The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Bid/proposal management BIDM

(new)

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

SFIA 9 is in development

  • SFIA 9 beta due in early July 2024
  • SFIA 9 planned for publication October 2024

This is a prototype for a new skill in SFIA 9. 

Disclaimer - prototypes/new skills may be substantially modified prior to launch or may never be released.

Guidance notes

(new)

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

  • assessing requirements and conditions relevant to the proposal or bid
  • leading multidisciplinary team efforts in crafting detailed proposals
  • overseeing risk assessment and adherence to relevant guidelines or standards
  • managing stakeholder engagement and communication throughout the proposal lifecycle
  • advocating for effective practices and innovative approaches in proposal development
  • managing bid and proposal teams and resources
  • developing and implementing bid and proposal strategies and plans
  • analysing customer requirements and competitive positioning
  • ensuring compliance with customer specifications and organisational policies
  • producing high-quality, persuasive and customer-focused bid and proposal documents
  • coordinating and facilitating bid and proposal reviews and approvals
  • managing bid and proposal risks and issues
  • 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 emphasizes 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 reponsibilities.

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 with tasks (generic examples are provided by the essence statements for each level)

Where higher levels are not defined...

  • You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Levels

Defined at these levels: 3 4 5 6

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Level 1

Level 1 - Follow: Essence of the level: Performs routine tasks under close supervision, follows instructions, and requires guidance to complete their work. Learns and applies basic skills and knowledge.

Level 2

Level 2 - Assist: Essence of the level: Provides assistance to others, works under routine supervision, and uses their discretion to address routine problems. Actively learns through training and on-the-job experiences.

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.

(new)

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 supervises others, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

(new)

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 achieving workgroup objectives and managing work from analysis to execution and evaluation.

(new)

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, fosters organizational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

(new)

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.

Level 7

Level 7 - Set strategy, inspire, mobilise: Essence of the level: Operates at the highest organisational level, determines overall organisational vision and strategy, and assumes accountability for overall success.

Keywords
New skill