Ultimate Preparation: Proactive Steps for Proposal Readiness

In the fast-paced world of proposals, readiness is your best ally.  The recent delays in releasing solicitations may have slowed the usual activity, but they present a golden opportunity.  This is prime time to bolster your readiness and ensure all your materials have been updated when the next opportunity arises.

Why Proactive Preparation Matters

When solicitations and grant applications take a temporary back seat, it’s easy to slip into a waiting mindset.  However, using this time to fine-tune your proposal arsenal can give you a significant edge.  The key is to tackle the aspects that aren’t directly tied to specific opportunities, but are crucial across all proposals.

What can you do now? Start by updating and refreshing the documents in your proposal library.

• Past Performance Documentation: Start documenting the accomplishments and requirements of current contracts.  Include obstacles that were identified and overcome, as well as quantitative information that will support performance claims. It’s not uncommon for companies to only begin this when a contract is ending. By consistently updating these documents, you’re better prepared when they become crucial for a proposal. Take this opportunity to review past performance documents for contracts that have expired in the last three years. Be sure to update total funding, POC information, and modifications.
• Resumes: Often left untouched until urgently needed, resumes should be living documents. Which of your upcoming opportunities this year require resumes?  Review the requirements and update potential resumes to ensure you can fulfill key personnel requirements.
• Logos and Graphics: Whether it’s standard charts or organizational logos, keeping these graphics updated ensures your presentations are crisp and professional.  Review your graphics library to make sure you have the original file format so it’s easy to revise the document for reuse where appropriate.

Access and Enhance Your Processes

Use this time not only for updates, but also to assess the efficiency of your current business development, capture, and proposal processes. Consider conducting a process analysis or engaging in training to boost your team’s skills while you await new opportunities.

The Continuous Cycle of Readiness

Readiness is about being in a constant state of preparedness. By treating these activities as routine, your organization positions itself as a proactive and agile contender in the competitive landscape of government contracts and grants.

Conclusion

Preparing now means you’re not just ready for opportunities; you’re ready to excel when they arrive.  At Lohfeld Consulting, we’re here to help you navigate these proactive steps with ease and expertise. Contact us to make readiness a part of your continuous success strategy. 

Relevant Information

• Time Traps: Breaking Free from Proposal Gridlock

• How to Brace for Impact: DOD’s Bold Acquisition Overhaul

• Video: Setting the Stage Before the Proposal Manager’s Arrival

By Dana Katalinas, Vice President, APMP Member, GPA Member

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).