Deconstructing a Request for Proposal

Open the RFP in Word (convert PDF RFPs to Word)

Read the RFP and cut and paste any RFP information that is meaningful into a blank Word document under the Proposal Chapter Headings listed below (or similar chapters):
  • Technical Approach
  • Management Plan
  • Corporate Experience
  • Personnel
  • Price/Business Proposal
  • Miscellaneous (doesn't fit anywhere else)
  • Proposal Production and Submittal
You will be creating a document that includes requirements, background material, and instructions. You can cut and paste any "Clauses" that you consider critical into a separate document for consideration later.

Read the RFP again and cut and paste any items you missed. When in doubt, move the information into your Word document; you can always drop it later.

Some information can be moved into more than one place. You then either write the "Response to the Requirement" in several places (ideally with a different slant) or make a decision later about where the single response should be placed in your proposal.
  • Make the RFP information red. Carry the red information with the outline until you write to it and then delete it.
  • Move any available information from your proposal library into the outline (yellow).
  • Move any customer information/sales notes into the outline (green).
You will now be ready to expand/refine the proposal outline.

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