10 Best RFP Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
RFP (Request For Proposal) software is a valuable asset for any company. With the right software, teams can efficiently manage their proposal processes and improve collaboration among team members. However, finding the right RFP software can be challenging, especially with so many options.
Using my experience with revenue operations software, I tested and compared several of the top RFP programs available. Then, I compiled my results into detailed reviews to help you find the best software for your needs.
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Best RFP Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top RFP software selections, helping you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
Tools | Price | |
---|---|---|
Proposify | From $29/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Responsive | Pricing upon request | Website |
Ombud | Pricing upon request | Website |
Bonfire | Pricing upon request | Website |
AutoRFP.ai | From $200/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Cobblestone Software | From $59/user/month (min 5 seats, billed annually) | Website |
Olive | From $15/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Expedience Software | Pricing upon request | Website |
ClientPoint | From $499/month (up to 5 users, billed annually) | Website |
RFPMonkey | Pricing upon request | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareHow To Choose RFP Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. Here's a checklist of factors to remember to help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process.
Factor | What to Consider |
Scalability | Will it grow with your team's needs? |
Integrations | Does it connect with your existing tools? |
Customizability | Can you tailor it to fit your specific workflows? |
Ease of Use | Is it intuitive for your team to use? |
Budget | Does it fit within your financial constraints? |
Security Safeguards | Does it meet your data protection requirements? |
Support | Is reliable customer support available? |
User Feedback | What are other users saying about their experience? |
Best RFP Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best RFP software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews look at each tool’s key features, pros and cons, integrations, and ideal use cases to help you find the best one.
Proposify is a proposal management software tailored for sales teams and agencies that need to create visually engaging proposals. It helps users design, send, and track proposals.
Why I picked Proposify: It offers extensive design capabilities, allowing you to craft proposals that align with your branding. The software provides various templates, making starting and customizing proposals accessible. You can track proposal interactions, giving insights into client engagement. These features make it a top choice for teams focused on creating impactful proposals.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a drag-and-drop editor that simplifies the proposal creation process. The software offers analytics showing how clients interact with your proposals, helping you refine your approach. Additionally, it provides a library of pre-built templates to speed up your workflow and ensure consistency.
Integrations include Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipedrive, QuickBooks, Xero, Stripe, PayPal, Zapier, Slack, and Microsoft Dynamics.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Simplifies proposal creation
- Facilitates brand consistency
- Provides proposal interaction insights
Cons:
- May need design skills for best use
- Limited advanced customization
Responsive is a comprehensive RFP management solution tailored for large enterprises that need to manage complex proposal processes. It supports teams in creating, organizing, and submitting RFP responses efficiently.
Why I picked Responsive: The platform offers advanced features like content automation and detailed analytics, which are crucial for large-scale operations. It provides a centralized content library, making it easy for your team to access and manage information. You can also benefit from its workflow automation, which reduces manual tasks and accelerates response times. These features are especially beneficial for enterprises handling a high volume of RFPs.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include detailed analytics that provide insights into your RFP performance and help identify improvement areas. The platform also offers customizable dashboards that allow you to tailor the interface to your team's needs. Additionally, you can automate routine tasks, saving time and reducing errors.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Slack, SharePoint, Google Workspace, Box, Dropbox, OneDrive, SAP, and HubSpot.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Ideal for high-volume RFPs
- Workflow automation
- Centralized content library
Cons:
- Relies on a strong internet connection
- Requires training for new users
Ombud is a knowledge management platform tailored for teams that need to centralize and simplify their content for RFP responses. It serves organizations looking to enhance collaboration and efficiently manage their proposal content.
