No matter how experienced a proposal writer may be, it never hurts to revisit the basic tender writing requirements, in order to stay fresh and remind ourselves of the best practice principles which govern our trade. With this in mind, the following ten steps serve as a refresher guide for proposal writers, outlining the main criteria for compliance which should inform each response we produce.

1. Understanding the client's requirements. When proposal writing, the bid writer should fully confirm that you have addressed all the business requirements as listed in the RFP and the supporting documents. This makes sure that the document can be assessed in line with the evaluator's criteria, without compromising compliance.
2. Demonstrating industry awareness. The most important thing which a proposal writer can do on behalf of their customer is to show that they have a full and thorough grounding in their particular industry. Through the use of case studies, research references and white papers, proposal writing should focus upon illustrating their customer's knowledge.
3. Showing capability. Using examples of other projects which the service provider has undertaken successfully before enables the proposal writer to demonstrate cost effectiveness, expertise and technologies which will support the customer to provide an outstanding service.
4. Strategic alignment. It's important, as part of the proposal writing process, to show an ongoing alignment to the strategic goals of the client. Demonstrating how the customer will fit their services to the mission, values and objectives of their client offers reassurance that the overall fit between the two organisations is compatible.
5. Demonstrating technical expertise. Answering all technical elements of the proposal will optimise the compliant response, giving the proposal writer the opportunity of demonstrating their technical knowledge and capabilities in detail.
6. Providing confirmation of acceptance. It's important in all proposal writing projects to offer an unreserved acceptance of all terms and conditions within the document, using clear and unambiguous language to agree to them all.
7. Walking through the solution offering. Proposal writers need to show exactly what is being offered to the client, and how their customer will achieve it. Be clear and comprehensive when outlining the proposed solution, illustrating how you will provide a service which meets all of the criteria set out by the client.
8. Using images effectively. By bringing images, screen shots and diagrams in to your proposal, the proposal writer can greatly enhance the bid document and make their proposal more compelling, engaging and compliant.
9. Checking. In the proposal writing process, cross-referencing, proofing and checking your completed document will help you to pick up any areas of non-compliance and remedy them, in order to ensure a fully responsive and compliant document.
10. Outlining your own terms and conditions. Proposals work as a potential contract between two parties – the client, and the service provider. Offering firm conditions for your proposed solution gives the client a strong indication of how your solution will operate in the future, including any caveats or warranties.