Company submitting a bid; used extensively in DB/DBFM contracting.
To be distinguished from “successful proponent,” which is the winner. This distinction can clarify whether work noted in the draft contract (for example, submission of a plan) is part of the response requirement (and, therefore, to be submitted with the proposal), or part of the SOW (and, therefore, to be submitted after contract award).
And no, response instructions should not be in the draft contract, but have been observed there, nonetheless. Sigh.