Why I picked Ombud: It offers a centralized repository for storing and managing RFP content, ensuring your team has access to the latest information. The platform's automated workflows facilitate content approval and updates. You can also benefit from its analytics features, providing insights into content usage and effectiveness. These capabilities make it ideal for companies prioritizing knowledge management in RFP processes.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include analytics tools that give you insights into how your content is used, helping you optimize your responses. The platform provides automated workflows that streamline content approval processes, ensuring accuracy and consistency. Additionally, its content repository makes accessing and updating information easy, supporting collaboration across teams.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Slack, SharePoint, Google Workspace, Box, Dropbox, OneDrive, SAP, and Adobe.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- In-depth analytics tools
- Automated workflow capabilities
- Centralized content repository
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Requires training for effective use
Bonfire is a procurement platform designed for organizations looking to improve their sourcing and vendor management processes. It serves procurement teams by facilitating bid management, supplier evaluation, and contract award decisions.
Why I picked Bonfire: It offers procurement features like detailed vendor scorecards and customizable evaluation criteria. Your team can easily manage bids and track supplier performance. The platform's reporting capabilities provide insights into procurement activities, helping you make informed decisions. These functionalities are tailored to meet the needs of procurement professionals, making it a good choice for those focused on sourcing and supplier management.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include detailed vendor scorecards that evaluate potential suppliers. The platform allows you to customize evaluation criteria to fit your specific needs. It also offers reporting tools that give insights into procurement activities, assisting your team in making data-driven decisions.
Integrations include Microsoft Excel, Google Workspace, SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, Slack, Docusign, Dropbox, Box, and QuickBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports data-driven decisions
- Efficient bid management
- Comprehensive reporting tools
Cons:
- Dependence on reliable Internet connection
- Complexity in setup and initial use
AutoRFP.ai is an AI-driven RFP software designed for companies looking to enhance their response efficiency. It primarily serves businesses that need to handle a large volume of RFPs and focus on improving response quality.
Why I picked AutoRFP.ai: It offers AI-powered features such as generative AI for crafting precise responses and automated translation in over 30 languages. These functionalities enable your team to respond to more RFPs without sacrificing quality. The platform emphasizes secure data management by being ISO 27001 certified, which is important for companies handling sensitive information. Its user-friendly interface ensures that even non-technical users can navigate it easily.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a flexible tagging system for efficient content management, real-time collaboration tools, and secure data handling practices. You’ll also find customizable AI actions that cater to your specific RFP needs. The platform’s design makes it easy to manage and access content swiftly.
Integrations include Salesforce, Slack, Google Workspace, and Notion.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time collaboration
- User-friendly interface
- AI-driven response efficiency
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Requires initial setup time
CobbleStone Software is a contract management solution for organizations seeking to automate and simplify their contract lifecycle processes. It serves a wide range of industries by offering tools for contract creation, negotiation, and compliance tracking.
Why I picked CobbleStone Software: It offers features like automated alerts and customizable templates to ensure your team stays on top of deadlines and maintains consistency. The software's reporting capabilities help you analyze contract performance effectively. You can also set up approval workflows to simplify the contract review process. These functionalities make it a strong contender for businesses that prioritize contract management.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated alerts that notify you of important contract dates, ensuring deadlines aren't missed. The software offers customizable templates to help maintain consistency across all your contracts. Additionally, its reporting capabilities allow you to generate insights into contract performance.
Integrations include Salesforce, Adobe Sign, Microsoft Word, SharePoint, QuickBooks, Oracle, SAP, Dropbox, and Google Workspace.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Effective reporting capabilities
- Automated alert system
- Strong contract management features
Cons:
- Requires dedicated support for best use
- Learning curve for new users
Olive is a collaborative decision-making platform designed for teams that require processes to evaluate and select vendors. It's particularly suited for organizations looking to enhance team communication and coordination during the RFP process.
Why I picked Olive: It offers collaboration features supporting real-time feedback and decision-making. Your team can benefit from interactive dashboards that provide clear insights into each project. Olive also allows for transparent communication, ensuring all stakeholders are on the same page. This focus on collaboration makes it ideal for teams needing a coordinated approach to RFPs.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include interactive dashboards that help you visualize data and track project progress. Real-time feedback tools allow your team to share insights instantly. The platform also supports decision-making processes by providing a structured approach to evaluating options and selecting vendors.
