How to Avoid Writing RFPs and Simplify the Procurement Process

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How to Avoid Writing RFPs and Simplify the Procurement Process

Written by Gimmal Product Marketing

Dec 10, 2024

Navigating the complexities of procurement can be overwhelming.

If you’ve ever been part of the purchasing process, you’re likely familiar with the labyrinth of regulations, paperwork, and time-consuming processes involved in acquiring new products or services. One of the most daunting tasks? Writing a Request for Proposal (RFP). 

But what if we told you there’s a way to bypass this arduous process altogether? 

At Gimmal, we understand the challenges you face. That’s why we’ve secured multiple government procurement contracts to make it easier for agencies like yours to access our leading information governance solutions—without the need for dealing with RFPs. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can leverage existing procurement vehicles to streamline your purchasing process and get the solutions you need faster. 

YouTube Video: Introduction to NASPO ValuePoint | State & Local Government Procurement 

The Challenges of Writing RFPs

Before diving into the solution, let’s briefly discuss why RFPs can be a bottleneck: 

  • Time-Consuming: Crafting a comprehensive RFP can take months, delaying critical projects. 
  • Resource-Intensive: An RFP requires significant staff time and expertise to ensure all legal and technical requirements are met. 
  • Complex Regulations: Navigating federal, state, and local procurement laws adds layers of complexity. 

The Solution: Leverage Existing Contracts 

The good news is, you might not need to write that RFP after all. By utilizing existing government procurement contracts, you can streamline the purchasing process, ensuring compliance while saving time and resources. 

Benefits of Using Existing Contracts 

  • Ease of Procurement: Access products and services quickly without the need for a lengthy RFP process. 
  • Compliance Assured: Contracts are already vetted and comply with government procurement regulations. 
  • Cost Savings: Leverage negotiated pricing and terms that are often more favorable than individual contracts. 

Gimmal’s Government Procurement Contracts 

Gimmal has secured a variety of contracts across federal, state, local, education, and Canadian government sectors. Here’s how you can take advantage of them:

 

Federal Contracts 

  • GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) 

 Contract Number: 47QSWA18D008F 

 Duration: Aug 22, 2018 – Aug 21, 2028 

  • NASA SEWP V 

 Contract Numbers: NNG15SC03B / NNG15SC27B 

 Duration: May 1, 2015 – Apr 30, 2025 

  • ITES-SW2 

 Contract Number: W52P1J-20-D-0042 

 Duration: Aug 31, 2020 – Aug 30, 2025 

 Additional Option Years Available 

State and Local Contracts 

  • NASPO ValuePoint 

 Contract Number: AR2472 

 Duration: Oct 14, 2016 – Sep 15, 2026 

  • Texas DIR-TSO-4288 

 Contract Number: DIR-TSO-4288 

 Duration: Feb 22, 2019 – Feb 21, 2025 

  • City of Seattle Contract 

 Contract Number: 0000003265 

 Duration: Jul 11, 2014 – Dec 19, 2026 

  • And Many More: Gimmal holds additional contracts in states like California, Illinois, Maryland, Ohio, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. 

 

Educational Contracts 

  • Cobb County, GA Technology Products and Solutions 

 Contract Number: 23-6692-01 

 Duration: May 1, 2023 – Apr 30, 2026 

  • E&I Carahsoft Cloud Solutions & Services Distributor Contract 

 Contract Number: EI00063-2021MA 

 Duration: Apr 1, 2021 – Mar 31, 2031 

  • Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium (MHEC) 

 Contract Number: MC15-04 

 Duration: Aug 10, 2019 – Aug 31, 2026 

Canadian Contract 

  • Gimmal Software Licensing Supply Arrangement (SLSA) Canada 

 Contract Number: EN578-232335/167/SMS 

 Duration: Apr 30, 2024 – Sep 29, 2028 

 

How to Utilize These Contracts 

  1. Identify the Appropriate Contract: Based on your agency type and location, find the contract that applies to you.
  2. Contact Gimmal or the Contract Administrator: Reach out for guidance on how to proceed with procurement under the chosen contract. 
  3. Review Terms and Conditions: Ensure that the contract’s scope and terms meet your agency’s needs. 
  4. Proceed with Procurement: Follow the simplified purchasing process outlined by the contract—no RFP required! 

    Carahsoft

    Carahsoft has built their reputation as a customer-centric organization dedicated to serving the needs of our technology manufacturers, government end users, and reseller ecosystem with Solutions for Government™.

    They have a proven history of helping government agencies find the best possible technology solution at the best possible value. Each customer works directly with a dedicated account representative to determine a solution tailored specifically to meet his or her needs. They combine their extensive knowledge of the technologies they provide, with a thorough understanding of the government procurement process, to analyze needs, provide configuration support, simplify the ordering process, and offer special government pricing.

    Why Choose Gimmal? 

    By choosing Gimmal, you’re not just simplifying your procurement process; you’re also gaining access to: 

    • Proven Solutions: Industry-leading software for information governance, records management, content migration, and more. 
    • Expert Support: A team of professionals dedicated to helping you achieve your objectives. 
    • Compliance Assurance: Solutions designed to meet stringent government regulations and security standards. 

    Conclusion 

    Writing RFPs doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of procurement. By leveraging Gimmal’s extensive range of existing contracts, you can bypass the traditional RFP process, saving time and resources while ensuring compliance.

    Ready to simplify your procurement process? Reach out to our team today to find out how we can help you get started.

    Contact Us

    Email: info@gimmal.com

    Phone: (877) 944-6625

    Website: www.gimmal.com

    Disclaimer: The contract details and durations are accurate as of the time of writing. Please verify all information with your procurement office or Gimmal representative.

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