ROM based RFP: Framework

Article 1 of the series. Here we will discuss what goes into Request for Proposal (RFP) created from Rough Order Magnitude (ROM).

Framework for ROM Based RFP

ROM process allows you to come up with a budget in a relatively short period of time for a large DAS project. Let's discuss the framework of the ROM based bid process.

Keep in mind that a lot of companies have used them in the past to come up with budgetary number for a DAS. So, nothing new about that. However, my focus here is to remove some of the guessing game and make the budget figure resulting from this process as realistic as possible. At the same time, I want to make it easy for the vendors and suppliers to participate in the bid. So, I will not ask for full design like I have seen in many bid processes.

“ROM process allows you to come up with a budget in a relatively short period of time for a large DAS project.”

ROM based bidding works better for a large building or campus – by large, I mean greater than 200K sq. ft. Instead of asking for a full design for bidding, ask for a ROM based pricing.

Now let's set up the framework.

At the core of this framework, you supply some information on the building(s), provide requirement of design and engineering, and based on those you request or ask for certain items from the bidders. For downloading the ROM based workbook template, please click here.

Content of ROM based RFP

So, what will you provide to the bidders? Here is a short list:

1. Benchmark Signal Test (highly encouraged)

2. Supply a list of building(s), # of floors, square footage, wall type, and user count

3. (Optional) Supply a representative floor plan – with wall types (<40K sq. ft.). The reason for this floor plan is to ask the bidder to provide a sample design. Now if you want to provide all the floor plans at this stage, by all means go ahead.

4. Provide DAS platform requirement – what do you want for the DAS platform. Alternatively, you can ask the participating vendors to recommend a platform.

5. Provide carriers, technologies, and coverage goal

6. Supply test specifications – especially, for coax or fiber cable testing

7. Provide a bid form. I have attached a downloadable Excel template bid form to work with, and you can customize it for your need.

Once you supply this information, request the following from the bidders.

1. Request a non-budgetary (i.e., firm) quote for design & engineering. NOTE, YOU ARE REQUESTING JUST THE QUOTE FOR DOING DESIGN – NOT THE ACTUAL DESIGN.

2. (Optional) Request an actual design on the sample floor plan

3. Request FULL quotes of materials & services for the full coverage area based on the above design

Now let's unpack the information you will have to provide and the information you will receive from the participating vendors in the next few articles.

Next article:

Does it make sense to do any design work during ROM phase?

Related articles:

Building information you need to provide for ROM bid

Additional information needed for ROM

To download the ROM-based workbook template, please contact us.