How to Write a Consulting Proposal That Wins

Here's how to keep decision makers awake during technical proposals: Start with story structure, not specs: →Problem: What keeps them up at night →Stakes: What happens if nothing changes →Solution: How you uniquely solve it →Evidence: Proof you can deliver Then weave requirements into your narrative: Instead of: 'Our team has 20 years experience' Try: 'Our 20-year track record means we've solved every challenge your project might face' Instead of: 'We use agile methodology' Try: 'We adapt and respond to your needs in real time' Because guess what? A lot of bidders meets the requirements. But not everyone makes them compelling. In 20+ years of proposal writing, I've learned: →Technical expertise gets you considered →Storytelling gets you remembered →Results get you hired _________ Hello! I'm Apryl Beverly. I help tech, legal and consulting firms boost their revenue through culturally smart content, persuasive RFP responses and AI-enhanced copywriting. To date, my strategies have generated over $3 billion in revenue for clients — and we're just getting started. Let's connect to discuss how my team and I can help position your messaging to drive more revenue and profits in 2025.

Helping Industry Succeed – It Starts with Reading the Solicitation One of my favorite parts of engaging with industry is answering questions like: • Where can we find opportunities? • What is SOCOM looking for? • What do you look for in proposals? The answer to that last one often sounds simple — but it’s the most important: Read and re- read the solicitation. Every solicitation clearly lays out what the Government needs and how we will evaluate proposals. Sections L and M are not filler — they are your roadmap. They tell you: • What to submit • How it will be evaluated • The standards you will be measured against Here’s the advice I give repeatedly: 1. Read the solicitation multiple times. Ask yourself, What is the Government asking for? Did I address that? 2. Cross-check your proposal against the evaluation criteria. If we plan to evaluate it, make sure you included it. 3. Be clear and concise. Avoid filler language. Write to answer the requirement, not to impress with volume. 4. Follow formatting and submission instructions exactly. Page limits, font sizes, file types, and deadlines matter. Noncompliance can get you removed from consideration. 5. Provide evidence, not just claims. Back up capabilities and experience with data, examples, and past performance. 6. Review your final document for clarity. Sentences should make sense, and there shouldn’t be leftover edits from draft versions. 7. Check alignment across all volumes. Your technical, cost, and past performance sections should tell a consistent story. If you plan to identify something as a strength, explain why. Show us why it matters and why the Government should care — don’t leave us guessing. Winning proposals aren’t just compliant — they are clear, well-organized, and directly aligned with the requirements. It never hurts to do a final check to make sure your proposal is a complete package. And if something in the solicitation doesn’t make sense, don’t hesitate to ask the Government. Even we miss things sometimes and may need to issue a revision. What tips would you add for proposal preparation? #GovernmentContracts #SOCOM #Acquisition #SourceSelection #ContractingOfficer

Boost your confidence in proposal writing with Lohfeld Consulting’s 25-point checklist of best practices. A well-crafted proposal communicates your values and distinguishes you from competitors. Inspired by Lohfeld Consulting’s expertise, this checklist offers actionable steps to refine your proposal writing skills and enhance your chances of winning bids. #1 Plan Your Writing #2 Verify Compliance #3 Design Your Response #4 Plan for a Strong Conclusion #5 Focus on Your Client #6 Emphasize Responsiveness #7 Demonstrate Your Value Proposition #8 Craft High-Scoring Sections #9 Focus on Strengths, Not Just Features #10 Tell Compelling Stories #11 Incorporate Risk Management Strategies #12 Offer Innovative Ideas #13 Highlight Team Expertise #14 Integrate Quality Measures #15 Include Relevant Past Performance or Proof Points #16 Use Testimonials and Endorsements #17 Anticipate Questions and Objections #18 Seek Feedback and Revise #19 Use Clear and Concise Language #20 Use Active Voice #21 Maintain a Consistent Tone #22 Edit and Proofread Thoroughly #23 Optimize for Digital Submission #24 Use AI as Appropriate #25 Check with Writers Frequently By integrating these techniques into your proposal writing process, you can create submissions that are clear, compelling, and strategically aligned with client needs. Implementing these best practices will help you to produce winning proposals that stand out in a crowded field. Remember, each proposal is an opportunity to showcase your expertise and value, unlocking success in the competitive world of government contracting.