construction bid cover letter

• Construction

How to Write a Tender Cover Letter That Wins Construction Bids

The tender process is a relatively straightforward series of stages – from issuing the tender documents to awarding the contracts. However, in the construction industry, tendering can be incredibly competitive for building projects. It’s not enough to simply offer the lowest price; the key is to provide the best value and demonstrate that you are the top contractor for the job, based on quality, price, and service.

Whether it’s corporate clients or government agencies, you need to attach a construction cover letter when you submit your tender document to gain an edge right at the onset. It’s not a requirement, but it can highlight the main reasons why you should be awarded the contract, especially if you can show your success on similar projects.

Our Top Tips for Winning Construction Bids

In this blog post, we’ll go through what a tender cover letter is and how to craft a one-page proposition that makes an impact.

What is a Tender Cover Letter?

A tender cover letter is an expression of interest in a tender notice. It is printed on the company’s letterhead and inserted after the title page of the tender being submitted. It’s often just one to two pages long and gives a brief preview of a company, its capacity to deliver the requirements of the project, and its success on previous projects similar to the one it is bidding for.

By furnishing a tender cover letter, you give the client a glimpse of your accomplishments that substantiate your ability to meet the requirements they have set. It paints a good picture of your company that impacts their decision-making. 

How To Write a Tender Cover Letter

Start with a short introduction:.

Firstly, thank the organisation for their invitation to tender. Then, give a brief introduction to your company. Include how long you’ve been in the industry, your main services, and what you stand for. Ideally, try to keep this to just one paragraph – short, sharp and to the point. You can attach a copy of your company profile and executive summary after the cover letter to give the client more information about your company.

Enumerate specific reasons why you should be awarded the contract:

State your unique business proposition. What is that distinct feature you have that sets you apart from other companies? Don’t make general statements rife with empty promises or inflated qualifications – they’ll see right through it . List down specific reasons why you are the best contractor for the project.

Go through the specifications and rules of the tender, then explain how you can meet those requirements. If you have previous projects that provide proof of your competence and experience , mention them in this part.

Include administrative notes and other relevant details:

If you’re tendering as a joint venture, mention it in the cover letter. Add any administrative note relevant to certain aspects of the tender. There’s no need to indicate your quote at this point, but if you have specialised estimation and quoting processes , you can point out this advanced feature that boosts your efficiency.

Write a captivating commitment statement:

Win the award by assuring the client that you are fully committed to making the project a success. Craft a captivating commitment statement that guarantees your utmost service and promises to adhere to the contract and deliver successful outcomes. 

Tender Cover Letter Example

There’s no standard template for a tender cover letter. Your cover letters can be tailored to suit the tone that matches your brand image – this helps you stand out from the crowd . They should also include unique details that make you the best choice for the specific project you’re submitting a tender for , as well as your contact details.

To give you an idea of how to craft one, here’s a tender cover letter example. 

Cover Letter for Tender Proposal (Example)

ABC Builders

_____________

Parks and Recreation Authority

Sub: Application for [Tender Notice No.]

Dear Sir/Madam,

We at ABC Builders are pleased to respond to your request for tender on the CONSTRUCTION OF A RECREATIONAL FACILITY FOR [project] with [Tender Notice No.] dated [day/month/year] due on [day/month/year].

Upon thoroughly reviewing the tender’s specifications, we are confident that we have the capacity to successfully deliver the construction project requirements.

As one of the country’s leading contracting firms, ABC Builders has been collaborating with various organisations for the successful completion of construction projects for private individuals, government institutions, large corporations, and other entities. Over the last 10 years, we’ve completed several high-profile projects for prominent clients, including [famous individual], [corporate client], and [government agency].

Our expertise, experience, and reputation in the construction industry make us a suitable company for this tender. Our team is comprised of experts who are highly skilled in all phases of construction. We are also reputed for consistently providing efficient, timely, and on-budget services for every project we undertake.

Enclosed is a copy of our company profile and executive summary for further information about our company. Also attached herewith are our commercial and technical bids for your consideration.

