Purpose
Evaluators often read the executive summary first. It frames the rest of the proposal, so it should be specific to this owner and project rather than a company brochure.
What to include
- The owner’s goals and constraints, in their words.
- Your approach to the most important risks: schedule, phasing, safety or occupied-site work.
- The key people and why they fit.
- Two or three relevant projects, briefly.
- A clear statement of commitment to the requirements.
Length and format
Follow page limits and formatting rules. If the solicitation does not specify, one to two pages is a common length. Use headings and short paragraphs so evaluators can scan it.
Mistakes to avoid
- Starting with company history instead of the owner’s needs.
- Unsupported superlatives.
- Promises the technical sections do not back up.
- Content that conflicts with the rest of the proposal.
How Bidmere helps
Bidmere drafts executive summaries from your proposal content and the evaluation criteria, as part of RFP proposal preparation. Your team reviews and approves the final text.
Common questions
How long should an executive summary be?
Follow the page limits. Without one, one to two pages is common.
When should I write it?
After the technical sections are drafted, so it matches the proposal.
Should it include price?
Only if the solicitation asks for it there. Many require price in a separate volume.