How to Win Your Next Social Services RFP

With only a few key pointers, you can create an impressive proposal that introduces your firm, meets all requirements in the request for proposal, and demonstrates, unequivocally, why you should be the successful proponent of your next social services RFP.

Tips for Winning Social Services RFP

Resist Temptation – Don’t Download a Free Social Services Proposal Template

Free proposal templates promise the world but rarely deliver. As tempting as the lure of great results and simplicity is, especially if you are new to the proposal game and pressed for time, don’t go this route! Developing winning proposal strategies for securing government contracts requires much more than a generic response built upon a free template. You can do so much better than reworking a canned proposal.

As daunting as it may be, start from scratch. There are many proposal writing resources you can turn to, and with their help, you can craft a social services proposal tailored especially to the specific bid opportunity. It will more effectively address all the specific RFP requirements and highlight why the organization should choose your firm for the project.

Check Eligibility Before Starting Proposal Effort

Every government organization articulates a specific set of eligibility requirements for social services providers with whom they can work. The same goes for non-profits. For this reason, you should check your eligibility first before spending your time and effort on a bid.

Stage a bid/no-bid meeting with key leaders from your organization in attendance. Review the RFP documents thoroughly to determine if you are eligible and discuss if you have a viable and attractive proposition, who you are competing against, your chances of winning and whether you have the capacity to respond.

Once you confirm that you are eligible and able to respond to a social services RFP, don’t forget to highlight your eligibility in the proposal document. Make it easy for the selection committee by establishing right away that you are eligible and have the right qualifications to provide the social services required.

Establish a Proposal Checklist

Don’t let any careless mistake cost you a rewarding opportunity. Government organizations and nonprofits are very particular about proposal requirements from section numbering to submissions specifications to page length and required attachments. If a checklist has not been included in the RFP, create a checklist for your purposes and for possible inclusion in your response so the selection committee can take note of your clear compliance.

Before submission, have a few key members of your response team, review the document alongside the checklist to ensure everything necessary is included in your social services proposal and that you’ve met all the detailed submission requirements (number of copies, formatting specification etc.). You must be one hundred percent sure all necessary requirements and attachments are part of your proposal to avoid possible disqualification and to make the best possible impression on the selectors.

Follow the Narrative Instructions

Each organization has its standard when it comes to proposals which is another reason you should not rely on downloaded templates.

Be sure to verify the proposal narrative instructions and ensure your proposal structure and content follows the specific guidelines. Pay attention to specifics like the minimum and the maximum number of pages required and content requirements like service history, program description, implementation plan and staffing plan.

Nail the References – Celebrate your Success in the Social Services Sector

Before writing your proposal, think of this first: Your document should get the job done independently. It means that your document alone should suffice since you won’t be there to explain its details when its intended reader goes through it. It is especially important if it’s your first time to respond to an RFP from a specific government unit organization.

So, make sure that you highlight your achievements as an implementer of social service programs. This way, you can hook your potential client and establish that you truly understand the kind of work nonprofits and government agencies expect in any social service contractor. You have to let them know that you are not just eligible for the job; you are perfect for it, and they should choose you.

Pay Special Attention to the Financial Component

One of the most crucial parts of any proposal is the budget. Responding to the financial or budgeting piece of a proposal can be challenging in general, but specifically in the case of a social services proposal. Given many social services organizations are cost-sensitive, and often cost-constrained, this can often be the most challenging piece to complete.

However, resist the temptation to lowball your estimates. Although defining a competitive budget can easily work in your favour as you try to secure a coveted social services contract, it can also hurt you in the long run if you set it too low. Why? Because it may not be enough for you to properly deliver the social services you’ve outlined in the proposal.

Ready to create your social services proposal? It may seem like a daunting task but adopting the right approach is a good first step. Proposal writing is not an easy task, and it’s why you should commit adequate time and resources to it.  Alternatively, consider approaching proposal writing experts who know the ins and outs of creating winning proposals for different industry sectors.