Proposal Software Solution
Transcript: A fully searchable database (with Google-like and Boolean search - i.e., combining keywords with "AND", "OR", "NOT") Content management capabilities to track versions of documents to ensure that we are using the most accurate and up-to-date information The ability to house our current ad hoc proposal library (initially 50 proposals) as well as every proposal yet to be written Ease of use - a tool that requires minimal training and minimal work to become fully functional Secure system Transferring/ uploading/ content migration that requires little work on our end Access for our team as well as proposal writers (transferable licenses that offer this flexibility are preferred) What Chatter does: Allows users to easily communicate across practice areas and the company about projects. Currently houses a limited collection of resumes and quals, and will eventually house many more (perhaps even all of them). Has “libraries” that are searchable and require tagging when the resumes/quals are uploaded (to make the search function more useful). What Chatter does not do: Chatter does not have the robust searchability offered by the software tools we evaluated. It also does not offer the easy “copy and paste” functionality offered by the other tools. Chatter does not offer templates or a “uniform formatting” option. Chatter does not contain “best language” content (although it could be used to house entire proposals in a library, if PCG elects to use it for that purpose). Chatter also does not offer a Graphics library. PROS: Library can store and search both Word and PDF documents Google-like search and Boolean search No tagging required – library is exactly what we want Document management – can restrict who can view/ edit what Transferable licenses (can add/remove users) Privia web interface and Privia platform both available - easy to work offline Can upload files and folders straight to Privia platform - "drag and drop" option Create system of folders specific to our library Can edit in Word and upload straight back to Privia from where you found it Comment tool for collaboration tracks dates and details about revisions The tool is specifically designed for responding to state and federal government RFPs CONS: Offers more than what we need Main feature included is proposal creation/ automation - which we do not need DIFFERENTIATORS: Specifically caters to public sector companies, such as Optum and Molina PROS: Web-based (no software to download) Proposal Assembly Center with customizable templates - makes it easier to create a uniformly formatted document Easy and intuitive to navigate Fully searchable library (Google-like search or through tags) Can search entire library or make a Q&A library Can track revision history of documents (who & when made edits) Tracking and reporting technology - generate win/loss reports in Excel Adjustable settings for read-/review-only permissions Collaboration and communication tools CONS: Offers a lot more than we need and does not cater to our specific needs They do not offer services to upload initial library Tagging requires more work DIFFERENTIATORS: Well-know in the proposal field PROS: Robust content management system – aimed at making first draft easier to gather info from past proposals Has ability to store graphics Can create RFP specific templates Reinforces best practices and makes them reusable Centered around a searchable content library smart search tool Can house both completed proposals and Q&A – library organized in folder structure that we personalize Can upload full proposals straight into content library (or can hire Qvidian to automatically break into Q&A) Can search like Google or Boolean search Content properties – can make notes on documents, titles, dates, review cycles with alerts With quality control it's possible to "submit or enable" or give permission to edit Edits become "global" - will update with new info Option to assign tasks/ Qs/ deadlines Biggest name in the business – currently helps over 1200 organizations, including Deloitte CONS: Includes more than we need with proposal automation tool Tagging for library is more work for us - tagging is completely optional but would lead to more fruitful searches - all uploaded documents and Q&A are indexed fully searchable regardless of tagging Licenses are for named users (non-transferable), but they are willing to negotiate this DIFFERENTIATORS: Industry leader - tried and true They will upload our library for us - least amount of work on our end Ongoing, dedicated customer service always available PROS: Entirely browser-based; simple, easy-to-use interface, so no downloading is necessary Centered around a fully searchable library Can house complete proposals or Q&A documents Unlimited storage Google-like and Boolean search; also searchable via tags (optional) "Magic" smart automation tool can import Q&A to quickly assemble a proposal Customizable templates Ability to restrict formatting when creating