We thank you for the opportunity to participate in this tender. It would be a great honour to work with you on this project. If you have any questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

Yours sincerely,

Make Your Tender Cover Letter Stand Out

Your tender cover letter is the pretty packaging that makes your tender stand out from all the rest. It’s essential to take time to craft one that highlights your capacity to deliver successful outcomes. Strive to make a connection that fosters a reliable partnership with other stakeholders.

Tendering for contracts can be highly competitive, and it’s crucial to provide the best value for clients by demonstrating the quality, price, and service of your company. To gain an edge over competitors, submitting a tender cover letter can highlight your accomplishments, previous success, and unique value proposition. Crafting a captivating commitment statement that assures clients of your full commitment to delivering successful outcomes can make all the difference. By following our tips mentioned above, you can create a tender cover letter that stands out and increases your chances of being awarded the contract!

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How to Write a Winning Proposal Cover Letter (Plus 5 Real Examples)

First impressions are important—especially in the world of proposals.

That’s why writing a good cover letter is an essential step towards winning a bid. In the request for proposal (RFP) process, this single-page letter marks your first opportunity to grab a prospect’s attention and make it clear that your company is uniquely positioned to solve their problem. So if you’re currently using boilerplate copy… Stop. Immediately .

In this blog, you’ll learn how to write custom proposal cover letters that grab a prospect’s attention and increase your chances of winning RFP responses . Plus, five examples of real proposal cover letters from industry pros.

In this article, you’ll learn: 

What is a Proposal Cover Letter?

• What to Include in a Proposal Cover Letter
• How to Write a Proposal Cover Letter
• 5 Real Proposal Cover Letter Examples ⭐

Next Steps: Build Quality Proposals Faster

A proposal cover letter is a single-page document used to pitch your business offerings to a potential client. In it, the customer can tell whether you’re genuinely engaged and have done your research—or if you’ve simply copy and pasted generic language from past business proposals.

It’s also your first opportunity to convince a client to why they should continue reading your proposal. Considering the average team spends 32 hours writing a single RFP response , it’s critical that your proposal cover letter makes a good impression.

“This is the most important five paragraphs one can write as it’s the only part everyone will read. You must knock it out of the park or you’ll lose.”

What Should You Include in a Proposal Cover Letter?

Like any good cover letter, your proposal should open with a unique offer or positioning. It’s important to establish early on why your team is best suited to solve a client’s problem.

A strong proposal cover letter includes:

• A greeting : Introduce your company and what you do.
• Clear summary: Describe your value propositions at a high-level. Be sure to connect these points to your client’s needs. ( Also known as an executive summary. )
• Personalized offer: Explain to the client what you can uniquely provide to solve their problem.
• Relevant references: Help the prospect understand why they should choose you over competitors.
• Visuals: If you have a designer on your team, include visuals that help emphasize the most important content on this page. For example, use callout boxes to make value propositions stand out for busy procurement teams who are skimming the page.

From the offer you present, to the visuals you include, the details in your proposal cover letter should be all about the client. The goal is to show how your company shines before they even get into the details of your proposal. Demonstrate the qualities that you bring to this potential customer by starting out your relationship on the right foot.

Jon Williams, Managing Director of Strategic Proposals , shares the key points you should concisely hit to be successful.

“Thank the customer, show enthusiasm, demonstrate senior sponsorship, briefly introduce win themes–and then shut up and leave the rest to a brilliant exec summary!”

How to Write a Winning Proposal Cover Letter

From reading the RFP thoroughly, to outlining a clear offer, there are six critical steps that seasoned proposal professionals recommend you take to craft a quality cover letter. ( Psst…you can fast-track these steps by using AI for proposal writing . )

Step 1: Read the RFP Cover to Cover

This step seems obvious, but it’s surprising how many teams skip it. You must read the RFP thoroughly, from cover to cover, before beginning your letter.

While reading, take note of any recurring themes from your prospect. Perhaps they focus on quality of design and ease of use. Or maybe they emphasize needing certain functionalities or features—whatever the case, Kori Warriner of KCI Technologies recommends you consider the following questions as you read through the request for proposal:

Questions to consider:

• What is the client’s reason behind the project? (revitalization, aging infrastructure, etc.)
• ​​Where is the funding for the project coming from?
• Does the client have any hot-button issues regarding the project?
• What is the desired end-result?
• What would speak to the client? (retirement-friendly, aesthetics, budget, etc.)

