Clarify Assumptions About the Fee Schedule Before Completing an RFP Form

A fee form that asks for one number without stating assets or services invites an RFP team to make assumptions. An assumption may look harmless in a spreadsheet, yet it can become a commercial commitment after submission. The lead should make missing inputs visible and obtain both prospect clarification and internal approval before completing the field.

Read the fee request alongside the investment mandate and service requirements. Ask whether the procurement team wants a stated asset range, vehicle, reporting package, or other scope assumption. Then give the commercial owner the exact form language and proposed interpretation. Never choose a favorable tier simply to make the response appear competitive.

A procurement officer says, “Use the largest tier. We need a number today.” The RFP lead says, “I understand the comparison need. The form does not identify the account size or services, and I cannot treat an unconfirmed assumption as an approved fee. Could you confirm the range and scope you want respondents to use? Once we have that, our commercial owner can provide the authorized schedule.” The officer agrees to issue a clarification.

Keep the returned clarification with the completed form. If no answer arrives, state the approved assumption only when the response rules permit it and internal review has accepted it.

In a coaching exercise, make the procurement contact impatient. Review whether the rep names the missing input, protects approval authority, and proposes a practical route forward. A good response stays helpful without creating a price promise that no one approved.