- Free Version: Available for teams of up to 10
- Pricing: Premium plan $24/month (with free 30-day trial period)
- Platforms supported: Available on mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why use SafetyCulture?
Digitizing data and streamlining workflows are SafetyCulture’s expertise, which is why they have the best request for proposal software online. This intuitive and customizable program allows vendors and buyers to create, manage, and submit detailed RFPs that initiate competitive bidding and jumpstart projects.
Features:
- Find RFP or RFQ templates specific to your needs in the Public Library and create detailed proposals using drag-and-drop editors.
- Submit detailed proposals with digital signatures, ensuring security and confirming their integrity.
- Check RFQ performance using data analytics and track its status with electronic timestamps.
- Store proposals in a central repository, creating an audit trail of submissions.
- Integrate with other digital solutions like CRM, CPO, Slack, and Salesforce.
Why use RFPIO?
This digital solutions provider, recognized as a leader in response management, helps organizations create proactive proposals with their RFPs, RFQs, RFIs (Request for Information Software), and DDQs (Due Diligence Questionnaires) so prospective vendors can better decide when bidding.
Features:
- Automated content management with AI response recommendations
- Monitoring with analytics
- Integrations for collaboration like Slack, Teams, and Hangouts
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Not indicated on the website
- Platforms supported: Web
Why use Loopio?
Trusted by thousands of teams worldwide, this is one of the best request for proposal automation software because it locates responses faster and more accurately, removes outdated documents, and sends detailed proposals to your clients, all helpful in closing deals immediately.
Features:
- RFP library management system
- Automated RFP responses
- Seamless collaboration
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: On a subscription basis, pricing available upon registration (with a free trial)
- Platforms supported: Web
Why use Qvidian?
Upland Software’s Qvidian is a world-renowned request for quotation software with features that help teams access information from one content repository and empower them to create high-quality responses, increasing their chances of winning bids.
Features:
- Customizable workflows and templates
- Reporting with analytics
- Robust integrations with Salesforce, MS Office, and other web-based services
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Not indicated on the website
- Platforms supported: Web
Why use Zbizlink?
This portfolio and proposal management software allows government contractors and proposal managers to craft more focused proposals and quotes by targeting specific qualifications and aligning their proposals with regulations and standards for compliance.
Features:
- Built-in customizable templates
- Seamless bulk insertion
- AI-driven opportunity tracking and risk assessment
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Starts at $199 per month for 1 seat (with a 7-day free trial upon registration)
- Platforms supported: Web, Desktop
Why use Proposify?
Created by people who toiled over RFPs and RFQs for years, Proposify is considered the best request for proposal automation software because it allows complete collaboration through interactive quotes that accelerate the sales cycle and assures a quick close.
Features:
- Organized content library with pre-approved templates
- Privacy and security with approval permissions and electronic signatures
- Powerful data insights
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Starts at $49 per user per month, billed annually (with a free 14-day trial)
- Platforms supported: Web, iOS, Android
Why use Procurify?
Primarily an intelligent spend management platform, Procurify can also be a request for quotation software because it has all the features and automated tools that help facilitate organized RFQ creation and a cost-responsible procurement process.
Features:
- Customizable RFP and RFQ templates
- Centralized vendor directory
- Real-time tracking and reporting
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: $2,000 per month
- Platforms supported: Web, iOS, Android
Why use Zycus?
Highly rated by expert analysts and reputable software review sites, Zycus is also an effective RFQ tool since it calculates market trends, identifies and mitigates risks, and tracks, analyzes, and classifies spending information.
Features:
- Advanced reporting and suite-wide analytics
- Collaboration tools for stakeholders
- Integration with supplier database
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Not indicated in the website
- Platforms supported: Web, iOS, Android
Why use Coupa?
Coupa, an all-in-one platform for supply chain management, procurement, and payments, is considered one of the best request for proposal software online because it helps organizations strategically source the best vendors for their needs and draw up contracts that stick.
Features:
- Strategic sourcing
- Compliance and risk monitoring
- Integration with accounting tools
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Not indicated on the website
- Platforms supported: Web, iOS, Android
Why use Bonfire?
After the successful consolidation with IonWave Technologies, Bonfire has strengthened its RFP-building capabilities by effectively streamlining template drafting, adding more collaboration tools with stakeholders, and using one repository for all documents to ensure version control. This digital platform is best for those looking for opportunities in the public sector.