Integrations include Slack, Microsoft Teams, Trello, Asana, Salesforce, Google Workspace, monday.com, Jira, and Zoom.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Interactive dashboards
- Real-time feedback capability
- Excellent collaboration tools
Cons:
- Relies on integration for full potential
- May require an initial setup time
Expedience Software is an RFP management solution tailored for teams that rely heavily on Microsoft applications. It enhances document creation and management by integrating with Microsoft Word to simplify the proposal process.
Why I picked Expedience Software: Its integration with Microsoft Office tools makes it a perfect fit for users already working within the Microsoft ecosystem. The software offers template automation, ensuring consistency and efficiency in document creation. It also provides an easy-to-use content library that allows your team to store and retrieve information quickly. This focus on Microsoft integration will enable teams to work within familiar platforms, saving time and reducing learning curves.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include template automation to ensure document consistency, a content library for efficient information storage and access, and a proposal builder that guides users through the RFP process. Real-time collaboration allows multiple users to work simultaneously, enhancing teamwork and productivity. The platform also supports advanced search, deadline tracking, and entry aging to keep content relevant and organized.
Integrations include Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, and Dynamics 365.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Familiar interface for Microsoft users
- Real-time collaboration features
- Comprehensive content library
Cons:
- May require training for full utilization
- Customization options could be better
ClientPoint is a proposal management software designed for sales teams to efficiently create, send, and track business proposals. It focuses on enhancing client interactions and streamlining the sales process through a centralized platform.
Why I picked ClientPoint: The tool is tailored for sales teams, offering features like proposal analytics and automated follow-ups. Its centralized document management system ensures your team can access all sales materials in one place. The customizable templates help maintain brand consistency across all proposals. Focusing on improving sales workflows addresses the needs of sales professionals.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include proposal tracking to notify you when clients view your documents, automated follow-up reminders to keep your team on top of deadlines, and a centralized hub for storing all sales materials. Customizable templates allow consistent brand reflection across documents, while template automation ensures consistency. Additionally, a content library, proposal builder, and real-time collaboration features enhance workflow efficiency and teamwork.
Integrations include Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho CRM, Microsoft Dynamics, Google Workspace, Slack, Mailchimp, Dropbox, LinkedIn, and QuickBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automated follow-up reminders
- Customizable templates
- Centralized document management
Cons:
- Basic reporting capabilities
- Limited advanced customization
RFPMonkey is a hosted RFP management tool primarily for small to medium-sized businesses. It facilitates creating and managing RFP content libraries.
Why I picked RFPMonkey: Its affordability makes it an attractive choice for businesses on a budget. It offers bulk import capabilities and advanced search options to simplify content management. Users can easily assign subject matter experts for content approval and track progress. This tool benefits teams looking to enhance their RFP response process without a hefty investment.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include advanced search and filtering options to locate content quickly and tools for content categorization, keeping resources organized. Entry aging ensures information stays current for relevant RFP responses. The platform also supports deadline tracking and progress management, providing a practical solution for teams.
Integrations include popular business tools like Microsoft Word, Excel, Slack, Salesforce, and Google Workspace.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Advanced search options
- Bulk import capabilities
- Involves non-users easily
Cons:
- Initial setup effort required
- Basic reporting features
Other RFP Software
Here are some additional RFP software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist but are still worth checking out.
- PostRFP
Best for small businesses
- Loopio
Best for content library
- ProcurementExpress.com
Best for budget tracking
- Upland Qvidian
Best for content governance
- PandaDoc
Best for electronic signatures
- SAP Business Network
Best for supply chain visibility
- QorusDocs
Best for document personalization
- Xait
Best for co-authoring capabilities
- Zycus iSource
Best for global sourcing
- Periscope S2G
Best for government procurement
RFP Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best RFP software to include in this list, I considered everyday buyer needs and pain points, such as managing large proposals and ensuring timely submissions. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair.