“You need to make the client feel as though you are speaking directly to them.”

While questions may differ by industry, the idea remains the same. Reading the RFP thoroughly helps you better understand the problems your prospect is facing. Which in turn help you paint a clearer picture of how your company can support them.

(It can also help spark ideas for win themes, or specific language, that truly resonates with the prospect—more on that later.)

“Instead of saying ‘we are pleased’ or other overused statements such as that, I introduce my company, and then switch back to talking about what we can do to help the client reach their goals,” Kori explains.

Step 2: Capture Your Prospect’s Attention Early

Chances are, your prospect is extremely busy. They’re likely to skim your proposal cover letter—which is why you should focus on making it memorable. Use it to create a connection to your prospect and capture their attention early in the proposal.

In the structure of a proposal , the first paragraph is the best place to earn your reader’s attention, shares Senior Proposal Consultant Kelly Allen.

“Try to capture the reader in the first paragraph by relating to them in some way. If they are a current client, leverage your relationship. If not, demonstrate a clear understanding of what they need.” Kelly Allen, Senior Proposal Consultant, UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group)

Step 3: Use Clear, Competitive Win Themes

Once you identify their distinct needs, you can formulate which key themes need to be identified in your cover letter. Then, narrow it down to the most persuasive reasons that your prospect should choose your proposal over a competitor. Eileen Kent, President of Custom Keynotes, explains that these are also known as “ win themes ”.

Win themes should be based on what the customer told you they wanted. Position yourself as the one company that can deliver exactly what your prospect is looking for. To do this well, it’s essential that you also understand what your competition is doing.

Here’s how to brush up on what your competitors are offering:

• Review competitors’ websites
• Read competitors’ financial statements
• Look at review websites like G2 or Forrester reports including your competition
• Ask if clients are willing to share competitors’ past RFPs (You never know, unless you ask)

At this stage, you’ll want to focus on how you can stand out from the competition. Eileen also recommends acknowledging any elephants in the room. By that, she means anything that the client may consider your team’s weakness.

She recommends addressing weak points head on to leave a good impression, “The elephant in the room could be your business size. Address it by talking about how you formed a tight team who have exceeded performance expectations, and worked together for years, so they see that as a strength instead,” she explains.

Step 4: Provide a Personalized Offer

Now that you’ve grabbed your prospect’s attention, you need to maintain it. Do this by outlining clear benefits, which speak directly to their pain points in an enticing and clear way.

You should outline how your product will positively impact the buyer and identify what they will get out of your partnership.

“Choose the top 3-5 features of your solution and describe how they will benefit your customer in a single line. Be direct: Here’s what we offer. Here’s how it will solve your problem.”

Step 5: Use a Strong Closing Statement

Your closing statement should be concise, reiterate your capabilities, and highlight the value you deliver. But don’t forget that it’s also an opportunity to connect with your prospect through the proposal process.

“To build a connection, you have to ignore outdated writing advice and not be afraid to use real language” says Rebecca Baumgartner, Sr. Manager, Proposals, PFS .

“Whoever is reading your cover letter can immediately tell if you’re hiding behind jargon or parroting the language of the RFP because you don’t understand what they need,” she explains.

“But when you write authentically, you have the opportunity to show the client you’ve been listening.”

“A great cover letter isn’t stuffy or formal–it’s a conversation between real people, a chance to put aside the technical language of procurement and connect with the human being on the other side.”

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

When crafting your proposal cover letter, there are a few final checkpoints to leave your prospect with a good impression.

Graphics aren’t necessary for a proposal cover letter, but they can be helpful. For example: highlighting a quote from a customer in a different font, or using callout boxes to emphasize your key value propositions. Use visuals that help to emphasize your main points, not distract from them.

Here’s what Izane Cloete-Hamilton, CPP APMP, of nFold recommends.

• Use a company letterhead
• Address the letter to the individual specified in the RFP
• Sign the cover letter from a senior person at your company
• If the response is from a strategic partnership between two companies, use dual signatures
• Ensure your letter is no longer than one page

“Sign the proposal cover letter from the highest-level person with signature authority, preferably someone that the customer knows personally.”

