RFP Process - are they legally binding?

Domo · 1 Apr 2019 at 22:14

I'm just setting up my own consultancy practice, having spent the last 8 years as a senior consultant for a London based firm.

I've just been invited to respond to an RFP. This is the first time I've done this and I have a question:

Is an RFP legally binding in any way? E.g, should I accept the invitation am I at any risk or can I walk away?

Advice from those of you who have been there will be very welcome. In case it matters, and it probably does, the invitation has come from a company based in California.

Domo · 2 Apr 2019 at 14:22

Basher said:
No is the answer. And (unless it's a PubSec org) I would strongly advise to not respond at all unless you helped the customer write it.

Thanks for the advice. Can you elaborate on that last bit?

Domo · 2 Apr 2019 at 14:59

Does that breach regulatory compliance of any kind? Or is it a matter of morals? Or is it standard and generally accepted? Just asking

Domo · 2 Apr 2019 at 15:18

Risk and compliance. RE Basher's point - I know this sort of thing goes on, but I wonder how it's perceived and if it's permitted, e.g. bid rigging, leading to breaking anti-competition law.