Writing an RFP for MFDs

Clearly state in your RFP, and throughout the process, that the selected vendor will be invited to "enter into negotiations" for a contract. Make it clear that they don't automatically get awarded the contract.

During this entire process, you may learn that the specifications that you gave in the RFP don't align perfectly with what you need. Rather than change the specs for the bidding process, change the specs for the negotiation process with the selected vendor. The important thing is that all bidders bid on the same thing.