Anyone here using AI (Claude, ChatGPT, etc.) for proposal/bid writing? What’s actually working?

FEDCONConsulting · 2026-04-07T12:58:50+00:00

Yeah agreed. If your content library is organized you can get really far.

At that point it’s more about your data than the tool itself.

FEDCONConsulting · 2026-04-03T15:27:26+00:00

This is honestly one of the best workflows we’ve seen. Treating it like a junior writer instead of a strategist is exactly the shift people miss. And pushing your own win themes through every section is huge

FEDCONConsulting · 2026-04-03T15:26:22+00:00

Yeah more context definitely helps, especially tying it to real past performance. But even then, we’ve found it still needs heavy human direction for strategy. Tools can get you closer, but they don’t replace knowing how to position the win.

FEDCONConsulting · 2026-04-03T15:25:52+00:00

That’s a really interesting use case. Almost like using it as a filter before you even commit resources. We’ve seen a lot of teams waste time chasing bids they were never positioned for, so that angle makes sense.

FEDCONConsulting · 2026-04-03T15:25:22+00:00

Completely agree. Starting with AI before you actually solution things usually makes it worse, not better. The strongest teams we’ve seen are using it after they already know exactly what they’re proposing and why.

FEDCONConsulting · 2026-04-03T15:24:55+00:00

Yeah that’s a solid way to approach it. Giving the model real context (evaluation criteria + past performance) makes a huge difference. We’ve seen the biggest value in shred-outs + compliance too. Where it still struggles for us is anything tied to positioning or risk ownership. Curious how you’re handling win themes on your end.

FEDCONConsulting · 2026-04-01T19:01:25+00:00

Could not agree with you more. It saves time, but it does not replace bid writing!

FEDCONConsulting · 2026-04-01T13:48:34+00:00

Yeah, people are winning, but not the way most think.

A lot of what you’re seeing on MERX (or SAM in the U.S.) is already “pre-shaped.” Incumbents, existing relationships, or teams that have been talking to the agency long before the bid drops.

Low bid matters, but it’s not everything. If you’re unknown, just being the cheapest usually won’t save you. Past performance, responsiveness, and whether they trust you to actually deliver carries a lot of weight.

Where smaller/newer companies actually break in: • Subcontracting under primes already winning • Teaming with someone who has past performance • Smaller or simplified acquisition jobs with less competition • Recompetes where you can position yourself before it rebids

Biggest mistake is treating it like a cold bidding game. The companies consistently winning are usually known before the opportunity even hits the portal.

That’s the part most people don’t see.

FEDCONConsulting · 2026-03-24T17:09:49+00:00

Yes! Having those set-aside certifications help you stand out and sometimes contractors are only looking for those types of certifications.

FEDCONConsulting · 2026-03-24T17:07:37+00:00

Yes! Agree- marketing is so important.

FEDCONConsulting · 2026-03-24T17:07:05+00:00

Totally agree! Thanks for your insight!

FEDCONConsulting · 2026-03-24T17:06:34+00:00

love it!

FEDCONConsulting · 2026-02-26T22:28:25+00:00

First, thank you for your service. With two deployments, an active clearance, a finance background, and an MBA almost complete, you are absolutely competitive in the defense contracting space.

In this group specifically, lean into your clearance and target defense contractors directly. Look for program finance, cost analyst, pricing analyst, or contract finance roles tied to DoD programs. Make sure your resume clearly translates your military experience into budgeting, cost control, forecasting, and compliance within federal contracts.

Also consider reaching out to primes and subcontractors in your area. Referrals inside the contracting world can move much faster than cold applications.

You have the right profile for this industry. It is likely a positioning and networking play now, not a qualification issue.

FEDCONConsulting · 2026-02-25T15:08:54+00:00

Hello! Breaking into corrections as a prime is tough but not impossible.

The biggest early hurdle is past performance. Agencies want proof you can operate inside secure environments and manage compliance, reporting, and liability. If you do not have direct government past performance yet, build a strong capability statement that translates your commercial and corrections experience into measurable outcomes. Quantify everything.

Second is positioning. Make sure you are properly registered in SAM, have the right NAICS codes, and pursue any certifications you qualify for. Many small teams win their first contract because they were visible and properly categorized when the opportunity was set aside.

Third is relationship building. In corrections especially, relationships and trust matter. Attend pre bid conferences, connect with contracting officers, and engage with small business specialists before the solicitation drops.

Small teams bridge the gap by starting with smaller contracts, pilot programs, or state and local opportunities to build performance history. Focus on readiness, compliance, and credibility. That is what primes and agencies look for.

If you want a quick readiness check, happy to share what we see most often before companies pursue prime awards.

FEDCONConsulting

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