The request for proposal as a tool for computer selection.

The process of selecting a computer vendor can be time-consuming and somewhat tedious. Due to the large number of vendors and varying types of promotional material, it is difficult to decide whose systems should be scrutinized in greater detail. The Request for Proposal RFP process provides a means of standardizing each vendor's response and limiting the number of full proposals which must be evaluated. Further, the vendors' responses are tailored to the needs of the department.