Proposal Cover Letters (5 Real Templates)

Now that you know what steps to follow, it’s time to look at some real examples of business proposal cover letters. While you don’t want to copy a boilerplate letter, these templates may provide helpful guidance for your next proposal.

Here are the types of proposal cover letter examples you’ll see above:

• Real proposal cover letter example from a security company
• Example proposal cover letter for an amusement park
• Real proposal letter & executive summary from an enterprise design consultancy
• Winning cover letter example from KCI technologies
• Another proposal cover letter example from a security company

Looking for a sample grant proposal cover letter? Check out this article .

“Remember, your cover letter isn’t about you, it’s about your client. Let them know that you understand them. Then you can talk about how your company can solve their potential challenge.”

To make more time for writing winning proposal cover letters, you’ll need to make some efficiency gains in your overall RFP process. Start by setting your team up with a proposal software that can improve speed and collaboration amongst your team.

Take Aspen Medical for example. Their business development team started using Loopio’s proposal platform in October of 2019. Within a few short months, they were putting together proactive proposals in just 15-30 minutes and seeing a big return on investment (ROI).

In fact, a survey of 165 companies RFP ROI found that those who consistently use proposal software have achieved results of:

• 51% more RFP responses
• 42% less time spent answering proposal questions
• 85% of companies win more business

If you’re looking to improve the pace of your next proposal, try Loopio’s software.

Improve Your Proposal Writing 📝

Want to learn how to master your craft? Read more about proposal writing skills or how to craft a repeatable RFP response template .

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How to Write a Proposal Cover Letter: Examples + Free Template

Posted by: Cinthya Soto

Proposal cover letters are brief overviews that introduce the more in-depth content of a proposal. Cover letters are normally the first page of a proposal, making them the first impression you will give and your first opportunity to convince the reader to work with you. These letters directly communicate with the client and set the stage for the following proposal details.

If your proposal cover letter is not convincing enough, the reader might not read your entire proposal and choose a competitor. That’s why understanding the do’s and don’ts of proposal cover letter writing is crucial. 

In this blog, we’ll teach you how to structure and write a proposal cover letter, what makes a good and a bad proposal, and we even provide a free downloadable template for your firm to use. 

What Is a Proposal Cover Letter? 

A proposal cover letter is a letter that accompanies an RFP response or bid submission. Its primary purpose is to introduce the proposal, explain its relevance to the recipient, and persuade the reader of the value and credibility of what’s being offered. It sets the tone for the entire proposal, so make sure it’s well-crafted. 

The cover letter needs to be persuasive and blow your prospect away because it provides a first impression. Since it’s often the first thing the recipient will see, it plays a key role in the recipient’s decision to even consider reading the full proposal. 

The cover letter is frequently the initial opportunity for your proposal to align with the reader’s objectives. While it goes on top of the proposal, it shouldn’t be confused with an executive summary that outlines the main highlights of your proposal. 

Why Your Proposal Cover Letter Matters 

Your proposal cover letter is made up of the most important paragraphs you’ll ever write because it’s the section everyone will read. That’s why it’s essential to nail it, or you stand the chance of losing the project. A cover letter helps busy clients decide if they’re interested in reading the complete proposal. Therefore, having a winning proposal cover letter is equally important as the actual proposal. 

The proposal cover letter gives you a chance to leave clients with a memorable first impression. While proposals lean towards factual information, cover letters offer a more personal touch. Establishing an emotional connection from the beginning significantly increases the likelihood of the reader engaging with your entire proposal. 

What Should Be on a Proposal Cover Letter? 

Though the specifics of your proposal may vary based on the nature of your offer and your sector, the proposal cover letter should consistently stick to the following structure: 

Contact Information 

It’s essential to include your contact details, including your name, email, and phone number, as well as your organization’s information such as its name, email, phone number, website, and even its social media handles. For bonus points, include the link to your LinkedIn profile in the heading too so the reader can get a deeper understanding of who you are. 