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these everyday use cases:
- Manage RFP creation and distribution
- Track proposal submissions and deadlines
- Facilitate team collaboration and communication
- Store and organize proposal content
- Analyze response success and metrics
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- AI-driven content suggestions
- Advanced reporting and analytics
- Integration with CRM and ERP systems
- Automated compliance checks
- Customizable workflows and templates
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive interface design
- Ease of navigation
- Minimal learning curve
- Customization options
- Responsive design for mobile access
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos and webinars
- Access to interactive product tours
- Pre-populated templates for quick start
- Support from chatbots and live agents
- Comprehensive onboarding documentation
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- Availability of 24/7 support
- Access to a knowledge base
- Multichannel support options
- Responsiveness to customer queries
- Quality of technical assistance
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing against market standards
- Availability of flexible pricing plans
- Inclusion of essential features in base plans
- Discounts for annual subscriptions
- Cost transparency and hidden fees
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Feedback on reliability and performance
- Satisfaction with customer service
- Experience with software updates
- Overall ease of use
- Return on investment perceptions
Trends In RFP Software
In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different RFP software vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on.
- AI-enhanced content creation: AI tools are now helping teams draft and refine RFP responses, making writing more efficient. This is particularly useful for teams handling large volumes of proposals. Some vendors are integrating AI to suggest content based on past responses.
- Real-time collaboration: More RFP tools offer features that let multiple team members work on a proposal simultaneously. This reduces bottlenecks and speeds up the proposal process. Vendors are incorporating chat and comment features to facilitate communication within the platform.
- Data-driven insights: Vendors are adding analytics tools that provide insights into proposal performance and team productivity. This helps teams understand what works and where they can improve. By tracking metrics, businesses can fine-tune their strategies for better results.
- Customizable dashboards: Users can now tailor their dashboards to focus on the metrics and information most relevant to them. This trend makes it easier for teams to keep track of their progress and priorities. Vendors are providing drag-and-drop interfaces for easy customization.
- Enhanced security features: With more sensitive data handled, vendors prioritize security. Features like advanced encryption, multi-factor authentication, and detailed access controls are becoming standard. This ensures that user data remains protected and compliant with regulations.
What Is RFP Software?
RFP software is a digital tool that helps organizations manage creating and responding to requests for proposals (RFPs). Typically used by sales teams, procurement professionals, and proposal managers, it offers value by organizing and simplifying complex proposal tasks. Collaboration, content libraries, and analytics features support efficient proposal creation, team coordination, and performance tracking.
Features Of RFP Software
When selecting RFP software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Collaboration Tools: Allow multiple team members to work on proposals simultaneously, improving efficiency and communication.
- Content Library: Stores and organizes past proposals and responses, making reusing and adapting content for future projects easier.
- Analytics and Reporting: Provides insights into proposal performance and team productivity, helping to refine strategies.
- Template Customization: Offers pre-built templates that can be tailored to fit your brand and specific proposal needs.
- Automated Workflows: Streamlines repetitive tasks, reducing manual effort and speeding up the proposal process.
- Security Features: Ensures sensitive data is protected with encryption and access controls, maintaining compliance.
- Real-Time Feedback: Facilitates instant communication and updates within the platform to align the team.
- Customizable Dashboards: Users can tailor their view to highlight relevant metrics and information.
- Integration Capabilities: Connects with existing CRM and ERP systems to enhance functionality and data flow.
- AI-Enhanced Content Suggestions: Uses artificial intelligence to draft and improve RFP responses, saving time on writing.
- Request for Proposal (RFP) Management: Comprehensive support for creating, responding to, and managing RFPs, ensuring clear and structured communication with clients.
- RFP Automation: Uses automation software to streamline the RFP process, reducing manual effort and increasing efficiency.
- Response Management: Efficiently manages client responses, ensuring timely and well-crafted submissions to secure projects.
