3 Tips to Help You Win a Federal Contract

Posted on: 29 March 2018

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If your business has an opportunity to apply for a federal or government contract that could prove quite lucrative, you're probably already dreaming of what that extra cash could do for your company. That said, landing a government contract is easier said than done, especially at the federal level. If you want to nail your proposal and get the job, here are three tips that might help.

1. Be Concise and to the Point

In short, get to the point and stay there. If you are pitching for a government contract, the government is going to want real numbers. How long will it take you to complete the project, what is your lowest possible price, and how do all of the expenses of the project break down? You want to make a good pitch, of course, but this is a classic case of under-promise and over-deliver. Don't bite off more than you can chew, be up-front about what your company can bring to the table, and avoid fluffy language. The government employees reviewing your proposal have likely seen it all before and can tell if someone is trying to butter them up or make promises they won't be able to keep.

2. Comply with All Requirements

You would think this is a pretty simple thing to do, but in reality, plenty of federal proposals get disqualified right from the start because the business owner didn't read the fine print. When writing a complex proposal, there might be different requirements for different sections or paragraphs throughout the document. The government can be a stickler for detail, so make sure you get it right or you are going to end up in the trash pile.

3. Hire a Professional Proposal Writer

If you've never written a federal proposal before, it might be best to get some outside help. Luckily, there are people out there, and even entire agencies, that specialize in federal proposal development. Sure, this will cost some money and there is no guarantee you will get the contract, but it will guarantee that you follow all requirements and at least have a fighting chance.

When writing a government proposal, make sure you read the fine print on what is required and then keep your pitch brief, concise, and to the point. For best results, contact a federal proposal development firm today. Even if you don't land this specific contract, you'll get to see how the professionals do it and will be much more prepared when the next opportunity comes around.