How to Create a Proposal
Creating a proposal in Proposal Forge starts with an analyzed RFP. The system uses the RFP requirements and your assets to generate tailored content.
Starting a New Proposal
From an RFP
The recommended way to create a proposal:
- Go to RFPs and open your target RFP
- Click Create Proposal
- Configure your proposal settings
- Click Create
From the Proposals Page
Alternatively:
- Go to Proposals
- Click New Proposal
- Select the associated RFP
- Configure settings and create
Proposal Configuration
Basic Information
- Title - Name for your proposal (defaults to RFP name)
- Description - Internal notes about this proposal
- Template - Select a proposal template (optional)
Section Structure
Choose how to structure your proposal:
Use Template Sections
If you selected a template, it will pre-populate sections.
Use RFP-Suggested Sections
Based on the RFP requirements, we suggest appropriate sections.
Custom Sections
Create your own section structure.
Common Sections
Most proposals include:
- Executive Summary
- Company Overview
- Technical Approach
- Project Team
- Past Performance
- Management Plan
- Pricing/Cost
- Appendices
After Creation
Once created, you'll see the proposal editor where you can:
- Generate content - Use AI to draft sections
- Edit sections - Refine the generated content
- Assign team members - Delegate sections to your team
- Track progress - Monitor completion status
Proposal Status
New proposals start in Draft status. Statuses include:
- Draft - Being created/edited
- In Review - Submitted for internal approval
- Approved - Ready for submission
- Submitted - Sent to client
- Won/Lost - Outcome recorded
Tips for Success
- Start early - Give yourself time for reviews
- Use templates - Maintain consistency across proposals
- Leverage AI - Generate first drafts quickly
- Review requirements - Ensure complete coverage
- Get feedback - Use the approval workflow