Tips for Writing a Strong RFP for Bylaw Enforcement Services

Keep It Clear and Simple

Avoid too much legal language. Write in plain terms so your expectations are easy to understand and quote against.

List Your Priorities

Include a brief summary of your municipality, the scope of your enforcement needs, and what outcomes matter most, like complaint response time, public communication, or court-ready documentation.

Ask the Right Questions

Your RFP should request:

• Contractor experience with municipalities
• Officer qualifications and training
• Sample reports or templates
• Bilingual ability
• References from other public clients

Be Specific on Expectations

State clearly whether this is for seasonal, year-round, or pilot coverage. Include hours, types of enforcement, and reporting methods. Allow space for creative service models.

Include a Site Visit Option

Let bidders meet your staff or tour key complaint areas. This helps them understand your needs and price accurately.

Set a Fair Timeline

Give providers enough time to respond properly. A 2–3 week window is ideal for detailed quotes.

A strong RFP helps you find a service provider that’s a good match and not just the lowest bidder. Maritime Enforcement is happy to assist municipalities in drafting or reviewing their enforcement RFPs. Let’s get started.