So you have received a Request for Proposal (RFP). It could be 20 pages or 200 pages. Maybe even 2,000 if you include all the drawings, charts and photos.
Where do you start?
The process for preparing your response is always the same. The first task at hand is to make a list of the RFP task deliverables. This should include every deliverable item that must be collected, written, signed, designed, or reviewed. Don’t leave anything out.
For each proposal deliverable, you should reference the RFP section(s) and page(s) that provide the instructions on what is required. Is there a page limit? A particular font that must be used? How much weight will this particular item hold in the review process?
Most importantly, who is going to be responsible for each deliverable? Do you have a subject expert who will be coordinating between several others and submitting the final content for marketing edits and formatting?
Remember to set a realistic deadline for each deliverable. This date should be carefully considered based upon the overall proposal schedule. The responsible person should feel comfortable committing to the date. Listen carefully to concerns. If someone says they won’t be able to meet a deadline, it’s better to adapt the schedule accordingly and work with realistic expectations.
Tags: proposal, proposals, writing, strategy, winning, advice, RFP, Request for Proposal