For the proposal I'm working on now, we are in the process of compiling a list of questions that will be submitted to the government.
Most government RFPs and RFAs will allow bidders to submit questions related to the content of the specific RFP and RFA. But there is usually a cut-off date for submitting questions and after that date, any questions you submit may not be answered.
The compilation and submission of questions is an important step in the proposal process. You can submit questions on just about anything in the RFP or RFA -- the content of the technical proposal, the content of the cost proposal, the instructions, contract clauses, etc. The way it usually works is that the Proposal Manager asks everyone involved in preparing the proposal to carefully review the RFP/RFA and identify statements or requirements that they don't understand, or that are contradictory, or that may require additional explanation from the government. When all the questions are compiled, the Proposal Manager reviews them and decides which questions should be submitted.
To make it easier for the government to answer your questions, it's a good idea to cite the page number and/or item number in the RFP or RFA that your question relates to. Therefore, the format of each of your questions might be as follows:
- In the instructions on page 45, item L.8, the RFP states that bidders should submit 3 copies of their proposal. However, page 1 of the cover letter indicates that 4 copies of the proposal should be submitted. Please advise how many copies we should submit.
More on this topic tomorrow.
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