The verdict in three sentences
A poorly framed corporate spec is the number-one cause of budget drift: you must fix content governance, WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility and integrations up front. The GDPR + accessibility lot adds 4,000 to 8,000 EUR but cuts legal risk. For a total budget of 25,000 to 50,000 EUR and a 14 to 20-week timeline, a weighted scoring grid protects IT leadership from non-compliant low-cost bids.
Structuring the spec
A corporate spec is organized into functional and non-functional blocks. Here is the recommended skeleton for 2026, with the associated effort.
| Spec block | Expected content | Effort (person-days) |
|---|---|---|
| Governance & workflow | Roles, multi-level validation, publishing | 3 – 6 |
| Site tree & content | Pages, languages, editorial templates | 5 – 8 |
| WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility | Criteria, audit, reporting | 6 – 10 |
| Security | CSP, audit, headers, GDPR | 5 – 9 |
| Integrations | CRM, intranet, newsletter, SSO | 8 – 15 |
| Performance & SEO | Core Web Vitals, sitemap, hreflang | 4 – 7 |
Each block must be expressed as verifiable requirements, not vague wishes. That is what makes bids comparable.
Weighted scoring grid
A corporate RFP is judged on three axes. Explicit weighting avoids price-only decisions and secures technical quality.
| Criterion | Weight | Scored elements |
|---|---|---|
| Technical value | 40 % | Architecture, accessibility, security, method |
| Price | 30 % | Fixed fee, recurring, line-item transparency |
| References & team | 30 % | Similar cases, dedicated team CVs, delivery record |
| GDPR + accessibility lot | +4,000 to 8,000 EUR | Audit, compliance, reporting |
With 40 % on technical value, a bid that is 20 % cheaper but weak on accessibility cannot win the contract — exactly the intended outcome.
Mini case study
Sophie, IT director of a 450-employee B2B services group in Montreal, launches an RFP to rebuild the corporate site. Three vendors bid: A at 28,000 EUR, B at 41,000 EUR, C at 52,000 EUR. Applying the grid (technical 40 %, price 30 %, references 30 %), B wins: technical 36/40, price 22/30, references 27/30, i.e. 85/100, against 79 for A (weak on accessibility) and 81 for C (too expensive). The GDPR + accessibility lot, priced at 6,000 EUR, is folded into B's contract, bringing the total to 47,000 EUR for a compliant project.
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FAQ
What documents should the RFP include?
A functional and technical spec, a scoring grid, a standardized price schedule and a provisional timeline. Without a normalized schedule, comparing bids is impossible.
Is WCAG accessibility mandatory for a private company?
Large enterprises and their public-facing services face growing accessibility obligations in 2026. Beyond the law, it is a brand criterion and a lot priced at 4,000 to 8,000 EUR.
How do I avoid non-compliant low-cost bids?
By weighting technical value at least 40 % and requiring verifiable references. A bid 20 % cheaper but non-compliant costs more in rework.
How long does a corporate RFP take?
Plan 4 to 8 weeks from publication to award, then 14 to 20 weeks of delivery. Prepare content availability in parallel.
Should the maintenance lot be separated from the project lot?
Yes, it is recommended: it clarifies maintenance (often 400 to 1,000 EUR/month) and eases long-term bid comparison.
Let's scope your project. Send us your spec or key requirements (integrations, languages, accessibility level) and your indicative budget. We reply with a detailed price schedule and a timeline. 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.
