What benefit does marking an RFP "in progress" provide to the supplier?

Marking an RFP as "in progress" serves as a clear signal of active engagement with the request for proposal. This designation indicates to suppliers that the event planner is currently evaluating their offerings, which can foster a sense of urgency and motivate suppliers to enhance their submissions or provide additional information about their services. It creates an open channel for communication, allowing suppliers to follow up or clarify any questions the planners might have.

This designation does not inherently elevate a supplier's position on a priority list or allow for the submission of additional proposals; these actions depend more on the overall RFP criteria and the supplying entity's strategy. Additionally, while marking an RFP as "in progress" might create some pressure, it primarily serves to confirm that discussions are ongoing rather than create an adversarial situation. Therefore, the indication of active engagement is the most significant benefit that affects the dynamics of the RFP process.