CPA Firm SEO & AEO Discoverability RFP Template

Customize this template by filling in bracketed sections [like this]. Remove all instructional text (in italics) before distributing to vendors.

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1. Project Overview & Goals

1.1 About This RFP

[Firm Name] is seeking proposals from qualified SEO and digital discoverability agencies to improve our online visibility across traditional search engines, AI-powered search platforms, and local search results.

RFP Issued: [Date] Proposal Deadline: [Date] Decision Date: [Date] Engagement Start: [Date] Contact: [Name, Title, Email, Phone]

1.2 What We're Trying to Solve

Describe your current discoverability challenges. Examples:

• Our website doesn't rank for key service terms in our market
• We're invisible in local search / Google Map Pack results
• We're not appearing in AI-powered search (ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, Perplexity)
• Our current SEO vendor isn't delivering measurable results
• We have no structured data or schema markup implementation
• We lack a content strategy that demonstrates E-E-A-T
• Our Google Business Profile is underoptimized or unclaimed
• We have no review generation or reputation management strategy
• Our site has technical SEO issues (speed, mobile, crawlability)
• We're losing clients to competitors who rank higher

1.3 WARNING: Traditional SEO Is Dead

Read this before responding to this RFP.

The search landscape has not evolved — it has been destroyed and rebuilt. If your agency's primary offering is "traditional SEO" (keyword research, on-page optimization, link building, ranking reports), do not respond to this RFP. You will waste our time and your money.

Here's the reality of 2026:

• 65% of Google searches result in ZERO clicks — users get answers directly from AI Overviews, featured snippets, and knowledge panels. They never visit websites. Your "rank #1" promise is meaningless if no one clicks.
• Google AI Overviews appear in ~50% of searches — but only 13.7% overlap with Google AI Mode citations. These are different systems requiring different optimization. If you don't know this, you're not qualified.
• ChatGPT has 200-700M weekly active users — and as of July 2026, it integrates real-time Yelp data for local business recommendations. Your client's Yelp presence now matters more than their website for AI citations.
• Perplexity converts at 11x the rate of traditional organic traffic — and performs real-time web search for every query, favoring Reddit and community sources.
• Featured snippets dropped from 65% to 17-38% — semantic completeness, structured data, and E-E-A-T signals now matter more than ranking position.
• Conversational queries dominate — users ask 10-11 word conversational prompts, not 2-3 word keywords. Your keyword research methodology is obsolete.

What this means for your proposal:

• If your proposal leads with "we'll get you to page 1 of Google," you've already lost. We don't care about rankings. We care about citations in AI-generated answers.
• If you can't explain the difference between Google AI Overviews and Google AI Mode, don't apply.
• If you don't have a strategy for ChatGPT, Perplexity, and other AI platforms, you're not a modern discoverability agency. You're a relic.
• If you don't understand platform-specific optimization (Yelp for ChatGPT, Reddit for Perplexity, structured data for Google), you're not qualified.
• If your approach is "traditional SEO plus some AI sprinkled on top," you're exactly the type of vendor we're trying to avoid.

We're looking for a partner who understands that discoverability in 2026 means being the answer, not just a result.

If that terrifies you, this RFP is not for you.

1.4 Success Metrics

What does success look like in 12 months?

Metric	Current State	12-Month Target
AI search citations (ChatGPT, Perplexity, AI Overviews)	[number]	[target]
AI citation conversion rate	[unknown]	[target]
Google Business Profile views	[number]	[target]
Review count (Google, Yelp)	[number]	[target]
Organic leads/inquiries	[number]	[target]
Brand mentions in AI responses	[unknown]	[target]

Note: "Keyword rankings" is not a success metric. If you think it is, you don't understand modern discoverability.

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2. Firm Background

2.1 Firm Profile

Detail	Response
Firm Name	[Name]
Founded	[Year]
Number of CPAs/professionals	[Number]
Total employees	[Number]
Office locations	[City, State(s)]
Service areas	[Geographic markets served]
Website URL	[URL]
CMS platform	[WordPress, custom, etc.]
Annual marketing budget (SEO)	[$ range]

2.2 Services & Specializations

List your primary service lines (this affects keyword strategy and content):

• Tax preparation & planning (individual)
• Tax preparation & planning (business)
• Audit & assurance
• Bookkeeping & accounting
• Advisory & consulting
• Forensic accounting
• Estate & trust
• Industry-specific (construction, healthcare, tech, etc.)
• Other: [specify]

2.3 Target Client Profiles

Who are your ideal clients? This shapes content and local SEO strategy.

