Proposal Help for Government Contracts

Most of a winning service proposal is your own knowledge of the work: staffing, equipment, schedule and past jobs. Free counselors can review a draft. A paid writer makes sense when the bid is big or you don't have the time.

Start with free help

• Your local APEX Accelerator: Free help reading a solicitation, writing a capability statement and reviewing your proposal.
• Veterans Business Outreach Centers: Free training and counseling for veteran business owners.
• Small Business Development Centers: Free one-on-one business advice.

When paid help makes sense

Hire a proposal writer or consultant for large or complex bids, or when a deadline lands in your busy season. You still supply the facts; a writer organizes them to match how the bid will be scored.

Questions to ask before you hire

• Have you written proposals for my kind of work (grounds, custodial, facilities)? Can I see a redacted sample?
• Is the price flat or hourly, and what exactly is included?
• Who does the writing, and how much of my time will you need?
• Do you charge more if we win? Federal contracts include a clause against contingent fees, so ask your APEX counselor before agreeing to a fee that depends on winning.

Red flags

• Charges you to register in SAM.gov or to apply for VetCert. Both are free.
• Looks like a government website, or emails you a "final notice" to renew.
• Asks for your SAM.gov login. SAM.gov's rules don't allow sharing it.
• Guarantees you'll win a contract.

These pages list free public resources. Veteran Rebids is not affiliated with any agency or program named here, and no one pays to appear on them.