The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Bid/proposal management BIDM

Managing preparation and submission of bids and proposals for contracts, grants, projects, or services.

Revision notes

Updates for SFIA 9

  • This is a new skill introduced in SFIA 9.
  • Theme(s) influencing the updates for this new skill: Support for procurement-related skills.
  • Previous SFIA assessments or skills mapping of other SFIA skills are not impacted by this new skill.

Guidance notes

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

  • assessing requirements, conditions and customer needs relevant to the proposal or bid
  • developing and implementing bid and proposal strategies, including competitive positioning
  • leading multidisciplinary teams in crafting detailed, high-quality and persuasive proposal documents
  • managing bid and proposal teams, resources, risks and issues throughout the proposal lifecycle
  • overseeing compliance with legal, accessibility, customer and organisational requirements
  • coordinating stakeholder engagement, communication and proposal reviews/approvals
  • advocating for effective practices and innovative approaches in proposal development
  • negotiating and closing deals with customers and stakeholders.

This skill is applicable in diverse contexts, such as commercial organisations bidding for contracts and public sector entities seeking funding. In commercial settings, it emphasises competitive positioning and market strategies. In the public sector, it focuses on aligning with policy objectives and demonstrating public value. The core activities are consistent across different environments.

Understanding the responsibility levels of this skill

Where lower levels are not defined...
  • Specific tasks and responsibilities are not defined because the skill requires a higher level of autonomy, influence, and complexity in decision-making than is typically expected at these levels. You can use the essence statements to understand the generic responsibilities associated with these levels.
Where higher levels are not defined...
  • Responsibilities and accountabilities are not defined because these higher levels involve strategic leadership and broader organisational influence that goes beyond the scope of this specific skill. See the essence statements.

Developing skills and demonstrating responsibilities related to this skill

The defined levels show the incremental progression in skills and responsibilities.

Where lower levels are not defined...

You can develop your knowledge and support others who do have responsibility in this area by:

  • Learning key concepts and principles related to this skill and its impact on your role
  • Performing related skills (see the related SFIA skills)
  • Supporting others who are performing higher level tasks and activities
Where higher levels are not defined...
  • You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Levels of responsibility for this skill

3 4 5 6

Bid/proposal management: Level 3

Level 3 - Apply: Essence of the level: Performs varied tasks, sometimes complex and non-routine, using standard methods and procedures. Works under general direction, exercises discretion, and manages own work within deadlines. Proactively enhances skills and impact in the workplace.

Supports the development of proposals by engaging in document analysis and internal review.

Understands and analyses bid documents and requirements, preparing initial response drafts that align with the organisation's capabilities and stakeholder needs.

Communicates with internal stakeholders to gather necessary information and clarify proposal requirements.

Ensures proposal responses meet basic compliance standards and align with the specified requirements and organisational capabilities.

Bid/proposal management: Level 4

Level 4 - Enable: Essence of the level: Performs diverse complex activities, supports and guides others, delegates tasks when appropriate, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

Leads the creation of small to medium proposals, integrating technical analysis and broader context.

Coordinates team efforts, shapes the proposal structure and addresses financial aspects including budgeting and pricing strategies.

Identifies and manages proposal risks, ensuring timely compliance with stakeholder expectations.

Engages with stakeholders and shapes proposal structure and content based on in-depth discussions and feedback.

Bid/proposal management: Level 5

Level 5 - Ensure, advise: Essence of the level: Provides authoritative guidance in their field and works under broad direction. Accountable for delivering significant work outcomes, from analysis through execution to evaluation.

Leads the formulation and execution of significant proposals, managing the process from initial evaluation to final submission.

Oversees significant proposals, aligning them with organisational strategies and managing the process from inception to submission.

Collaborates with high-level stakeholders, negotiates with key stakeholders and secures advantageous partnerships.

Refines and optimises the proposal development process for efficiency and effectiveness.

Bid/proposal management: Level 6

Level 6 - Initiate, influence: Essence of the level: Has significant organisational influence, makes high-level decisions, shapes policies, demonstrates leadership, promotes organisational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

Directs major proposal initiatives, devising engagement strategies and promoting excellence in proposal practices throughout the organisation.

Influences organisational policies and strategies in proposal management, setting standards and expectations.

Keywords
New skill