CRO RFP Preparation
Developing an RFP that gives CROs a clear and consistent basis on which to propose.
- ›Scope and deliverables
- ›Study assumptions
- ›Country and site assumptions
- ›Required services
- ›Pricing requirements
- ›Proposal structure
Biotech Services · CRO RFP & Proposal Review
Making CRO proposals easier to compare.
Independent CRO RFP and proposal review for biotech companies — from RFP preparation through bid comparison, bid defence and final selection.
— Overview
CRO proposals can be difficult to compare. Scope, assumptions, resourcing, unit definitions, pass-through costs and exclusions can differ significantly between bidders, making headline price a poor basis for comparison.
Henley helps biotech companies structure the RFP process and independently review and compare CRO proposals before a selection decision is made.
We look beyond the total budget to understand what each CRO is actually proposing to deliver, the assumptions behind the cost, how the study will be resourced, what may be missing or treated differently between bidders, and where additional costs could arise later.
Where possible, proposals are brought onto a more consistent basis so that differences in scope, assumptions, resources and cost can be understood more clearly.
We can support the complete RFP process or provide a focused independent review of proposals you have already received.
— Experience
Experience from the CRO side of the proposal.
Henley brings more than two decades of CRO industry experience, including direct responsibility for business development, proposals, pricing, contracts and strategic accounts.
That experience provides a practical understanding of how CRO proposals are developed, how pricing decisions are made and how scope, assumptions, resourcing and commercial decisions affect the final budget.
We use that perspective on the sponsor's side of the table to help biotech teams understand what sits behind each proposal, identify the questions worth asking and make a better-informed decision before a significant outsourcing commitment is made.
— How we help
From RFP to a clear comparison.
CRO Proposal Review
Reviewing each proposal in detail to understand what is included, how it has been costed and where important differences exist.
- ›Scope comparison
- ›Assumption review
- ›Resourcing
- ›Unit costs
- ›Pass-through costs
- ›Exclusions
Like-for-Like Comparison
Normalising proposals where possible so that differences in price, scope, assumptions and resourcing can be understood.
- ›Cost comparison
- ›Resource comparison
- ›Scope gaps
- ›Differing assumptions
- ›Potential change-order exposure
- ›Areas requiring clarification
Bid Defence & Clarification
Preparing for bid defence and helping the sponsor test the proposed approach, study team and commercial assumptions.
- ›Bid defence agenda
- ›Questions for each CRO
- ›Proposed team assessment
- ›Commercial questions
- ›Follow-up clarifications
- ›Evaluation support
— Focused Review
Already have CRO proposals?
You do not need to engage Henley for the complete outsourcing or CRO selection process.
If you already have proposals from shortlisted CROs, Henley can provide a focused independent review before bid defence, negotiation or final selection.
We can compare proposals across scope, assumptions, resourcing and pricing; identify gaps and potential change-order exposure; and highlight the questions and commercial points worth taking back to each CRO.
The output can be tailored to the decision required — from an independent review of a single proposal to a structured comparison of competing bids and a concise summary for management or the board.
Discuss a proposal review→— FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Why are CRO proposals difficult to compare?
CROs may interpret the same RFP differently. They can use different assumptions, unit definitions, resource models, pricing structures and approaches to pass-through costs. As a result, two proposals with similar scope can arrive at quite different budgets — while two proposals with similar headline prices may not include the same work. The first step is therefore to understand what sits behind the numbers.
Can you review CRO proposals we have already received?
Yes. Henley can join the process at the proposal stage without having been involved in preparing the RFP or selecting the CROs. We can review an individual CRO proposal or compare proposals from several shortlisted providers, focusing on scope, assumptions, resourcing, pricing and commercial risk.
Can you provide a like-for-like comparison of CRO proposals?
Yes. Where possible, we can normalise key elements of competing CRO proposals to make differences in scope, assumptions, resources and pricing easier to understand. Not every difference can or should be removed, but identifying why the proposals differ is an important part of making an informed comparison.
Do you only look at price?
No. Price is only one part of the assessment. We also consider scope, assumptions, resourcing, proposed team, timelines, exclusions and areas that could create additional cost or delivery risk later.
Can you support our CRO bid defence?
Yes. We can help prepare the agenda and questions, identify areas requiring clarification and support the assessment of the CRO's responses, proposed delivery approach and study team.
Can you help negotiate the final CRO proposal?
Yes. Following proposal review, we can identify areas that warrant clarification or negotiation and support the sponsor through commercial discussions before award. More detailed budget and contract support is available through our CRO Budgets & Contracts service.
Do you receive fees from CROs?
No. Henley is paid by the sponsor and receives no commissions or referral fees from CROs.
Already comparing CRO proposals?
If you have received CRO proposals and want an independent view before bid defence, negotiation or final selection, we would be happy to discuss them confidentially.
Arrange a confidential discussion→