Features:
- Shared RFP templates
- RFP scoring and evaluations
- Solicitation builder with intake and approvals
- Free Version: Yes. Free templates are available at the Bonfire Open Access Community Projects upon sign-up.
- Pricing: Not indicated on the website.
- Platforms supported: Web
Why use ClientPoint?
ClientPoint is specifically made for bid management. With this tool, it’s much easier to manage requests, responses, and business relationships. With ClientPoint, it will be much easier to manage your RFP process and consider the best bids for the project.
Features:
- Bid management
- Collaboration
- Content management
- Free Version: No
- Pricing: Starts at $95 per user monthly
- Platforms supported: Web
Why use PandaDoc?
If you’re looking for a tool that allows you to build, sign, and manage your RFPs in one place, PandaDoc is a great option for you. The tool is packed with various features that make RFP management easier, which is why it’s one of the top tools available today.
Features:
- E-signatures
- Collaborative document management
- Comprehensive RFP management
- Free Version: Yes
- Pricing: Starts at $19/user/month with free trial
- Platforms supported: Web, PC, iOS, Android
What is a Request for Proposal Software?
Request for proposal (RFP) or request for quotation (RFQ) software is a tool that streamlines the different processes of proposal management, from drafting templates that outline the details of a project to finalizing quotes affixed with digital signatures. This all-in-one digital solution also tracks submissions and analyzes the competitiveness of the bid, making requests valuable to procurement officers and, at times, even vendors.
Importance
Well-created RFPs and RFQs help jumpstart projects. Badly-written ones, incomplete or too vague, may lead to problems. Software request for proposal or quotation helps procurers draft with clarity. It also allows vendors or suppliers to see if they are the right people for the job. Here are some reasons why this is a must-have:
- Streamlines RFP process – Manually writing requests for proposals is challenging because solutions must be comprehensive, detailed, and sustainable. Sending RFPs via e-mail for checks and getting responses is repetitive and time-consuming. Using the best request for proposal automation software makes this process faster and easier for everyone involved.Minimizes inaccuracies – The procurement team sifts through a ton of information during the early part of the process. Ironing out the details of the proposal or quote by removing outdated or inaccurate insights and figures is facilitated when data is digitized.
- Enhances collaboration – When drafting RFPs and RFQs, getting input from other departments is critical. Automating the process allows teamwork because everyone involved sees what other teams are working on and adjust as needed, which leads to better results.
- Ensures compliance – Accountability and transparency are required when producing RFPs, especially in government-subsidized projects because funding comes from taxpayers. Software solutions ensure all stakeholders get accurate information and strictly adhere to the parameters set.
- Increases productivity – Ascertaining the validity of facts and figures is cumbersome and time-consuming, it barely allows for any other job done. Request for proposal or request for quotation software does the heavy work so procurement managers can focus on other tasks, like submitting more RFPs and RFQs.
Key Features
Because digital solutions for managing RFPs and RFQs are vital to the success of any project, you won’t have any problem finding one because numerous IT companies offer this today. Make sure that your choice has the following essentials:
- Customizable templates
- Content management
- Document repository with approval access
- Multi-user collaborative tools
- Document sharing and tracking
- Built-in reporting and analytics
- Integration with third-party tools
Selecting the Right Request for Proposal Software
The platforms listed above are considered by experts as the best request for proposal software online today. Take another look at all twelve in the summary below:
| Request for Proposal Sofware | Free Version | Paid Plan | Mobile App |
| SafetyCulture | Yes | $24/user/month* | Yes |
| RFPIO | No | Not indicated on the website | No |
| Loopio | No | Available upon registration | No |
| Qvidian | No | Not indicated on the website | No |
| Zbizlink | No | $199/month | No |
| Proposify | No | Starts at $59/user/month* | Yes |
| Procurify | No | $2,000/month* All in one pricing |
Yes |
| Zycus | No | Not indicated on the website | Yes |
| Coupa | No | Not indicated on the website | Yes |
| Bonfire | Yes (free templates) | Not indicated on the website | No |
| ClientPoint | No | Starts at $95 per user monthly | No |
| PandaDoc | Yes | Starts at $19/user/month with free trial | Yes |
*billed annually
Eunice Arcilla Caburao