This article highlights the importance of writing an error-free proposal because it increases the credibility of our company and the chances of winning government contracts. It also provides tips on how to build a beautiful proposal.
Having a few spelling errors or a rough-around-the-edges look certainly does not invalidate all the great content in a proposal. Or does it? After all, you should be graded based on the virtues of your approach and price. Most of the time, the evaluation criteria don’t mention grammar and spelling, and many Requests for Proposal specifically ask to avoid elaborate presentation.
The problem is evaluators are only human. Half of them may not be wired to notice your errors and imperfections in desktop publishing or graphics, but the other half are. These evaluators will take offense at your alleged sloppiness and lack of attention to detail. They will make a leap and deduce that your proposal writers’ typos somehow are reflective of your future poor performance.
They may deem you untrustworthy when your graphics appear to be borrowedfrom several different proposals, and scuff if your paragraphs have unequal spacing. Subconsciously, they may decide that you are not particularly professional, educated, or don’t possess other virtues they believe someone they would do business with should exhibit.
So, no matter how hard you work, all your blood, sweat, and tears will not lead to contract award—unless you go through the steps of thoroughly polishing your proposal like a car enthusiast would a Corvette prior to a car show.
The competition for government contracts is steep, and in this budget-tight environment it is only going to get more competitive. Winning requires pulling all the stops and doing everything within your power to make your offers more compelling. Instead of letting errors and appearance flaws detract from your credibility, invest in polishing your proposal to engender instant trust.
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