The twelve days of Christmas proposals

Posted by BJ under Musings | 2 Comments

I received a mail recently, written by our friend Penny B., which had her list of what might be received by a proposal support person during “The Twelve Days of Christmas’. It was quite funny and much forwarded. Thanks for sharing that with all of us Penny.

Penny’s list prompted me to do my own version of the 12 items, included below for your enjoyment and amusement.

The 12 Days of Christmas Proposals

On the first day of Christmas my client said to me,
I’m sending you an R – F – P.

On the second day of Christmas my client said to me,
It’s due in two weeks.
I’m sending you an R – F – P.

On the third day of Christmas my client said to me,
Please submit 1 original and 2 copies
It’s due in two weeks.
I’m sending you an R – F – P.

On the fourth day of Christmas my client said to me,
Four forms must be completed and signed
Please submit 1 original and 2 copies
It’s due in two weeks.
I’m sending you an R – F – P.

On the fifth day of Christmas my client said to me,
Use binders with three rings
Four forms must be completed and signed
Please submit 1 original and 2 copies
It’s due in two weeks.
I’m sending you an R – F – P.

On the sixth day of Christmas my client said to me,
There’s a bidder’s conference on Monday
Use binders with three rings
Four forms must be completed and signed
Please submit 1 original and 2 copies
It’s due in two weeks.
I’m sending you an R – F – P.

On the seventh day of Christmas my client said to me,
No questions will be answered after the RFP is released
There’s a bidder’s conference on Monday
Use binders with three rings
Four forms must be completed and signed
Please submit 1 original and 2 copies
It’s due in two weeks.
I’m sending you an R – F – P.

On the eight day of Christmas my client said to me,
You must include a compliance matrix
No questions will be answered after the RFP is released
There’s a bidder’s conference on Monday
Use binders with three rings
Four forms must be completed and signed
Please submit 1 original and 2 copies
It’s due in two weeks.
I’m sending you an R – F – P.

On the ninth day of Christmas my client said to me,
All fonts must be larger than 9 point
You must include a compliance matrix
No questions will be answered after the RFP is released
There’s a bidder’s conference on Monday
Use binders with three rings
Four forms must be completed and signed
Please submit 1 original and 2 copies
It’s due in two weeks.
I’m sending you an R – F – P.

On the tenth day of Christmas my client said to me,
Submit financials in a separate volume.
All fonts must be larger than 9 point
You must include a compliance matrix
No questions will be answered after the RFP is released
There’s a bidder’s conference on Monday
Use binders with three rings
Four forms must be completed and signed
Please submit 1 original and 2 copies
It’s due in two weeks.
I’m sending you an R – F – P.

On the eleventh day of Christmas my client said to me,
Expect to see additional requirements.
Submit financials in a separate volume.
All fonts must be larger than 9 point
You must include a compliance matrix
No questions will be answered after the RFP is released
There’s a bidder’s conference on Monday
Use binders with three rings
Four forms must be completed and signed
Please submit 1 original and 2 copies
It’s due in two weeks.
I’m sending you an R – F – P.

On the twelfth day of Christmas my client said to me,
Good luck and we look forward to receiving your proposal.
Expect to see additional requirements.
Submit financials in a separate volume.
All fonts must be larger than 9 point
You must include a compliance matrix
No questions will be answered after the RFP is released
There’s a bidder’s conference on Monday
Use binders with three rings
Four forms must be completed and signed
Please submit 1 original and 2 copies
It’s due in two weeks.
I’m sending you an R – F – P.

APMP accreditation recognized as contributing to team development

Posted by BJ under APMP & accreditation, Processes & best practice | Add your comment

One of our readers, Melissa D, a co-chair of the New York Metro Chapter of APMP, recently received a commendation from her company for her work in developing the proposal support team which she manages and of which she is also a key member.

In an article published by the company, Melissa highlighted the role accreditation has played in the development of her company’s proposal group. She commented, “Just as an accountant should have a CPA and a lawyer needs to pass the Bar, our proposal professionals should be accredited and have the chance to participate in learning and development programs.”

In the article, Melissa also offers her views on ways to develop your team (and echoes many of the things Jon and I have stated and written about here in the blog). Here’s what Melissa advises:

  • Recognize that each individual is different – with different skill sets, needs and interests.
  • Understand the expectations for your group and consider ways you can coach and mentor.
  • Join professional organizations (such as APMP) to stay abreast of best practices for your group or industry.
  • Seek out training opportunities
  • Don’t get too comfortable – There’s always something to learn!

Congratulations to Melissa on this prestigious award, on her promoting APMP accreditation and her obviously ‘getting it’ when it comes to the profession of proposals.

Are you paid enough?

Posted by Jon under APMP & accreditation | Add your comment

Interested in knowing how your remuneration compares to that of fellow proposal staff? I thought you might be!

APMP’s 2011/12 Global Salary Survey has just been unveiled. You can complete it anonymously here. The survey assesses eight key salary drivers and the associated compensation structure:

Industry

Region

Gender

Age

Education

Job Function

Management Responsibility

Experience

The deadline for participating is 23 December: do pop over to the survey site and join in! I’ve just filled it in myself, and it only took about three minutes.

If you choose to provide your email address, you’ll receive a report showing the key findings once the survey results have been analysed – probably around the end of January. If it shows you’re underpaid, what better way to support your claim for a pay rise. And if it shows you’re overpaid – well, let’s just hope your boss hasn’t participated too!!

Choose your words carefully

Posted by BJ under Word play & writing | Add your comment

I came across a piece in the humor section of a popular periodical that presented a requirement that was not specific enough and which used a rather poor choice of words.

The requirement read as follows:

“It shall be the responsibility of the supplier to keep their private areas clean. Please refer to the rules and regulations if you don’t know where your private area is.”

I’ve no doubt this would make for some pretty interesting responses.