Proposal Resources for Government and Commercial Contracts

Explore tools, expert advice, and answers to common questions about government RFPs, commercial proposals, and everything in between.

Sample Proposals

Federal RFP – Defense Contractor sample proposal

State RFP – Construction Company sample proposal

City RFP – Health Company sample proposal

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends. Your chances improve when your business has relevant past performance, key personnel with matching qualifications, a deep understanding of the government’s needs, and a competitive offer. Many contracts arise from unmet agency needs or poor incumbent performance. Working with experienced government proposal writers and government contracts consultants dramatically increases your chances. Government contracting can be a highly profitable part of your business when paired with the right government proposal writing services.

  • Know and model what successful bidders have done
  • Never use template-based RFP tools for government proposals
  • Deliver unique and compelling content
  • Work with experienced government proposal consultants
  • Understand the procurement process end-to-end
  • Use insights from insiders familiar with how agencies evaluate proposals

The U.S. Small Business Administration defines small businesses by industry and revenue/employee count. Examples include:

  • Retail: $7M
  • Construction: $33.5M
  • Services: $6M–$20M depending on category

Refer to the SBA Size Standards for more.

In Canada, businesses are classified by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). Generally:

  • Small business: 1–99 employees
  • Medium-sized business: 100–499 employees
  • Large business: 500+ employees

Revenue thresholds may vary depending on the program. For example, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) may have additional criteria when awarding government contracts to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). For more information, see ISED’s definition of business sizes.

A strong government RFP response follows the solicitation’s structure and integrates clear, persuasive content. Use no templates. Tailor your response to address all requirements, evaluation criteria, and performance risks. A professional government contract proposal writer can help you align with agency expectations while making your proposal more competitive.

One of the biggest mistakes is treating Canadian government RFPs the same as commercial bids or U.S. solicitations. Key issues include:

  • Failing to follow mandatory bid instructions precisely
  • Overlooking bilingual document requirements (even if you’re responding in English)
  • Not addressing all evaluation criteria directly
  • Ignoring specific formatting or submission rules outlined by the provincial or federal agency
  • Using generic templates instead of tailored responses

Hiring experienced government proposal writers familiar with Canadian procurement processes helps avoid disqualification and improves your chances of success.

Timelines vary based on the complexity of the solicitation, but most government proposals take 1–3 weeks to prepare thoroughly. We recommend starting as early as possible to allow time for compliance checks, content development, and final reviews. Tight deadlines can be met with the support of experienced government proposal writers who are familiar with fast-turnaround strategies and proposal requirements.

Absolutely. Whether you’re responding to a government request for proposal, quote, or information, our team of government proposal writers can help craft responses that are compliant, clear, and compelling.

Working with a professional proposal consultant brings objectivity, structure, and expertise to your proposal process. Consultants help clarify your messaging, ensure compliance with complex requirements, and elevate the overall quality of your response.

For government proposals, the value is even greater. Experienced government proposal consultants understand agency-specific requirements, evaluation frameworks, and compliance standards. They can help you avoid disqualifying mistakes, align your response with scoring criteria, and improve your chances of winning contracts. Whether you’re new to bidding or scaling your efforts, a consultant helps you compete smarter and more efficiently.

Proposal Writing Insights & Articles

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