RFP and Solicitation Analysis
Before you spend time and money on a proposal, you should know whether the solicitation fits your business. I read the full RFP or RFQ and give you a clear, written recommendation on whether to bid.
Who this is for
This is for business owners and teams who have found a solicitation and are not sure whether to bid, or who want to understand what it will really take to respond. An RFP or RFQ is the government’s written request for proposals or quotes.
My review covers the scope of work, eligibility and set-aside rules, submission instructions, evaluation criteria, deadlines, mandatory requirements, and gaps between what the solicitation asks for and what your company can show today.
What you receive
- Section-by-section solicitation summary
- Evaluation criteria and scoring weight breakdown
- Compliance risk register
- Capability gap analysis
- Competitor positioning notes
- Written go or no-go recommendation
I do not give a numerical win probability. You get a reasoned recommendation and the reasons behind it.
How it works
- 1
Send the solicitation
Share the link or files, including amendments and attachments, along with your due date.
- 2
I read it in full
I go through the instructions, requirements, and evaluation criteria line by line.
- 3
I compare it to your business
I check the requirements against your capabilities, certifications, and capacity.
- 4
You get a recommendation
You receive a written go or no-go. If you decide to bid, we can talk about proposal support.
What I need from you
- The solicitation link, number, or files, with any amendments and attachments
- A short description of what your company does and where
- Relevant certifications, registrations, and past performance
- Your deadline and any constraints, such as staffing, equipment, or location
Timing
Review timelines depend on the length and complexity of the solicitation, the number of attachments and amendments, how quickly I receive your company information, and my current workload. I confirm what is feasible once I have seen the solicitation.
If the deadline is close, say so in your request. Urgent solicitation reviews are welcome, and I will confirm whether I can complete one in time before you commit.
Offer. The first review is free if you are a new client.
Request a Solicitation Review
Tell me what you need and I will take it from there. Only your name, email, and a short description are required.
Your request was sent
I’ll review it and reply with next steps. Replies usually come within one hour.
Prefer email? Write to isaac@thepenscribe.com.
Common questions
How is this different from proposal writing?
A solicitation review tells you whether and how to bid. Proposal writing is the work of producing the response. Many clients start with a review and decide from there.
Can you tell me my chance of winning?
I do not give a numerical win probability, because nobody can know it. I give you a clear recommendation based on fit, requirements, and risk, along with my reasons.
What if the answer is no-go?
Then you have saved the time and cost of a proposal you were unlikely to win, and you know why. I will also point out what would make a future opportunity a better fit.
Do you review RFQs and other solicitation types?
Yes. I review RFPs and RFQs from federal, state, and local buyers.
What do I need to send?
The solicitation and your due date. A short description of your company and any relevant certifications or past performance helps me assess fit.
Is there a charge?
The first review is free if you are a new client. For anything beyond that, I confirm the scope and fee with you before work begins.