Is AI Delivering on its Potential for Proposals Now? Survey Says…

Artificial intelligence (AI) and Generative AI (GenAI) have quickly emerged as game-changers in the bid and proposal industry, promising to enhance efficiency and quality. But is AI delivering on the potential promised to the industry? While the buzz around AI is undeniable, recent surveys reveal that many organizations are still grappling with how to harness these tools to effectively achieve meaningful results.

Despite widespread interest, many professionals report their AI implementations fall short of expectations. This blog delves into the challenges and opportunities identified by industry professionals and explores what’s holding organizations back from fully embracing AI in their bid and proposal processes.

Survey Says…

When asked if they are maximizing the benefits of their AI implementation, 10% of the respondents surveyed said their AI implementations are exceeding expectations. Another 10% report that AI is meeting most of their needs. However, 42% believe there’s room for improvement, and an alarming 38% admit that AI isn’t delivering the expected benefits at all. This indicates that while adoption is underway, many organizations have yet to fully realize the full value of AI.

In a broader survey of 275 respondents by the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP), 40% indicated they confidently use AI in their work, showcasing a growing trend of early adopters integrating AI into their daily tasks. However, 37% are interested in AI but have yet to implement it, indicating a considerable portion of the industry is still on the fence about its practical applications. Meanwhile, 17% remain skeptical of AI’s potential, and 5% have no interest in exploring AI at all. This spectrum of attitudes highlights the ongoing challenges and opportunities within the industry as professionals weigh the risks and rewards of AI integration.

The Gap Between Dreams and Reality in the Bid and Proposal Industry

The data suggests that while interest and initial adoption are strong, better implementation strategies and a clearer understanding of how AI can be tailored to meet specific organizational goals are needed. The gap between AI’s promise and its current performance could be due to several factors, including a lack of training, insufficient integration with existing systems, or unrealistic expectations of what AI can achieve.

Conclusion

The potential of AI in the bid and proposal industry is undeniable, but realizing that potential requires more than just implementation. It demands a strategic approach that aligns AI capabilities with each organization’s unique needs. Organizations that refine their AI strategies, invest in proper training, and remain open to innovation will be the ones who truly unlock the full power of AI.

If you are interested in receiving GenAI training to further your skills and knowledge, consider taking Lohfeld Consulting’s Generative AI for Proposal Professionals class. If you are interested in support to advance your implementation of AI in your organization, consider Lohfeld Consulting’s Generative AI Power User Immersion Program.

Related Content

• The Impact of Generative AI on Cost Savings in Bids and Proposals

• Generative AI for Proposal Development: Writing the Proposal of the Future

• The rewards and risks of investing in GenAI for proposal development

By Brenda Crist, Vice President at Lohfeld Consulting Group, MPA, CPP APMP Fellow

Lohfeld Consulting Group has proven results specializing in helping companies create winning captures and proposals. As the premier capture and proposal services consulting firm focused exclusively on government markets, we provide expert assistance to government contractors in Capture Planning and Strategy, Proposal Management and Writing, Capture and Proposal Process and Infrastructure, and Training. In the last 3 years, we’ve supported over 550 proposals winning more than $170B for our clients—including the Top 10 government contractors. Lohfeld Consulting Group is your “go-to” capture and proposal source! Start winning by contacting us at www.lohfeldconsulting.com and join us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube^(TM).

Brenda Crist

See Full Bio