How to Find and Source RFPs
Finding the right Request for Proposal (RFP) can mark a major turning point for your business or organization. The RFP process is responsible for awarding billions of dollars in contracts each year. But, in such a competitive landscape, it can be difficult to know where to begin the search. At The Bid Lab, we’re experts in identifying RFPs that strategically align with our clients’ business goals. (We even developed our own user-friendly search engine to help our small business clients easily find strategic RFPs, Bid Banana.) If you’re trying to find and source RFPs for your organization, here are several tips we’re happy to share.
Narrow the Focus
When beginning your search for RFPs, there’s nothing wrong with keeping an open mind and being optimistic. But, it’s just as important to quickly add specificity and purpose to your search. This will save you time and help you avoid becoming mired in a maze of lengthy, inapplicable PDF pages.
Start with clear industry targets in which your organization already has a solid footing, or has plans to enter. Conduct a basic competitor analysis to better understand what you’re up against. For example, who are the major bid issuers in your space, what are their requirements and how are your competitors bidding? This background research will illuminate critical clues that will help you in your RFP efforts.
Embrace Search-Engine Functionalities
For many people, databases, required logins and Google searching can be as daunting as lions, tigers and bears (oh my!). But have faith! Armed with your newfound narrow focus, there are tricks you can employ to make digital resources work harder for you.
Curated databases exist, such as ours, Bid Banana, as well as BidSync, GovernmentContracts.us, BidNet Direct and The RFP Database. They compile thousands of RFP bid opportunities into a centralized location, allowing you to browse opportunities quickly and efficiently.
Another way to make the search process less arduous is to make better use of the array of tools Google offers on its platform. For example, narrow your search to easy-to-access PDF files by adding “filetype:pdf” to your search string in the Google search bar.
Additionally, many of the platforms mentioned offer search functionalities for dates posted. There’s nothing much more frustrating than finding the perfect bid after hours of searching, only to realize it’s due in two (2) days. Filter your results to only show bids posted in the last month. This will ensure your results are more relevant, and that you have time to respond effectively before the deadline arrives. Oftentimes, RFPs have pre-proposal conferences and question deadlines, so having a bid in hand as quickly as possible after it’s posted can be the difference between a winning and a losing proposal.
Try Bid Banana
We know how daunting the RFP search process can be. That’s why we created Bid Banana. With our easily searchable database, Bid Banana can be the key to your success in finding RFPs that will grow your business. From finding the right RFP to connecting to bidding experts right away, Bid Banana helps streamline the RFP process. We’re here to help you find the most strategic bid for your business without going bananas!
Get Social
Social media can be more helpful in bidding than you may realize. Many social feeds — like ours, @thebidlab — promote a variety of valuable RFP opportunities directly to their followers. But you can also source new RFPs by leveraging your own personal networks to find opportunities. LinkedIn posts, for example, from bid issuers in your industry often contain new business opportunities. Many organizations, especially private companies, use social media posts early on in their RFP promotion process. Therefore, taking the time to search through your own networks can help give you a critical head start on the competition!
Additionally, browsing social networks can also help identify new organizational players in your industry. Then, by searching the procurement sections of these new targets’ websites, you may be able to identify new RFPs directly that others may have missed.
Stick With it, and Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Even with a full suite of tools and tips, searching and sourcing RFPs can be demanding, and even overwhelming. But, it’s unquestionable that finding the perfect RFP can change the trajectory of your organization in a monumental way. When searching for your perfect RFP, stay positive and don’t give up! It’s important to search efficiently, but investing time in the RFP process is as necessary as it is beneficial.
You may find, however, that your RFP search requires more time, resources or experience than you and your team are able to give. If that’s the case, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help. At The Bid Lab, we not only assist our clients in finding RFPs that strategically align with their business needs, but we also help manage their responses to ensure a win-worthy response.
If you’re interested in learning more about what we do, contact us today for a complimentary consultation.