Segment	Description
Primary ICP	[e.g., business owners $2M-$20M revenue in DFW]
Secondary ICP	[e.g., high-net-worth individuals, real estate investors]
Geographic focus	[e.g., Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, national for tax]
Industry focus	[e.g., medical practices, tech startups, restaurants]

2.4 Current Online Presence

Asset	Status	Notes
Website	[Live / needs redesign]	[URL, CMS, age of site]
Google Business Profile	[Claimed / unclaimed / multiple]	[Number of locations]
Yelp Profile	[Claimed / unclaimed]	[Review count, rating]
Social media	[Platforms active]	[LinkedIn, etc.]
Review platforms	[Google, Yelp, etc.]	[Current review count]
Directory listings	[Known citations]	[Consistency unknown]

2.5 Past SEO Work

Have you worked with SEO vendors before? What happened?

Vendor	Duration	Investment	Results	Why Ended
[Vendor 1]	[dates]	[$]	[results or lack thereof]	[reason]
[Vendor 2]	[dates]	[$]	[results]	[reason]

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3. Scope of Work

Vendors should propose solutions across the following categories. Indicate which are priorities for your firm.

3.1 Technical SEO

Priority: [High / Medium / Low / Not Needed]

• Site speed optimization (Core Web Vitals: LCP, FID/INP, CLS)
• Mobile-first responsiveness audit and fixes
• Structured data / schema markup implementation (Organization, LocalBusiness, ProfessionalService, FAQ, HowTo, Article, BreadcrumbList)
• Crawlability and indexation audit (robots.txt, XML sitemap, canonical tags)
• HTTPS/security configuration
• JavaScript rendering and crawl budget optimization
• Internal linking architecture
• Duplicate content resolution
• Log file analysis (if applicable)
• Migration support (if site redesign is planned)

3.2 On-Page SEO

Priority: [High / Medium / Low / Not Needed]

• Title tag optimization (service pages, location pages, blog)
• Meta description optimization
• Header hierarchy (H1-H6) optimization
• Content optimization for target keywords
• Internal linking strategy
• Image optimization (alt text, compression, lazy loading)
• URL structure optimization
• Content freshness updates

3.3 Local Search Optimization

Priority: [High / Medium / Low / Not Needed]

• Google Business Profile optimization (categories, services, posts, Q&A, photos)
• Yelp optimization (critical for ChatGPT citations as of July 2026)
• NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistency audit across directories
• Citation building and cleanup (industry-specific and general directories)
• Local landing page creation (service-area pages, location-specific content)
• Local pack / Map Pack ranking tracking
• Competitor local SEO analysis
• Review generation strategy (ethical solicitation, response templates)
• Local schema markup (LocalBusiness, GeoCoordinates)

3.4 Content Strategy

Priority: [High / Medium / Low / Not Needed]

• Topic cluster development (pillar pages + supporting content)
• Blog/editorial calendar (topic ideation, production, publishing)
• Thought leadership content (whitepapers, guides, case studies)
• Service page copy optimization
• Tax season content strategy
• E-E-A-T signal development (author bios, credentials, citations)
• Content gap analysis vs. competitors
• Content refresh strategy for existing pages
• AI-extractable content formatting (concise answers, clear headings, scannable structure)

3.5 Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) / AI Search

Priority: [High / Medium / Low / Not Needed]

This is the most critical section. If you can't deliver here, don't apply.

• Optimization for Google AI Overviews (formerly SGE)
• Optimization for ChatGPT / OpenAI search (including Yelp integration strategy)
• Optimization for Perplexity AI (including Reddit/community source strategy)
• Optimization for Google AI Mode (different from AI Overviews — explain how)
• Structured data strategy for AI citation
• Featured snippet optimization (paragraph, list, table formats)
• E-E-A-T signal optimization for AI extractability
• Content formatting for AI extractability (clear headings, concise answers, scannable structure)
• AI citation tracking and measurement methodology
• Knowledge graph optimization
• Brand entity recognition in AI models
• Voice search optimization (conversational queries, natural language)
• Competitor AI citation analysis
• Platform-specific optimization (Yelp for ChatGPT, Reddit for Perplexity, structured data for Google)

3.6 Review & Reputation Management

Priority: [High / Medium / Low / Not Needed]

