Which procurement document would you issue if you know the problem but need vendor proposals to solve it?

Issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) is appropriate when the problem is clearly defined, but solutions from various vendors are needed to address it. An RFP allows organizations to solicit detailed proposals from vendors that describe their approach to solving the problem, including technical specifications, methodologies, timelines, and pricing. This document fosters competition among vendors and enables the issuing organization to assess different solutions based on their merits, aligning them with specific requirements.

An RFP typically contains criteria for evaluation, allowing the organization to systematically compare vendor responses and make an informed decision based on a comprehensive set of proposals. It's particularly useful in scenarios where the solutions might vary in approach, technology, or cost, thereby requiring a detailed understanding from each of the vendors on how they envision addressing the identified problem.