- Request for Information (RFI) Support: Provides expertise in handling RFIs with tailored solutions to address client inquiries effectively.
- Request for Quotation (RFQ) Handling: Manages RFQs with precision, providing detailed and competitive quotations for potential clients.
- Security Questionnaires: Assists in completing security questionnaires, ensuring compliance with client and industry security standards.
- Cloud-Based Solutions: Offers scalable and secure cloud-based development services to provide flexibility and ease of access.
- Project Management: Implements robust project management practices to ensure on-time and high-quality delivery of Angular development projects.
- User Experience (UX) Focus: Emphasizes delivering high-quality, user-friendly applications that enhance user experience.
- Sales Proposals: Crafts well-structured sales proposals to attract and convert potential clients.
- Business Development Support: Assists with business development efforts to grow and maintain a solid client base.
- Procurement Process Assistance: Supports clients through the procurement process, from initial engagement to final delivery.
Benefits Of RFP Software
Implementing RFP software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to.
- Improved efficiency: Automated workflows and templates reduce manual work and speed up the proposal process.
- Better collaboration: Real-time feedback and collaboration tools keep your team aligned and working together smoothly.
- Enhanced proposal quality: Content libraries and AI suggestions help maintain consistency and improve the quality of responses.
- Data-driven decisions: Analytics and reporting features offer insights into proposal performance, guiding strategic improvements.
- Increased security: Advanced security features protect sensitive data and ensure regulation compliance.
- Customization flexibility: Customizable dashboards and templates allow your team to tailor the software to fit specific needs.
- Seamless integration: Integration capabilities connect to your existing systems, enhancing overall functionality and workflow.
Costs & Pricing Of RFP Software
Selecting RFP software requires understanding the various pricing models and available plans. Costs vary based on features, team size, and add-ons. The table below summarizes standard plans, average prices, and features included in RFP software solutions.
Plan Comparison Table for RFP Software
Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
Free Plan | $0 | Basic proposal management, limited templates, and minimal storage. |
Personal Plan | $10-$30/user/month | Enhanced content library, basic analytics, and standard templates. |
Business Plan | $25-$50/user/month | Advanced analytics, automated workflows, and custom templates. |
Enterprise Plan | $50-$100/user/month | Comprehensive security features, full integration capabilities, and dedicated support. |
RFP Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about RFP software.
How do I choose the right RFP software?
Choosing the right RFP software involves evaluating your team’s needs and workflow. Consider the most essential features, such as collaboration tools, analytics, and template customization. It’s also crucial to assess the software’s usability, integration capabilities, and support services. Testing a few options with free trials can help you make an informed decision.
Can RFP software integrate with other tools?
Yes, most RFP software can integrate with other tools, such as CRMs, ERPs, and document management systems. These integrations help streamline workflows by allowing data to flow seamlessly between platforms. When evaluating software, check for compatibility with the tools your team already uses to ensure a smooth integration process.
How does RFP software improve the proposal process?
RFP software improves the proposal process by automating many time-consuming tasks in creating and managing RFPs. It provides a centralized platform for collaboration, content management, and tracking. This leads to better efficiency, response consistency, and improved success rates in securing contracts.
Is RFP software suitable for small businesses?
RFP software can benefit small businesses, especially those that receive frequent proposal submissions. It helps streamline the process, ensuring that even small teams can manage their RFPs effectively. Look for software that offers scalability and flexibility, allowing you to pay only for the features you need.
What are the key security features of RFP software?
Key security features in RFP software typically include encryption, access controls, and audit trails. These features ensure that sensitive data is protected and that only authorized users can access critical information. It is important to choose software that complies with industry standards and regulations to safeguard your business data.
How can I measure the ROI of RFP software?
Measuring the ROI of RFP software involves assessing how it impacts your proposal success rates and overall efficiency. Look at metrics such as time saved on proposal creation, win rate improvements, and error reduction. By comparing these metrics before and after implementation, you can gauge the software’s value to your business.
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