• Review generation strategy (ethical solicitation methods)
• Review monitoring across platforms
• Response templates and protocols
• Review velocity targets
• Negative review mitigation strategy
• Review integration into website and local SEO
• Multi-platform review strategy (Google, Yelp, industry-specific)
• Yelp-specific strategy (critical for ChatGPT local citations)

3.7 Link Building & Authority

Priority: [High / Medium / Low / Not Needed]

• Backlink strategy (quality over quantity)
• Digital PR and earned media
• Guest posting on authoritative accounting/tax/finance sites
• Partnership content and co-marketing
• HARO / journalist response strategy
• Industry directory and association links
• Competitor backlink gap analysis
• Community presence strategy (Reddit, forums — critical for Perplexity citations)

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4. Technical Requirements

Requirement	Specification
CMS compatibility	[WordPress, custom, etc. — vendor must work within our CMS]
Analytics integration	[Google Analytics 4, Google Search Console, other]
Reporting tools	[Preferred platform or vendor-neutral]
Access requirements	[CMS admin, Google Business Profile, analytics, etc.]
Communication	[Weekly calls, monthly reports, Slack/email, etc.]
Project management	[Tool preference: Asana, Monday, etc.]

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5. AI Search & GEO Requirements

How does the vendor optimize for AI-powered search? This is a critical differentiator in 2026.

5.1 AI Search Platforms

Which AI search platforms does your agency optimize for?

• Google AI Overviews
• Google AI Mode (different from AI Overviews — explain your approach)
• ChatGPT / OpenAI search
• Perplexity AI
• Microsoft Copilot / Bing AI
• Claude / Anthropic
• Other: [specify]

5.2 AEO Methodology

Describe your approach to Answer Engine Optimization:

• How do you structure content for AI extractability?
• What structured data formats do you implement for AI citation?
• How do you measure AI search visibility and citations?
• What tools do you use for AI citation tracking?
• How do you optimize E-E-A-T signals for AI models?
• What is your approach to knowledge graph optimization?
• How do you optimize for platform-specific differences (Yelp for ChatGPT, Reddit for Perplexity)?

5.3 Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)

• How do you ensure our firm is cited in AI-generated answers about tax and accounting topics?
• What is your strategy for brand entity recognition in LLMs?
• How do you track whether AI models recommend our firm vs. competitors?
• How do you stay current with AI platform changes (e.g., ChatGPT-Yelp integration)?

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6. Compliance & Ethics

All vendors must confirm adherence to the following standards:

6.1 White-Hat SEO Only

• No Private Blog Networks (PBNs)
• No link schemes or paid links (without nofollow)
• No keyword stuffing or hidden text
• No cloaking or deceptive redirects
• No duplicate or scraped content
• No automated link building tools
• Full compliance with Google Webmaster Guidelines
• Full compliance with Bing Webmaster Guidelines

6.2 Data Handling & Privacy

• Client data handled securely (encryption, access controls)
• No sharing of client data with third parties without consent
• Compliance with applicable privacy regulations
• Data retention and deletion policies documented
• Subcontractor data handling standards defined

6.3 Transparency

• Full disclosure of all tactics and strategies employed
• No black-box methods — firm can understand what's being done
• Clear reporting on all work performed
• Ownership of all accounts, content, and assets transfers to client

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7. Timeline & Milestones

7.1 Proposed Phases

Phase	Duration	Key Deliverables
Phase 1: Audit & Discovery	[Weeks]	Technical audit, competitor analysis, baseline metrics, strategy document
Phase 2: Implementation	[Weeks]	Technical fixes, on-page optimization, schema markup, GBP optimization
Phase 3: Content	[Ongoing]	Content calendar, pillar pages, blog posts, thought leadership
Phase 4: Measurement	[Ongoing]	Monthly reporting, KPI tracking, strategy refinement

7.2 Key Milestones

Milestone	Target Date	Success Criteria
Audit complete	[Date]	Full technical + competitive audit delivered
Quick wins implemented	[Date]	Top 10 priority fixes deployed
Content calendar live	[Date]	3-month editorial calendar approved
First performance report	[Date]	Baseline metrics + initial results
6-month review	[Date]	Progress against 12-month targets
12-month review	[Date]	Full year performance analysis

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8. Budget & Pricing Model

8.1 Pricing Structure

Component	Monthly	One-Time	Notes
Retainer / management fee	[$]	—
Technical SEO audit	—	[$]
Content production (per piece)	—	[$]	Per blog post, pillar page, etc.
Link building	[$]	—
Tool costs (if separate)	[$]	—
Reporting / dashboards	[$]	—
Total monthly	[$]
Total one-time		[$]

8.2 Contract Terms

• Month-to-month (no long-term commitment)
• 6-month minimum
• 12-month contract
• Other: [specify]

8.3 Additional Costs

Are there any costs not included in the pricing above?

