Real RFPs of Genius

It is the rare occasion when the world of proposals and the world of music get together for me. It is even rarer when it is a text book example of how the RFP process should not be done. I first saw this in wired but Sound Opinions talked about this one on their recent show (add the podcast in iTunes, you won't be disappointed):

• In an effort to boost morale, the U.S. Army has put out a request for a “professional rock band.” Following suit with the National Guard, who used 3 Doors Down to help them recruit moviegoers, the Army is looking to get a little more rock and roll. Or rather, Southern Rock, Pop Rock, Post-Grunge or Hard Rock. If you play these genres of music and are some kind of celebrity, national or local, and also don’t mind suiting up in Kevlar and being shipped off to Kuwait or Afghanistan, then submit your “proposal” today.

Now, given the circumstances, you cannot blame the Army for looking for a band to help them recruit. In fact, from a marketing perspective you really have to give them some credit.

From a proposal perspective, it is all wrong. I think we can all think of 20 or more bands that would be good for this and the Army should go to them directly instead of hoping they will complete the RFP.

What the Army is going to get is thousands of bands - without any famous members - applying. Good luck keeping up with the paperwork Rachel. Good luck.

The full RFP can be found at http://www1.fbo.gov/spg/USA/DABN/DABN03/W912PE08T0064/SynopsisP.html