The dialog round utilizing AI/generative AI (GenAI) in proposals is now not about whether or not it’s getting used; it’s about what return on funding (ROI) it’s producing. To search out out what side of AI/GenAI is delivering probably the most worth, I not too long ago requested a easy query on LinkedIn:
“What’s the best return on funding (ROI) you’ve gained from utilizing AI/GenAI in bids and proposals?”
Right here’s how 172 proposal professionals responded:
- 65% mentioned it saved them time on proposal writing
- 30% mentioned it improved proposal high quality
- 3% mentioned it diminished proposal prices
- 2% mentioned it enabled them to submit extra proposals
No shock—time financial savings dominated the outcomes. Proposal deadlines are tight, groups are lean, and AI/GenAI is more and more getting used to generate compliant first drafts, restructure content material, and reformat resumes and previous efficiency examples in minutes. The advantages are actual, however so are the dangers.
Is AI/GenAI Changing into Too Apparent?
Throughout the businesses I work with, I’ve noticed a rising reliance on AI instruments to generate proposal content material shortly, however with that velocity comes a trade-off: many proposals are beginning to sound the identical. To actually enhance ROI and win contracts, a proposal should do greater than learn properly—it should resonate. Meaning demonstrating a deep understanding of the shopper’s mission, clearly linking your resolution to their particular wants and challenges, and telling a compelling story that reveals your expertise, innovation, and confirmed outcomes. Whereas AI will help get phrases on the web page, it could actually’t change the insights gained from buyer conversations, researching their challenges, and sharing success tales.
The place the Actual ROI Occurs
The best ROI on AI isn’t simply saving time. It’s utilizing that saved time to put in writing smarter. The perfect proposal groups use GenAI to deal with the heavy lifting, then reinvest that point into:
- Deep analysis into the shopper’s mission and priorities
- Crafting options which are tailor-made, not templated
- Including storytelling that highlights previous efficiency and other people
- Danger identification and mitigation options
Consider AI as your assistant, not your creator. It may give you a head begin, however your workforce’s perception, ingenuity, and private contact are what cross the end line first.
Conclusion
GenAI is a strong device, nevertheless it’s solely as efficient because the prompts behind it. That’s why we created the Generative AI for Proposal Professionals class at Lohfeld Consulting. On this hands-on course, we train you methods to write smarter prompts and construct reusable AI brokers that transcend generic outputs. You’ll learn to information AI to generate proposal content material that displays your resolution, aligns with the shopper’s mission, and helps a profitable technique. Contact us for particulars.
Related Data
By Brenda Crist, Vice President at Lohfeld Consulting Group, MPA, CPP APMP Fellow
Lohfeld Consulting Group has confirmed outcomes specializing in serving to corporations create profitable captures and proposals. Because the premier seize and proposal providers consulting agency centered solely on authorities markets, we offer knowledgeable help to authorities contractors in Seize Planning and Technique, Proposal Administration and Writing, Seize and Proposal Course of and Infrastructure, and Coaching. Within the final 3 years, we’ve supported over 550 proposals profitable greater than $170B for our purchasers—together with the High 10 authorities contractors. Lohfeld Consulting Group is your “go-to” seize and proposal supply! Begin profitable by contacting us at www.lohfeldconsulting.com and be a part of us on LinkedIn, Fb, and YouTube(TM).