• No — all-in pricing
• Yes — describe: [detail any additional costs for tools, content, travel, etc.]

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9. Vendor Qualifications

9.1 Required Qualifications

• Minimum [X] years of SEO experience
• Experience with CPA firms, accounting practices, or professional services
• Demonstrated results with measurable case studies
• Team credentials and certifications (Google, industry bodies)
• References from similar-sized firms
• Proven AEO/AI search optimization capability (non-negotiable)

9.2 Case Studies

Provide 2-3 case studies of work with CPA firms or professional services:

Case Study 1:

• Client: [Firm type, size, location]
• Challenge: [What was the problem?]
• Solution: [What did you do?]
• Results: [Specific metrics — traffic, rankings, leads, revenue]
• Duration: [How long?]

Case Study 2:

• [Same format]

Case Study 3:

• [Same format]

9.3 Team

Role	Name	Experience	Relevant Certifications
Account lead	[Name]	[Years]	[Certs]
SEO strategist	[Name]	[Years]	[Certs]
Content lead	[Name]	[Years]	[Certs]
Technical SEO	[Name]	[Years]	[Certs]
AEO/AI specialist	[Name]	[Years]	[Certs]

9.4 Tools & Technology

What tools do you use for:

Function	Tool(s)
Technical SEO audit	[e.g., Screaming Frog, Sitebulb]
Rank tracking	[e.g., Ahrefs, SEMrush]
Analytics	[e.g., GA4, Looker Studio]
Content optimization	[e.g., Surfer SEO, Clearscope]
Citation management	[e.g., BrightLocal, Whitespark]
AI citation tracking	[e.g., Profound, Otterly, Surfer SEO AI, custom methodologies]
Reporting	[e.g., custom dashboards, AgencyAnalytics]
Project management	[e.g., Asana, Monday, ClickUp]

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10. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated on the following weighted criteria:

Criteria	Weight	What We're Evaluating
CPA/Accounting Domain Expertise	25%	Understanding of tax services, CPA buyer journeys, professional services regulations, industry-specific keyword strategy
AEO / AI Search Capability	25%	Ability to optimize for AI-powered search (ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, Perplexity), structured data for citation, AI citation tracking methodology, platform-specific optimization
Technical SEO Depth	15%	Site speed, Core Web Vitals, structured data implementation, crawlability, indexation, schema markup expertise
Content Quality & Strategy	15%	Content specificity to CPA firms (not generic), E-E-A-T demonstration, topic cluster methodology, editorial quality
Reporting Transparency	10%	Clear KPIs, transparent dashboards, regular reporting cadence, actionable insights, no vanity metrics
Pricing Model	5%	Total cost of ownership, value alignment with deliverables, no hidden fees, scalability, contract flexibility
References & Track Record	5%	Measurable results from similar CPA firms, quality of references, longevity of client relationships

Note: AEO/AI Search Capability has been increased to 25% (equal to CPA expertise). If you can't deliver here, you will not win this contract.

See evaluation-scorecard.md for the detailed scoring rubric.

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11. AI Crawling Controls & Machine-Readable Files

How does the vendor manage AI bot access and machine-readable documentation? These are emerging standards for AI discoverability in 2026.

11.1 AI Crawling Controls

Should the vendor configure robots.txt directives for AI crawlers?

• GPTBot (OpenAI/ChatGPT) — Allow or block?
• ClaudeBot (Anthropic) — Allow or block?
• Google-Extended (Gemini) — Allow or block?
• PerplexityBot — Allow or block?
• CCBot (Common Crawl) — Allow or block?
• Bytespider (TikTok/ByteDance) — Allow or block?

Strategic question: Does the vendor understand the tradeoff between blocking AI crawlers (protecting content) and allowing them (enabling AI citations)? For a CPA firm seeking AI discoverability, the default should be to allow AI crawlers — unless there's a specific reason to block.

11.2 llms.txt & llms-full.txt

Does the vendor implement llms.txt?

llms.txt is an emerging standard (inspired by llms.txt) that provides a machine-readable summary of your website's content specifically designed for AI models. Think of it as a sitemap optimized for LLMs rather than search engines.

