of information in addition to that received ina proposal. It is emphasized that all proposal responses should be complete and submitted with the most favorable financialterms. Organization Name specifically reserves the right to reject the proposal of any Vendor who submits a false,incomplete, or noncompliant proposal response, or unresponsive statements in its proposal.2.6.2 Incorporation of RFP and Proposal in the Final AgreementThis RFP and the Vendor’s proposal response, including all promises, warranties, commitments, and representationsmade in the successful proposal, shall be binding and be included in Organization Name ’s contract with the Vendor.2.6.3 Errors in ProposalsIf discrepancies between sections or other errors are found in a proposal response, Organization Name mayreject the proposal; however, Organization Name may, at its sole option, correct any arithmetical error in extendedprice calculations or the addition of line items. Vendors are responsible for all errors or omissions in their proposalresponses, and any such errors or omissions will not serve to diminish their obligations to Organization Name .2.6.4 Cost of Development of ProposalsAll expenses incurred by Vendors related to the proposal response or the selection process will be borne by the Vendor. Noclaim for reimbursement of time, material, or travel expenses shall be made by the Vendor against Organization Name orits agents, regardless of the results of the selection process. If it is in the best interests of Organization Name ’s businessneeds, Organization Name reserves the right to cancel the entire RFP process and assumes no responsibility for anyassociated Vendor costs related to responding to the RFP.Copyright 2013, COMgroup, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Hosted/Cloud Unified Communicationsand Collaboration SolutionRFP Request BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS2.6.5 Proposal DispositionAll materials su

For purposes of this Request for Proposal (RFP), the terms “Communications as a Service” (CaaS), “hosted,” and “cloud-based” may be used interchangeably. Note that the RFP includes collaboration, and the use of CaaS is not intended to exclude any functionality.