Our Approach
How our RFP response process works, from consultation to delivery.
From the moment your RFP invitation arrives, every engagement follows the same eight stages. You will always know where your proposal stands, what we are working on, and what we need from you.
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Stage 1: Private Consultation
A confidential conversation about the opportunity, your organization, your deadline, and the support you need.
Your part Share the RFP invitation or proposal invitation, or a link to it, and your submission deadline.
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Stage 2: Requirements Assessment
Working as your proposal analyst, we review the RFP package and identify every requirement, evaluation criterion, RFP contract term, and submission rule.
Your part Answer clarifying questions and confirm what your organization can offer.
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Stage 3: Proposal Strategy
Together we agree on themes, structure, and the content plan for the response.
Your part Review and approve the strategy and outline.
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Stage 4: Research and Development
We gather and organize the information needed from your team and from the materials you provide.
Your part Provide subject-matter input, past project details, and supporting documents.
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Stage 5: Draft Preparation
We prepare a complete draft that follows the agreed strategy and the RFP's structure. The draft then goes through a separate quality review stage before you see it.
Your part Remain available for questions as the draft takes shape.
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Stage 6: Client Review
You review the draft and tell us what should change, using comments and revision requests.
Your part Read carefully, comment, and request any revisions.
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Stage 7: Refinement and Approval
We refine the draft in response to your review until you formally approve the final version.
Your part Give your deliberate approval of the final version.
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Stage 8: Final Delivery
We deliver the approved, finished proposal package, with every file prepared for submission.
Your part Submit your proposal to the issuing organization.
What you receive
A complete engagement produces the following. Engagements for a single service produce the parts that apply.
- A written analysis of the RFP, its evaluation criteria, and its contract terms
- A requirements and compliance matrix tracing every requirement to its answer
- An agreed strategy and section outline
- The full proposal narrative and executive summary
- Quality review notes, including points to prepare for a proposal defense
- Final files in the formats the RFP requires, with a submission checklist
Typical timing
A complete response to a substantial RFP usually needs three to four weeks from the day we receive the full RFP package. Focused services, such as an executive summary, an editing pass, or a quality review, usually take three to seven business days.
Rush engagements, with less than two weeks before the deadline, are accepted when the scope allows. We will tell you honestly after reading the RFP whether your deadline can be met with the care your proposal needs.
How engagements are scoped
No two RFPs ask for the same work, so we do not sell fixed packages. After the consultation, we read the RFP and the materials you can provide, then prepare a written engagement letter that sets out the scope, the schedule, and the fee. Work begins once you have agreed to it.
Why a writer and not software
Proposal software can store past answers and fill a template, but it cannot tell you which requirement an evaluator will score most heavily or notice that your price form and your narrative disagree. Each response we prepare is read, planned, and written by a person, for one solicitation and one organization.
Our guide to preparing a proposal for a project explains what evaluators look for in a complete response.
Stage one is a conversation.
Request a private consultation to discuss your RFP and your timeline.