• Does the vendor create and maintain an llms.txt file at the root of the website?
• Does the file include firm overview, services, team credentials, and key differentiators?
• Is there a corresponding llms-full.txt with expanded content for deeper AI understanding?
• Does the vendor update these files when content changes?
• Can they show examples of llms.txt files they've created for other clients?

Example llms.txt structure:

# Smith & Associates CPA

> Dallas-based CPA firm specializing in small business tax planning, 
> entity selection, and year-round tax optimization for S-Corps, 
> LLCs, and partnerships.

## Services
- [Tax Planning](https://example.com/tax-planning): Year-round tax 
  optimization for businesses $1M-$50M revenue
- [Entity Selection](https://example.com/entity-selection): S-Corp, 
  LLC, and partnership formation guidance
- [Bookkeeping](https://example.com/bookkeeping): Monthly bookkeeping 
  and financial reporting for small businesses

## Team
- Jane Smith, CPA, MST — 15 years experience, former Big 4
- John Doe, CPA — 10 years experience, specializes in real estate

## Key Differentiators
- Average 23% tax savings for S-Corp clients
- 200+ Dallas small business clients
- Year-round planning, not just April filing

11.3 AI-Optimized Sitemap

• Does the vendor create an XML sitemap optimized for AI crawlers?
• Are priority pages clearly marked for AI discovery?
• Is the sitemap submitted to AI search platforms where possible?

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12. Why Most SEO Proposals Will Fail

This section is not optional reading. If you skip this, your proposal will be rejected.

12.1 The Traditional SEO Agency Death Spiral

Most SEO agencies are stuck in a death spiral. They're selling 2019 services in a 2026 world. Here's what their proposals look like:

Red Flag #1: "We'll get you to page 1 of Google"

• Reality: 65% of searches result in zero clicks. Page 1 rankings are meaningless if no one clicks.
• What we want: "We'll get you cited in AI-generated answers across ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews."

Red Flag #2: "We'll optimize your meta tags and build backlinks"

• Reality: Meta tags are irrelevant for AI search. Backlinks matter less than structured data and E-E-A-T signals for AI citations.
• What we want: "We'll implement comprehensive structured data, optimize your content for AI extractability, and build brand authority in AI models."

Red Flag #3: "We'll write 4 blog posts per month"

• Reality: Generic blog content doesn't get cited in AI answers. AI models prefer authoritative, well-structured, E-E-A-T-optimized content.
• What we want: "We'll create AI-extractable content with clear headings, concise answers, and comprehensive E-E-A-T signals."

Red Flag #4: "We'll track your keyword rankings"

• Reality: Keyword rankings are vanity metrics. What matters is AI citations, brand mentions, and conversion rates.
• What we want: "We'll track your AI citations across ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews, plus conversion rates from AI-referred traffic."

Red Flag #5: "We've been doing SEO for 10 years"

• Reality: The SEO landscape has been destroyed and rebuilt. 10 years of experience in traditional SEO is now a liability, not an asset.
• What we want: "We've pivoted to AEO and AI search optimization in the last 2 years, and here's proof."

12.2 The AI-Washing Problem

Many agencies are now claiming to offer "AI optimization" but they're just AI-washing their traditional SEO services. Here's how to spot them:

AI-Washing Red Flag #1: "We offer AI optimization as an add-on"

• Reality: AI optimization is not an add-on. It's the core of modern discoverability. If it's an add-on, you don't understand it.
• What we want: AI optimization is central to your methodology, not an afterthought.

AI-Washing Red Flag #2: "We'll optimize for AI" (but can't explain how)

• Reality: If you can't explain the difference between Google AI Overviews and Google AI Mode, you're not optimizing for AI. You're just saying the word.
• What we want: Specific, detailed explanation of platform-specific optimization strategies.

AI-Washing Red Flag #3: "We use AI to write content"

• Reality: AI-generated content without human review is a liability risk for CPA firms. AI models also prefer human-authored, E-E-A-T-optimized content.
• What we want: AI-assisted content creation with CPA review, fact-checking, and E-E-A-T optimization.

AI-Washing Red Flag #4: "We track AI citations" (but can't name tools)

• Reality: If you can't name specific AI citation tracking tools (Profound, Otterly, Surfer SEO AI), you're not tracking AI citations. You're lying.
• What we want: Specific tools and methodologies for AI citation tracking.

