Let’s look at the software Proposal Managers use to write, track and monitor their responses to Request For Proposals. The Proposal Manager’s role also includes the development of Proposal software, Microsoft Word templates, checklists, forms and Excel spreadsheets to track all aspects of the bid process.
Proposal Software Skills for Bid Managers
For example, Business Proposal software will help you, the bidder, to:
- Maintain a database of questions and answers for each bid
- Maintain boilerplate text for each proposal
- Create the award-tracking database
- Prepare budget support documentation for all submissions
- Ensure the bids are evaluated for compliance
- Ensure that each requirements is responded to in the final bid
- Establish development milestones
- Managing the project calendar and team tasks
- Review the proposal team at different stages
- Schedule bid/no-bid meetings
- Organize the graphic designers, proposal coordinators, and technical writers
- Maintain proposal files, legal files and other related documentation
- Track the status of multiple bids and coordinate the presentations if necessary
Do I need Proposal Software to write Bids?
I’ve worked in different size firms as a Proposal Manager. Some have been very successful with well-designed Microsoft Word templates, with good checklists, forms and spreadsheets the bid process.
Others used very complex and expensive procurement software. A lot depends on your budget and also what works best for you.
Sometimes the more expensive software can creates problems as you need to train staff, create new workflows and ensure everyone knows how to use the system. The learning curve may defeat the overall purpose.
What do you think?
Software or templates? Which works best?
About the Author: Ivan Walsh provides business proposal writing tips, tutorials, and templates on the Proposal Writing Course every week. Get his free proposal writing newsletter here.