We are frequently asked:  Why do companies outsource their proposal support? There are many possible reasons why a company will outsource proposal support; the following are just a few.

The proposal effort requires someone with experience:

·     Managing a large team or RFP. Many times an internal proposal manager will have competing demands on his/her time. An outsourced proposal manager dedicated to a particular opportunity can provide the focus required to ensure problems do not occur.

·     Managing a diverse team of companies. For example – one client hired us to manage a large RFP that required them to partner with five other companies. None of the companies had managed such a large opportunity on their own and it was the first time they had worked together. By bringing us in – they had an independent manager to keep the effort on track. (more…)

We are often asked how to best manage a proposal process. By proposal process, this is not just the actions that take place once a RFP is issued. The proposal process begins long before that activity. For best practices in proposal management, the proposal process needs to begin before the market research phase begins. Saving the discussion of what the proposal process is for another posting, this article addresses some tools that are helpful in the full life cycle management. (more…)

Federal business is about who you know and what you know. If you are just starting to look at GSA related opportunities, the GSA website (www.gsa.gov/sbu) is a great place to start. Understanding how GSA can provide a mechanism to grow your federal contracting business is important. Getting on the GSA schedule is not the end-all; it is actually the beginning. (more…)

Preparing government proposals can be stressful. It involves numerous processes, many people in various stages of those processes, and a relatively short timeline for delivery.  With proper planning and attention to all five phases of the government procurement cycle, the proposal process can flow smoothly and have positive results.  Attentive participation in the following five phases will lead to a successful proposal process. (more…)

Strategy, planning, process and execution are the critical elements in the world of international, national and local government proposals. Whether you are a small or large company, if you plan to respond to government opportunities, your success will be enhanced by developed and proven processes. This is the first of three articles which will provide an overview of what to expect in the typical government proposal process and how your company can best position itself to respond with a compliant proposal using an effective process. (more…)