Maryland’s

take to complete the project. The past experience section includes a list of pertinent projects, contacts and
clients.
You may include any documentation you think strengthens your proposal; all supporting documentation
that is requested in the RFP must be submitted to be considered for the contract award.
Regardless of the type of offer you are preparing, there are certain guidelines that you should follow.
Make sure:
The products and services you are offering fulfill the needs (meet the requirements, as stated
in the solicitation)
You complete and submit all of the appropriate standardized forms
Your offer is clear, concise, and understandable
Your pricing makes sense for you and the government
Also, if there is a page limit, be certain not to exceed it. (Sometimes attachments like résumés are not
included in the limit.) Remember, the contract is awarded to the vendor whose proposal achieves the
highest “score” in the evaluation. The award decision is fully documented to withstand public scrutiny
and a possible formal, legal protest from a losing vendor.
It is also important, both in the technical proposal and in the past experience section, that you stress
certain “win” themes, such as your firm has:
Experience supporting the requesting agency or similar work
Successfully performed on a project of similar work scope and complexity
Credentialed staff or has access to required personnel that can be directed to this project
Work facilities in close proximity to project work site
D. FORMS YOU MAY ENCOUNTER IN SEALED BIDS
Among the forms that you may be required to submit in a sealed bid are:
Standard Form 33, Solicitation, Offer, and Award: To solicit offers and award the contract. The bidder
completes and signs the form, which constitutes the bid. Upon acceptance of the bid (award), the
government signs the same document, establishing a binding contract.
Standard Form 30, Amendment of Solicitation/Modification of Contract: To amend (change the
requirements of) the solicitation before it closes or to modify the contract once it has been awarded. The
government completes and sends the form to the bidder or contractor for signature.
Standard Form 1149, Solicitation/Contract/Order for Commercial Item: To buy, ship, and receive
commercial items when using simplified acquisition procedures.
Forms required for a sealed bid will be provided in the solicitation package.
E. FORMS YOU MAY ENCOUNTER IN A REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)
Among the forms that you might be required to submit in response to an RFQ are:
42
How to Prepare a Proposal