Question 1

Should we write our own parking management RFP?

Accepted Answer

If you've written one before and have benchmarks of three or more recent contracts, yes. Otherwise hire someone — the cost ($6,500) is recovered in year one of the resulting contract.

Question 2

What does an RFP authorship engagement include?

Accepted Answer

28–42 page RFP document, scoring matrix template, list of 8–12 qualified bidders, and a 90-minute committee meeting. Fixed fee $6,500.

Question 3

What's the most common RFP mistake?

Accepted Answer

Lowest-price weighting. RFPs scoring 60%+ on price attract bidders who under-price the bid and recover through change orders.

Question 4

How long does a parking management RFP take?

Accepted Answer

Public sector: 14–22 weeks. Private sector: 8–14 weeks. The single biggest schedule risk is procurement department review of contract terms.

Question 5

What contract length is right for parking management?

Accepted Answer

Three years base term with two 12-month renewal options, mutual termination for cause, mutual termination without cause at 90 days notice.

Question 6

Can you serve on the bid evaluation committee?

Accepted Answer

Yes — committee seat engagements run $4,500 fixed-fee and include scoring matrix design, bidder diligence calls, and a written recommendation memo with dissenting-view documentation.

Parking Lot Bid & RFP Response