The verdict in three sentences
A deliverable-structured RFP is a B2B buyer's best protection: it lets you compare three quotes on equal scope and avoid the "out-of-scope" items that double the bill. For a Dublin consulting firm, a premium project splits into six deliverables costing between €2,500 and €11,000 each depending on choices. The heaviest budget tipping point is the CMS choice: managed WordPress (€4,000-€6,000) versus headless (€7,000-€11,000).
The per-deliverable template with 2026 ranges
A good RFP describes each deliverable in measurable outputs, not intentions. Here is the recommended template with costs observed in 2026.
| Deliverable | Output | 2026 range (ex-VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. IA & UX | Sitemap, wireframes, journeys | €2,500 - €4,500 |
| 2. UI design | Figma mockups, design system | €3,000 - €6,000 |
| 3. CMS & build | Managed WordPress or headless | €4,000 - €11,000 |
| 4. SEO copywriting | Optimised content | €90 - €140 / page |
| 5. QA & testing | Cross-browser, mobile, accessibility | €1,200 - €2,500 |
| 6. GDPR | Consent banner, register, notices | €800 - €1,500 |
Requiring a dated deliverable per line in the quote turns a vague promise into a verifiable contractual obligation.
WordPress vs headless: the deliverable that tips the budget
The CMS choice commits both build budget AND maintenance. Here is a 2026 decision comparison.
| Criterion | Managed WordPress | Headless (Next.js + CMS) |
|---|---|---|
| Build cost | €4,000 - €6,000 | €7,000 - €11,000 |
| Performance (LCP) | 2.0 - 3.0 s | 0.8 - 1.5 s |
| Monthly maintenance | €250 - €450 | €350 - €600 |
| Editorial autonomy | High | Medium to high |
| Security | Watch (plugins) | Hardened (static) |
| Best for | SME, frequent blog | Premium, performance, deep SEO |
For a consulting firm betting on image and speed, the €3,000-€5,000 headless premium is justified by the performance and security gain.
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Mini case study
Aoife, marketing lead at a Dublin consulting firm (35 consultants), receives three quotes from €14,000 to €27,000 ex-VAT. Without an RFP, comparison is impossible. She writes the six-deliverable template and applies a weighted scoring grid: scope (30 %), performance (25 %), timeline (20 %), price (15 %), references (10 %). The €21,000 quote, initially dismissed on price, wins overall thanks to a headless deliverable 3 and a complete GDPR deliverable 6. The "cheapest" at €14,000 excluded QA and GDPR — €3,300 of hidden overrun.
FAQ
Why write an RFP before requesting quotes? Without common scope, each agency prices something different and comparison is impossible. The RFP puts all vendors on the same starting line.
How long should an effective RFP be? 8-15 pages is enough. Beyond that you over-specify the solution; what matters is describing needs and expected deliverables per line.
Should I mandate the technology? No — describe requirements (performance, autonomy, security) and let the agency propose WordPress or headless. Judge the result, not the tool.
Is the GDPR deliverable really needed? Yes. A compliant consent banner, a processing register and legal notices are mandatory. Skipping them exposes you to a regulator notice.
How do I score vendors objectively? Use a weighted grid (scope, performance, timeline, price, references). This neutralises the "cheapest wins" effect that often masks incomplete scope.
Let's scope your project. RFP drafting or response, premium 6-deliverable scope, indicative budget €16,000-€27,000, scoring grid provided. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.