How to write an RFP for enterprise data lineage tools
Selecting the right data lineage platform can make or break your data governance initiatives. But with vendors promising everything from “AI-powered insights” to “seamless integration,” how do you cut through the noise and find a solution that actually works for your organization?
That’s where a well-crafted RFP comes in. Not as bureaucratic paperwork, but as a strategic tool to align your stakeholders, clarify your requirements, and avoid investing in yesterday’s technology.
Why your data team needs this RFP
Data lineage has evolved far beyond static diagrams. Modern organizations need platforms that can trace column-level dependencies, handle thousands of resources simultaneously, and provide instant answers to questions like “What breaks if I change this table?”
Yet most RFPs still ask generic questions about “data mapping capabilities” and “visualization features.” They miss the critical distinctions between platforms that merely document connections and those that deliver operational intelligence.
Our enhanced RFP template changes that. It’s designed specifically for enterprise data teams who understand that lineage is about making confident decisions at the speed of business
How to use this template
The RFP is structured to help you evaluate vendors efficiently while avoiding common pitfalls:
- Customize the priorities – We’ve marked each requirement as Critical, Important, or Nice to Have. Adjust these based on your organization’s needs.
- Add your context – Include specific details about your data stack, scale, and use cases. The more specific, the better vendors can tailor their responses.
- Focus on demonstrations – The template includes sections requiring vendors to show, not just tell. Ask for performance metrics, not promises.
- Involve your stakeholders – Share the template with data engineers, analysts, and governance teams. Their input ensures you’re solving real problems, not theoretical ones.
Beyond the checkbox exercise
The best RFPs reveal how vendors think. Pay attention to:
- How specifically they answer performance questions
- Whether they acknowledge limitations honestly
- If their responses demonstrate understanding of your actual challenges
- How they differentiate between “can do with customization” and “works out of the box”
Get started today
Ready to find a lineage platform that actually delivers on its promises? Download our Enhanced Data Lineage RFP template. It’s designed to be practical, not exhaustive, focusing on the questions that truly differentiate modern platforms from legacy solutions.
Whether you’re evaluating solutions now or planning for next year, this template gives you the framework to make a decision you won’t regret. Because in today’s data landscape, the difference between good and great lineage is the confidence to move fast without breaking things.
Download our free data lineage RFP Template.
Have questions about customizing the RFP for your organization? Reach out to our team for guidance on adapting it to your specific data governance needs.
