Microsoft Teams Insider How to RFP for Global Microsoft Teams Migration and Managed Services
Mar 17, 2026
Chris Styczynski, Service Owner for Unified Communication and Collaboration at Clifford Chance, oversees global telephony, meeting platforms and room experiences. He explains splitting an RFP into six lots, running an RFI to pre-qualify partners, tackling regulatory and coverage challenges across 20+ countries, and balancing Operator Connect with direct routing while validating contact centre and switchboard choices.
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RFI Then RFP To Prequalify Global Partners
- Clifford Chance ran an RFI then an RFP to find a partner for moving Cisco PBX to Teams Phone.
- They used the RFI to pre-qualify many vendors and shortlisted a smaller group for detailed RFP evaluation.
Break The RFP Into Six Purposeful Lots
- Split the procurement into six lots to pick best-in-class suppliers for migration, switchboard, contact centre, Operator Connect, on-site support, and managed services.
- This lets Clifford Chance choose different vendors for telco coverage, contact centre product, and long-term managed support rather than one monolith.
Use A Short RFI To Save Time And Gauge Interest
- Keep the RFI high level to avoid wasting supplier and internal time and to test mutual interest.
- Use the RFI to confirm suppliers view you as a worthwhile client and to filter out big providers who won't prioritise your business.