RFP & Proposal Glossary

A simplified procurement method for recurring purchases, establishing pre-negotiated terms with one or more vendors.

An evaluation approach that considers both technical merit and price to select the proposal offering the greatest overall value.

The pricing volume of a proposal detailing all costs, rates, and financial terms for delivering the proposed solution.

A document mapping every RFP requirement to the corresponding section of your proposal to ensure full compliance.

A concise marketing document summarizing your company's competencies, past performance, and differentiators for potential clients.

The strategic process of identifying, qualifying, and positioning for contract opportunities before the RFP is released.

A structured review process using color-coded stages (Pink, Red, Gold) to evaluate and improve proposal quality.

The various pricing arrangements used in government contracts, from fixed-price to cost-reimbursement structures.

Additional procurement rules specific to Department of Defense contracts, supplementing the FAR.

Tangible or intangible outputs that a contractor must produce and submit under the terms of a contract.

The specific factors and standards used by evaluators to assess and score proposals submitted in response to an RFP.

A concise overview at the beginning of a proposal that summarizes your solution, differentiators, and value proposition.

The primary set of rules governing the federal government's acquisition of goods and services.

A contract type providing for an indefinite quantity of services or supplies over a fixed period, with task orders issued as needed.

Specific individuals identified in a proposal whose qualifications and experience are critical to contract performance.

An evaluation method that awards the contract to the lowest-priced proposal that meets all technical requirements.

A standardized numerical code used to classify businesses by industry for federal procurement and statistical purposes.

A live or virtual presentation where offerors present their proposal approach directly to the evaluation team.

A situation where a contractor's existing relationships or access to information could create an unfair competitive advantage.

A record of a contractor's previous work used to evaluate their ability to deliver on a new contract.

A work statement describing required results and outcomes rather than specifying how the work should be performed.

The structured process of planning, coordinating, and producing a compliant and competitive proposal response.

A formal challenge by a disappointed bidder to a government contract award or solicitation terms.

A structured framework mapping your proposal's organization to the RFP's requirements and evaluation criteria.

A formal document issued by an organization inviting vendors to submit proposals for a specific project, service, or solution.

A preliminary document used to gather information from potential vendors before issuing a formal RFP.

A document requesting vendors to submit price quotes for specific products or services with well-defined specifications.

A detailed document defining the work activities, deliverables, and timeline for a project or contract.

A federal contract reserved exclusively for small businesses or specific socioeconomic categories.

Mandatory registration in the System for Award Management required for any entity doing business with the federal government.

A required plan detailing how a prime contractor will provide subcontracting opportunities to small businesses.

The government's process of evaluating proposals, making tradeoff decisions, and selecting the winning contractor.

The process of assessing a proposal's technical approach, methodology, and capability against RFP requirements.

A formal agreement between two or more companies to collaborate on a specific proposal or contract opportunity.

An individual order issued against an existing IDIQ contract for specific work to be performed.

A concise, persuasive message woven throughout a proposal highlighting why your team is the best choice.