How Does Evaluation Timeline Work?
Definition
Schedule for reviewing vendor responses, conducting demonstrations, and selecting finalists. Evaluation timelines typically include initial scoring (1-2 weeks), clarification questions (1 week), demonstrations (1-2 weeks), reference checks (1 week), and final scoring (1 week). Organizations should communicate timeline to vendors to maintain engagement and plan realistic schedules accounting for stakeholder availability, holiday periods, and approval requirements.
Why This Matters
Evaluation timelines must balance thoroughness with vendor engagement maintenance. Typical evaluation includes initial scoring (1-2 weeks), demonstrations (1-2 weeks), reference checks (1 week), and final scoring (1 week). Organizations should communicate timeline to vendors and plan realistic schedules accounting for stakeholder availability and holiday periods. Extended evaluation risks vendor disengagement.
Related Terms
Showing semantically related terms from our RFP knowledge graph. Priority connections are highlighted.
Essential Connections
Evaluation Phase
Vendor Management & Evaluation
Stage in procurement process where teams assess vendor responses against established criteria.
Vendor Evaluation
Vendor Management & Evaluation
Comprehensive assessment of software vendors across product fit, security compliance, implementation capabilities, company qualifications, and total cost of ownership.
RFP Timeline
RFP Fundamentals
The schedule for RFP activities including document creation (1-2 weeks), vendor outreach (1 week), Q&A period (1 week), response time (4-6 weeks), evaluation (2-3 weeks), and final selection (1-2 weeks) totaling 10-15 weeks for complete procurement.
Procurement Timeline
RFP Fundamentals
Schedule from procurement initiation through vendor onboarding including key milestones and deadlines.
Selection Timeline
Vendor Management & Evaluation
Schedule for final vendor selection including shortlist creation, executive presentations, negotiations, and contract execution.
RFP Process
RFP Fundamentals
The systematic workflow for soliciting and evaluating vendor proposals including planning, document creation, vendor outreach, response collection, evaluation, and final selection.
Scoring Rubric
Vendor Management & Evaluation
A weighted framework assigning numerical scores to vendor responses across evaluation criteria.
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