1
Go / No Go Decision Framework
This is the first and most important step. Every opportunity must pass a Go / No Go decision before scoring tools or AI are used.
Required First
Goal: Decide whether the opportunity is winnable, executable, and worth committing resources to.
Scope FitConfirm the scope of work truly matches what your business does.
Timeline ReviewConfirm the bid timeline and performance timeline are realistic for your team.
Submission MethodConfirm the submission method is achievable, including portal access, upload rules, mail delivery, or email requirements.
Risk ReviewIdentify red flags, restrictive requirements, unusual risks, unclear scope, or unrealistic contract obligations.
OutcomeA clear Go or No Go position before moving forward.
2
CMG Bid Success Estimator
Once the opportunity passes initial Go / No Go review, complete CMG’s Bid Success Estimator to score competitiveness.
Primary Scoring Tool
Decision Rule: If multiple areas are weak or unknown, the correct decision is No Go.
Technical Approach
Can you produce a compliant work plan that aligns with the scope, and do you have the experience and capacity to execute it?
Staffing Plan and Key Personnel
Do proposed personnel meet all RFP qualifications, are they available, and how much outsourcing is required?
Prior Experience
Do you have verifiable government past performance that matches scope, size, and complexity?
Price and Cost Analysis
Do you understand the agency budget, prior contract value, competition, and responsible pricing approach?
OutcomeA defensible, risk-based Go / No Go decision supported by scoring.
3
Pepper AI Context and Decision Support
Pepper AI is used after Go / No Go review and scoring to validate readiness and reduce oversight risk.
Decision Support
Important: Pepper AI does not approve or reject opportunities. It highlights issues so you can make a better-informed decision.
Business Context ConfirmedCore capabilities, certifications, staffing strengths, past performance, pricing approach, and prior technical assistance history are current.
Requirements ReviewUse Pepper AI context to flag missing or overlooked RFP requirements.
Capability AlignmentReview misalignment between the solicitation scope and your capabilities.
Gap and Risk ReviewReview staffing gaps, experience gaps, unrealistic timelines, and risk indicators.
OutcomeIncreased confidence that the opportunity has been fully reviewed.
4
Proposal Staging and Technical Draft Development
Once a Go decision is formally approved, CMG technical writers begin staging the proposal in a shared Google Drive workspace.
After Go Approval
Folder StructureCreate a proposal folder structure that mirrors the RFP.
Required SectionsStage all required sections, instructions, attachments, forms, and appendices.
Technical NarrativeDraft technical narrative content based on the approved scope and available client inputs.
Evaluation AlignmentAlign language to evaluation criteria and scoring factors.
Formatting ComplianceEnsure compliance with formatting rules, page limits, and submission instructions.
OutcomeA structured, RFP-aligned draft proposal prepared for client review, edits, and pricing input.
5
Final Submission Readiness Checklist
Before any bid is submitted, the client must confirm accuracy, completeness, amendments, pricing, attachments, and delivery method.
Final QA
RFP Requirements ReviewedClient confirms all RFP requirements, instructions, forms, and attachments have been reviewed.
Amendments and Addenda CheckedClient confirms all updates, amendments, addenda, Q&A, and agency notices have been reviewed.
Proposal Responses ConfirmedClient confirms proposal responses are accurate, complete, and approved for submission.
Submission Method ConfirmedClient confirms portal access, upload instructions, mail delivery rules, email format, signatures, and deadline.
Materials Complete 24–48 Hours Before Due DateAll inputs and required documents should be complete before bid submission for adequate quality assurance review.
OutcomeProposal materials are ready for final review and submission preparation.
