> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://resources.pipelinebio.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Prepare, Send, and Manage Requests for Proposal on Pipeline Bio

> Create a Request for Proposal, complete each field well, share it with multiple Providers, and manage or generate reports from My RFPs.

A **Request for Proposal (RFP)** sets out your project requirements, scope, and expectations so Providers can respond in a structured, comparable way. RFPs are optional, but they materially improve the quality of the proposals you receive.

Key characteristics:

* An RFP can be created in advance and attached when sending an enquiry, or added to an enquiry retrospectively.
* The same RFP can be attached to enquiries with multiple Providers.
* RFPs are shared securely, and only with providers you choose to engage.
* RFPs are living documents. You can update one at any time and treat it as the single source of truth for the project.

<Note>
  An active Member Account is required to create and share RFPs.
</Note>

## Create an RFP

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open My RFPs">
    Select **My RFPs** in the Navigation Panel.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start a new RFP">
    Select **Create new**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete the form">
    Work through each field. The guidance below reflects what Providers need in order to scope accurately.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save">
    Select **Save** to create the RFP. It is now available to attach to any enquiry.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Completing each field well

| Field                       | What to include                                                |
| --------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **RFP Title**               | Clear and descriptive: assay type, stage, or project focus     |
| **Objectives**              | The question you are answering, and what defines success       |
| **Background / rationale**  | Prior work, development stage, and the decision this supports  |
| **Client-provided items**   | Materials, compounds, protocols, or datasets you will supply   |
| **Compliance requirements** | GLP, GMP, ISO, or other regulatory frameworks that apply       |
| **Schedule requirements**   | Start dates, milestones, and completion timelines              |
| **Assumptions**             | Explicit assumptions about scope, inputs, and constraints      |
| **Expected spend / budget** | Even an indicative range helps providers scope realistically   |
| **Additional comments**     | Evaluation criteria, reporting preferences, specific questions |
| **Attachments**             | Protocols, diagrams, or reports, up to 25 MB                   |

<Tip>
  Stating an indicative budget is the single most useful thing you can do for proposal quality. Without it, providers either guess at scope or return a range so wide it cannot be compared against anything.
</Tip>

## Manage your RFPs

From the **My RFPs** section you can:

* **Edit** an RFP. Changes are visible to Providers who already have access, so the document stays current for everyone.
* Select the **dropdown symbol** to expand an RFP and view its details and any suggestions.
* Use the **… menu** to duplicate or delete an RFP.

<Warning>
  An RFP cannot be deleted while it is shared with a Provider. Remove it from the relevant enquiry in My Enquiries first.
</Warning>

## Pro features

**Generate Report** produces an auditable RFP Summary Report covering Provider outreach and responses. This is useful for demonstrating reasonable efforts to identify Australian providers, and in discussions relating to overseas outsourcing.

**Generate suggestions** automatically suggests Providers based on the content of your RFP. All required fields must be populated first. Suggestions appear in the expanded RFP view.

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Send enquiries" href="/resources/how-to-guides/send-enquiries">
    Attach your RFP to enquiries with shortlisted providers.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Search for services" href="/resources/how-to-guides/search-for-scientific-services">
    Build or extend the shortlist you will share the RFP with.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>