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    RFP Requests Full Creative, Strategy, and Budget 'Just to See Your Thinking'

    Winner to be selected by procurement on price alone.

    RFP Requests Full Creative, Strategy, and Budget 'Just to See Your Thinking'

    SOMEWHERE IN PROCUREMENT — A sixty-three-page request for proposals invited agencies to submit a 'light-touch expression of interest,' including the entire concept, floor plan, staffing model and emergency rain strategy.

    The document reassured bidders that no finished work was expected. It then requested finished work in editable files. The deadline was Friday; questions were due last Tuesday.

    One agency assembled a team to answer ninety questions. Another asked whether a pitch fee was available and received an automated message celebrating the value of partnership.

    After presentations, procurement selected the lowest number. The winning concept was described as 'a blend of everyone's thinking.' The losing agencies were offered useful feedback: next time, demonstrate more creativity while costing less to exist.

    The soundtrack: RFP++

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