Running a Web RFP: Process and Scoring Grid for 2026

The verdict in three sentences

A successful web RFP rests on a weighted scoring grid shared with bidders before offers are submitted. Price should weigh only 25%: beyond that you buy the cheapest, not the best fit. Plan for at least 3 offers, a 3 to 5 week consultation and an oral defense to separate the top two.

The weighting grid that protects the decision

Weighting turns your priorities into points. Here is a proven scale for a B2B corporate or brochure site in 2026.

A bidder scoring 0 on a knockout criterion (below) is eliminated regardless of total.

Knockout criteria and the normalized price formula

Some gaps disqualify outright, before scoring even begins.

The normalized price avoids mechanically rewarding the lowest quote. Common formula: score = 5 x (lowest price / this offer). An offer at 12,000 EUR against a better one at 8,000 EUR scores 5 x (8000 / 12000) = 3.3 / 5. The typical 1x to 2.5x spread on a single brief thus converts into points without crushing technical value.

Mini case study

Sonia, head of procurement at a food group in Nantes, consults 5 agencies to rebuild the corporate site. Offers received: 8,000, 9,500, 11,000, 14,000 and 19,000 EUR (spread 1x to 2.4x). The 8,000 EUR agency is eliminated (no verifiable references, a knockout criterion). Across the remaining 4 she applies the grid: the 11,000 EUR offer scores 4.3 technical, 3.6 normalized price, 4 timeline, 4 references, 5 GDPR, for a weighted total of 4.15 / 5. The 19,000 EUR offer, stronger technically (4.7), drops to 2.1 on normalized price and finishes at 3.9. Sonia picks the 11,000 EUR offer: the grid saved her 8,000 EUR for a 0.4-point technical gap.

FAQ

How many agencies should you consult? Three minimum, five to six maximum. Below three, no serious comparison; above six, analysis becomes a time sink with no quality gain. Budget 3 to 5 weeks of consultation.

Should you share the weighting with bidders? Yes. A transparent grid pushes each agency to invest in the criteria that matter to you, and legally protects your choice if it is challenged.

How do you score references? Require 2 to 3 comparable projects online, with a reachable client contact. An unverifiable portfolio scores 0. Local references in your sector count double at equal weight.

Is the oral defense worth it? Essential for the 2 finalists. A half day reveals real understanding of the need, the quality of your point of contact, and their ability to challenge your brief. It is worth 10 to 15% of the final score.

What about a 1x to 2.5x price spread? Normal for an open brief. The normalized price neutralizes it. Above all, check the scope is identical: a low quote often hides excluded items (content, SEO, maintenance).

Let's scope your project. Rebuild or new build, tell us your scope, an indicative budget and target date: we answer your RFP with an offer scored on your own grid. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.