Common Mistakes to Avoid in Software RFPs | .NET Development Services

10 Mistakes to Avoid When Creating an RFP for Software & Mobile App Development (Plus Free Template)
Mistake #1: Vague Project Objectives and Success Metrics
Problem:
You write, “We want an app to improve customer engagement.” But that means different things to different vendors. What’s “improve by how much”? When?
You’ve probably come across those RFPs for mobile app or software projects that open with lines like “we want to improve user experience” or “modernize our app.” They sound reasonable at first glance, but they say almost nothing. Vendors read that and start guessing what you actually want. Once guessing enters the picture, assumptions start steering the process.
Some vendors go overboard and pitch something far beyond what you asked for, which looks impressive until the costs land on your desk. Others swing the other way and deliver a bare-minimum version, skipping over what truly matters to your users.
In web or mobile projects, this kind of vagueness hides the real intent. Are you aiming for quicker page loads, fewer user drop-offs, or better conversion from free to paid users? Without measurable objectives like these, vendors are left without direction. They can’t align their proposals with your actual goals, and what you’ll get instead is a pile of irrelevant bids that miss the mark entirely.
Example of Bad Wording:
“We require a mobile application to improve our engagement with users.” → “improve by how much”? When?
“We need a new customer portal to enhance the experience.” Sounds fine, right?
But it skips the real story. There’s no mention of what’s broken today, what you want improved, or when you expect it to be done. Without that context, vendors can’t grasp your priorities. They just guess, and guessing rarely ends well.
Then there’s “We’re launching a mobile and web application to increase digital engagement.” Digital engagement is a nice buzzword. But what does it actually mean for your business? More logins per week? Higher conversion rates? Extra downloads? When those details are missing, the project goal turns into a vague wish instead of a measurable target.
And finally, “We’re seeking a software solution to streamline operations.” That could mean anything. Which operations? Are we talking about sales workflows, customer service, or logistics? What’s your current baseline? What ROI are you expecting? Without those numbers, you’re leaving too much room for interpretation. And vendors will fill that space with their own assumptions.
Better wording suggestion for the RFP:
“We are seeking to develop a native Android and iOS mobile application to increase monthly active users by 25% within 6 months of launch, and reduce customer support call volume by 15% in the same period.”

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