Payroll RFP resources: Can the vendor be your strategic partner?

Using questions like these in your payroll RFP can help you understand the long-term direction and viability of a potential payroll service provider.

Sample Request for Proposal (RFP) Questions for HR and Payroll Services

A request for proposal (RFP) or a request for quotation (RFQ) is a document requesting bids from potential payroll vendors. An RFP for payroll services typically involves more than a request for the price. Other requested information may include basic corporate information and history, financial information (can the company deliver without risk of bankruptcy; is the company likely to merge or be acquired in the short term), technical capability, estimated completion period, and customer references that can be checked to determine a company's suitability.

The following general information questions can be used to develop an RFP specific to your company and your payroll processing needs.

COMPANY INFORMATION

• Describe your company
• Describe how you are investing in your current and future product lines
• Describe your organization's research and development capabilities
• Describe the involvement of your company and staff in community activities
• Has your organization recently received any awards?
• How do you distinguish yourself from the competition?
• What is your average client size?
• How many of your clients are Fortune companies?
• For the past 3 years, what was your investment in product development?
• Describe any formal quality programs you have in place
• Describe three recent quality initiatives. What were the results?