Covid-19 is changing aspects of society each and every day, and the RFP process is not immune. From project management to design and submission, clients’ needs during the pandemic are evolving.
There is no question that the Covid-19 pandemic has caused a recession in this country. While economic experts debate whether the recession will be minimal, major or record-setting in the long-term, they all agree that there will be some form of a recession in the coming months.
The year 2020 has undoubtedly been one of the most difficult in recent memory. As the world navigates the coronavirus pandemic, businesses are struggling to find their way in an uncertain environment.
When starting a new business, it can feel like you are doing everything in your power to keep a dozen plates spinning at once. With so much to do, adding a bidding strategy to your never-ending list of to-dos may feel overwhelming. But, I can assure you that this is one avenue of growth you do not want to ignore.
My business transitioned to working primarily remotely some time ago. This transition did require some thoughtful planning, but we have seen significant benefits since. Now, as many others find themselves suddenly working from home amid the coronavirus and its associated lockdowns, it’s important to maintain productivity and, more importantly, stay sane. Here are a few tips to do just that.
To get your proposal on the shortlist of finalists, your bidding team must be on the same page. Responding effectively to a request for proposal (RFP) requires all departments in an organization — including finance, legal, communications, operations, etc. — to work in harmony. Even for smaller organizations, orchestrating these moving parts can be a challenge.
A proposal with a Q&A component offers a valuable opportunity to both gain insight about the proposing entity and to put your organization in a better position to win more bids. Many requests for proposals (RFPs) allow bidders to email a contact person specific written questions, while others will offer a pre-bid conference where bidders can seek clarifications either in person, over the phone or via web-conferencing technology.
Make sure you understand the deadlines outlined in the RFP and respect them. This could be your first impression with a new client, and you want to make sure you show them that you can meet all due dates not only in this RFP, but also once you secure their business.
A beautifully designed RFP tells the reviewer that you not only put thought and effort into your proposal but that you are also organized and professional. An attractive bid helps engage your prospective client and elevates your proposal above its competition. Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but I believe there are a few tips everyone can use to make their RFP responses more appealing and, subsequently, more successful.
We can all understand the appeal of automating the process, but the question remains whether a bid software solution is your organization’s best next move. The answer may not be as automatic as you’d hope.
