Template · free
Colocation RFP Template
A colocation RFP structure that forces comparable quotes: load profile, pricing units, SLA, cross-connects, exit terms.
1. Your requirements (state precisely)
- IT load: total kW, per-rack density (kW/rack), growth over 36 months
- Footprint: racks / cage / suite; U-count if partial racks
- Redundancy: N+1 / 2N power and cooling; concurrent maintainability
- Compliance needed: ISO 27001, SOC 2, PCI DSS, local data residency
- Network: carriers required, cross-connect count, IX access, dark fiber
- Timeline: contract start, ramp schedule
2. Pricing questions (force comparability)
- Quote power as $/kW/month for committed IT load — not per rack — and state the metering model (breakered vs metered)
- Separate line items: space, power, cross-connects, remote hands rate, setup/NRC
- Annual escalation % and what it applies to
- Power price pass-through mechanics: which tariff, what markup
- Benchmark received quotes against the Colocation Price Index
3. SLA & operations
- Uptime SLA % and credits schedule; measurement window
- Temperature/humidity ranges guaranteed at inlet
- Remote hands: response times, included hours, after-hours rates
- Maintenance windows and notification terms
4. Exit & flexibility
- Early termination schedule; transfer/assignment rights (M&A)
- Right to reduce committed kW at renewal; renewal cap
- Decommissioning obligations and costs