Better RFP Responses & Management
 
Proposal Land

Endorsements from Proposal Managers

“Having worked with Isabel on responding to some complicated and resource-intensive RFPs, one of the biggest challenge is aligning what the service-provider thinks it is good at, with what the client actually wants. Isabel’s organizational skills, clarity of vision, keeping the team focused on deliverables, all combine to deliver responsive RFPs. This book brings all these variables together in a concise and logical order.”

Larry Sie, Vice President Asset Management, Revera Living

“ As a recently retired senior officer from the GOC Department of Defence, I was introduced to proposal writing and proposal management by Isabel Gibson. I had been exposed to proposals as an evaluator reviewing and assessing them from a client perspective for many years but had no idea of how or what level of effort went into the creation of a proposal.  When I joined the private sector, I quickly learned, under Isabel’s mentorship, that creating proposals was both an art form and a science.  Isabel’s understanding of what to look for in client requirements and how that needs to be translated into a proposal were valuable tools she imparted to all who worked with her. She was always clear that accurate pricing wins new work. However, her focus on process, detail and clear accurate responses to requirements ensured the accuracy of pricing detail. Many times I heard her say “Answer the question asked, not what you think the question should be.”  As an executive in the camp and support services industry with ATCO Structures & Logistics, I was directly involved in leading large proposals, and to this day, I lean heavily on the lessons and experience I gained from working with Isabel.”

Gerry Walsh, Vice President International Operations (Retired), ATCO Structures and Logistics

“It’s a rare privilege to have attended Isabel’s proposal school.”

Eliane Savard, Director Client Relations, Brookfield Government Relocation Services

“Isabel Gibson taught me how to be a winning proposal manager.

I met Isabel in 1994 when I was assigned to a proposal where she was the “Proposal Editor.”  I found out quickly that Isabel was not just an “editor.”  She was an astute interpreter of requirements – regardless of the subject matter, a superb scheduler, an excellent planner, an inspired leader and motivator of people, and a highly effective writer.

Over the next six years, I had the privilege of being on numerous proposal teams with Isabel, first as a member of a team and then as the Proposal Manager.  In 1999, we won a five-year contract for the operation and maintenance of the Alaska Radar System.  The success of that proposal was largely the result of the techniques and skills instilled in me by Isabel over the years.

In the heat of the proposal battle, Isabel always found a way to reduce team stress and create an atmosphere of cooperation and calm.  She was particularly adept at preparing for executive reviews of a proposal, called “Red Teams.”  She was able to rapidly familiarize the executives with key requirements and risk areas.  In so doing she was able to extract maximum value from the Red Team in a very short period.

I highly recommend Isabel’s guide, “Proposals: Getting Started – Getting Better”, both to those new at proposals and to those who have experience.  I believe there is something there for everyone.”

Sandy Taylor, MEng, Colonel(Rtd)

“Isabel is a highly accomplished proposal writer, experienced in what it takes to put together successful qualification and proposal bids on projects representing multi-billion dollar transactions. The challenges are multi-facetted and dynamic, and it takes first-hand experience such as Isabel’s to clearly articulate the road map for those willing souls who wish to embark on the rewarding yet at times harrowing journey of these large project pursuits.”

Chris McCarthy, Director of Buildings and Transit Facilities Development, SNC-Lavalin Inc.

“I wouldn’t consider preparing a proposal – particularly a large, complex government proposal – without engaging Isabel. I have the benefit of knowing her personally, but for those who do not, everything she has learned over the years is available in this book. If your livelihood depends on winning that next big piece of business, this is a must read.”

Martin Sampson, Director, Communications and Marketing