Question:
I have been asked by two companies to participate in a government RFP. I
need to prepare my resume (and get my staff to do the same), so that it
may be included in the package.
I was wondering if there is any special RFP etiquette that needs to be
followed, or am I just updating my current resume as if I were job
hunting?
Answer:
-Write to the needs expressed in section "C" of the RFP (Statement of
Work or Statement of Objectives), consider the "Structure" specified in
section "L", and ensure that you write to maximize your grade on the
section "M" "Evaluation Criteria." Also, ensure that all your resumes
are in the format specified by your teaming "prime" and look to have
been written by the same hand.
-Most government RFP's have specific descriptions of what is needed in the
job description/resume section of the proposal. Ask your contact for the
description of format that is included in the Request for Proposal. The
usual limit will be two pages max, so be particularly aware of that.
Some RFPs just specify that resumes should be included as attachments,
and then it's free form. Checking the proposal submission requirements
will tell you this.
In addition, you should key your resume to the pitch that is being made
in response to the RFP. In other words, if the response to the RFP is
promoting the ability of the team to produce written materials that are
attractive and accessible to the general public, you will want to stress
your background in that area more than the background you may have
producing highly technical documentation (this is just completely
off-hand as an example, but I hope the intent is clear).
Again, the person preparing the proposal will have the best sense of what
"pitch" they are trying to make - and you should try to speak directly to
them if at all possible.