AI-Washing Red Flag #5: "We're staying up-to-date with AI trends"

• Reality: If you don't know about the July 2026 ChatGPT-Yelp integration, you're not up-to-date. You're months behind.
• What we want: Demonstrated knowledge of recent AI platform changes and their implications for CPA firms.

12.3 Questions That Will Expose Weak Vendors

Ask these questions during presentations. If the vendor can't answer them, reject the proposal.

1. "What's the difference between Google AI Overviews and Google AI Mode?"

   • Correct answer: AI Overviews appear in ~50% of searches and favor structured data, E-E-A-T signals. AI Mode is conversational and has only 13.7% overlap with AI Overviews. Different optimization strategies required.
   • Wrong answer: "They're basically the same thing" or "We optimize for both the same way."

2. "How does the July 2026 ChatGPT-Yelp integration affect local CPA firms?"

   • Correct answer: ChatGPT now uses real-time Yelp data for local business recommendations. CPA firms must optimize their Yelp presence (reviews, categories, photos) specifically for AI citations, not just Google Business Profile.
   • Wrong answer: "We're not aware of that integration" or "Yelp doesn't matter for accountants."

3. "Why does Perplexity favor Reddit and community sources?"

   • Correct answer: Perplexity performs real-time web search and favors conversational, community-generated content that matches how users phrase questions. Reddit threads naturally mirror conversational query language.
   • Wrong answer: "Reddit doesn't matter for professional services" or "We don't optimize for Perplexity specifically."

4. "What's your strategy for AI citation tracking?"

   • Correct answer: Names specific tools (Profound, Otterly, Surfer SEO AI) and explains platform-specific tracking methodologies.
   • Wrong answer: "We track rankings" or "We're still figuring out AI tracking."

5. "How do you optimize for AI extractability?"

   • Correct answer: Clear headings, concise 40-60 word answers in first 1-2 paragraphs, scannable format (bullet points, tables, numbered lists), comprehensive E-E-A-T signals.
   • Wrong answer: "We write good content" or "We optimize for keywords."

6. "What's your approach to E-E-A-T for AI models?"

   • Correct answer: Detailed author bios with credentials, CPA license numbers, professional association memberships, citations to authoritative sources (IRS, state boards), comprehensive about pages.
   • Wrong answer: "E-E-A-T is just for Google" or "We don't focus on E-E-A-T."

7. "How do you stay current with AI platform changes?"

   • Correct answer: Specific examples of recent changes (ChatGPT-Yelp integration, Google AI Mode launch, Perplexity conversion rates) and how they've adjusted client strategies.
   • Wrong answer: "We read industry blogs" or "We attend conferences."

12.4 The Bottom Line

If your proposal reads like it's from 2022, it will be rejected.

If you can't demonstrate deep knowledge of AI search optimization, it will be rejected.

If you can't explain platform-specific differences, it will be rejected.

If you can't provide specific examples of AI citation success, it will be rejected.

We're not looking for a traditional SEO agency. We're looking for a modern discoverability partner who understands that the game has changed fundamentally.

If that's not you, don't waste our time.

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13. Submission Instructions & Deadline

13.1 Submission Requirements

• Submit proposals in PDF format to [email address]
• Subject line: "SEO & AEO Discoverability RFP Response — [Your Agency Name]"
• Deadline: [Date] at [Time] [Timezone]
• Include all sections requested in this RFP
• Maximum proposal length: [X] pages (excluding appendices)

13.2 Proposal Format

1. Executive summary (1 page)
2. Agency overview and qualifications (Section 9)
3. Proposed approach and methodology (Sections 3-5)
4. Timeline and milestones (Section 7)
5. Pricing (Section 8)
6. Case studies (Section 9.2)
7. Compliance confirmation (Section 6)
8. References (minimum 2 from CPA/accounting firms)

13.3 Selection Process

Step	Date	Description
Proposals received	[Date]	All submissions collected
Initial review	[Date]	Scorecard evaluation by selection committee
Shortlist presentations	[Date]	Top 3 vendors present (30 min each)
Reference checks	[Date]	Contact provided references
Final selection	[Date]	Decision communicated to all vendors
Contract execution	[Date]	Agreement signed, engagement begins

13.4 Questions

All questions about this RFP must be submitted in writing to [email] by [date]. Responses will be shared with all prospective vendors.

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This RFP template is provided by PracticeGrowth as a free resource for CPA firms. PracticeGrowth is not a vendor responding to this RFP — this is a neutral template for your use.