What is an RFP (Request for Proposal) designed to do?

An RFP, or Request for Proposal, is fundamentally a document used to solicit proposals from potential vendors or service providers. It typically describes a specific problem or need that an organization has and invites various teams to submit proposals on how they would solve that issue or fulfill that need. By outlining their requirements and expectations, the organization can compare different proposals based on quality, cost, and alignment with their objectives.

While some other options touch on aspects of business communication, they do not capture the core purpose of an RFP. For instance, providing a marketing strategy is often the result of a successful proposal rather than the focus of an RFP. Similarly, confirming a partnership agreement typically occurs after RFP evaluations, rather than being a primary function of the document itself. Lastly, outlining company internal policies does not align with the purpose of gathering external proposals from vendors. Therefore, describing a problem and inviting solutions accurately reflects the essential nature of an RFP.