RFP & Proposal Glossary
From RFP basics to advanced procurement concepts — learn the terminology that proposal professionals use every day. 36 terms and growing.
B
BPA (Blanket Purchase Agreement)
ProcurementA simplified procurement method for recurring purchases, establishing pre-negotiated terms with one or more vendors.
Best Value
PricingAn evaluation approach that considers both technical merit and price to select the proposal offering the greatest overall value.
C
Cost Proposal
PricingThe pricing volume of a proposal detailing all costs, rates, and financial terms for delivering the proposed solution.
Compliance Matrix
ComplianceA document mapping every RFP requirement to the corresponding section of your proposal to ensure full compliance.
Capability Statement
TechnicalA concise marketing document summarizing your company's competencies, past performance, and differentiators for potential clients.
Capture Planning
TechnicalThe strategic process of identifying, qualifying, and positioning for contract opportunities before the RFP is released.
Color Team Review
TechnicalA structured review process using color-coded stages (Pink, Red, Gold) to evaluate and improve proposal quality.
Contract Types
PricingThe various pricing arrangements used in government contracts, from fixed-price to cost-reimbursement structures.
D
E
O
Oral Presentation
TechnicalA live or virtual presentation where offerors present their proposal approach directly to the evaluation team.
Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI)
ComplianceA situation where a contractor's existing relationships or access to information could create an unfair competitive advantage.
P
Past Performance
TechnicalA record of a contractor's previous work used to evaluate their ability to deliver on a new contract.
PWS (Performance Work Statement)
RFP BasicsA work statement describing required results and outcomes rather than specifying how the work should be performed.
Proposal Management
RFP BasicsThe structured process of planning, coordinating, and producing a compliant and competitive proposal response.
Protest
ProcurementA formal challenge by a disappointed bidder to a government contract award or solicitation terms.
Proposal Outline
RFP BasicsA structured framework mapping your proposal's organization to the RFP's requirements and evaluation criteria.
R
RFP (Request for Proposal)
RFP BasicsA formal document issued by an organization inviting vendors to submit proposals for a specific project, service, or solution.
RFI (Request for Information)
RFP BasicsA preliminary document used to gather information from potential vendors before issuing a formal RFP.
RFQ (Request for Quotation)
RFP BasicsA document requesting vendors to submit price quotes for specific products or services with well-defined specifications.
S
SOW (Statement of Work)
RFP BasicsA detailed document defining the work activities, deliverables, and timeline for a project or contract.
Set-Aside
ProcurementA federal contract reserved exclusively for small businesses or specific socioeconomic categories.
SAM Registration
ComplianceMandatory registration in the System for Award Management required for any entity doing business with the federal government.
Subcontracting Plan
ComplianceA required plan detailing how a prime contractor will provide subcontracting opportunities to small businesses.
Source Selection
ProcurementThe government's process of evaluating proposals, making tradeoff decisions, and selecting the winning contractor.
T
Technical Evaluation
TechnicalThe process of assessing a proposal's technical approach, methodology, and capability against RFP requirements.
Teaming Agreement
ProcurementA formal agreement between two or more companies to collaborate on a specific proposal or contract opportunity.
Task Order
ProcurementAn individual order issued against an existing IDIQ contract for specific work to be performed.