Government Proposal Preparation and Submission Process

As the competition becomes fiercer in government proposal writing, companies lack the guidance on how to better approach bidding for federal projects. I will start with the basics. Without the basics, you will be at a loss and will eventually fall back into old habits out of desperation.

Basics of the Government's Proposal Request

In opposition to the old says of sealed bidding where there were "Invitation for Bids" (IFB), government contracting agencies now issue a " Request for Proposal" (RFP). Bidders are now called offerors.

The agency's request: RFP's are generally used in negotiated requirements to the public and to solicit proposals. The RFP, at a minimum, must tell the public what the government's requirements and anticipated terms and conditions will be. FAR15.203(a).

The idea is that this would allow contractors to prepare proposals intelligently and everyone will be on equal footing. See Oregon Potato Company, B-294839, 2004 CPD 254 (Comp. Gen. 2004, 47 GC 11.

Sometime the government may issue a "Request for Information" (RFI) when it is seeking pricing, delivery, or other market information, or potential company capabilities for planning purposes. This is not an actually proposal for award. However, companies responding to RFI's should ensure that their submissions should be marked as proprietary. Why? Agencies must safeguard your information from unauthorized disclosure. See FAR 15.207(b).

If you need any kind of information on this article related topic click here: proposals