Make these details easy to find by placing them at the top or bottom of the cover letter, ensuring they’re in a bold and easy-to-read font so potential clients have no problem finding them. Using the company’s letterhead for the letter not only ensures the inclusion of this information but also gives a professional touch. 

Greeting 

This is your chance to introduce your company and what you do. It’s your first opportunity to make a positive impression and establish a connection with the reader. 

Begin with a concise statement about your company. This could be your mission statement, a brief history, or an overview of what makes your organization unique. This is your chance to highlight areas where your company excels, which helps you establish credibility. 

Additionally, highlight your primary areas of specialization or the main services/products you offer. This will give the reader a clear understanding of your role and what you do. 

Summary  

Often, decision-makers are drowned in proposals, and they might not have the time or patience to go through every detail initially. A concise summary ensures that they can quickly understand your proposal’s primary objectives and value.

You should provide details about your value propositions at a high level and connect how they meet your client’s requirements. By summarizing how your proposal addresses the client’s specific challenges or needs, you can instantly resonate with them, emphasizing that your solution is tailored to their situation.

Offer 

Continuing to the offer, this is where you should further explain how you can provide a personalized solution. Clarify to the client the unique value your solution brings to solve their problem. 

Having captured your potential client’s interest, you now have to focus on keeping it. Achieve this by highlighting the clear benefits that directly compellingly address their challenges, making it easy to understand. 

While you’ll be mentioning how your work will benefit the prospect, you should also explain what they will win from choosing to work with you. 

Here are some tips on how you can accomplish this: 

• Select the three to five primary attributes of your solution 
• Explain their advantages for your client in a concise statement 
• Be straightforward– This is what we provide. This is how it solves your issue 

References 

In situations where multiple firms submit proposals, having strong and relevant references can set you apart from competitors. It offers an added layer of reassurance to prospective clients about your experience and competence. Essentially, relevant references help the client understand why they should choose you over others. 

References also show the prospective client or partner that others have trusted you and that you’ve delivered results. By showcasing references from satisfied clients or partners, you demonstrate that you have been trusted in the past, which can solve any insecurity or concerns the potential client might have. 

Visuals 

Visuals aren’t a must for proposal cover letters. However, they can enhance its impact by emphasizing crucial information. If you have a designer on your team, you can incorporate graphics that highlight the key points of the letter. 

Some examples of what this might look like: 

• Highlighting a customer satisfaction quote in a different font to make it stand out 
• Using callout boxes to draw attention to your key value propositions (especially helpful for busy teams skimming the page) 
• Using the company letterhead
• Including the signature from a senior person at your company 

Conclusion 

Similar to introductions, many cover letters tend to focus more on the body content than the concluding paragraph. However, ending on a powerful note is as crucial as creating a compelling start. It’s recommended to conclude your cover letter by highlighting a significant benefit and the value your project will offer to the company. 

Additionally, when wrapping up your proposal cover letter, always encourage them to continue by reading the complete proposal.

How to Write a Proposal Cover Letter 

Now that you know the structure to follow on the proposal cover letter, it’s time to go into the details of how to write a proposal letter. 

Powerful First Sentence 

Starting with a powerful opening sentence can grab the reader’s attention immediately, encourage them to continue reading, and make your proposal stand out among the endless others they may have received. It’s beneficial to use impactful verbs and straightforward wording to ensure your initial sentence remains engaging and brief.  

Demonstrate You Understand the Problem 

In any proposal, it’s essential to demonstrate to your client that you understand the problem they’re facing. Highlight their goals and the reasons behind your collaboration. Present the company’s challenges in an easily comprehensible manner. Dedicate a section to focus on the company’s concerns, and later in the cover letter, you can introduce the proposed solutions. 

Offer to Discuss the Proposal Further 

Before ending your cover letter, you should stress your readiness to dive deeper into the proposal and address any questions or concerns the reader might have. Additionally, this serves as a chance for you to propose a face-to-face meeting with the potential client to further increase your chances of landing the project. 

Thank the Issuer for the Opportunity 

In the cover letter, you have the opportunity to express gratitude to the proposal’s recipients. Recognizing their participation in the process and expressing appreciation for the opportunity not only demonstrates courtesy but also signals to all reviewers that you’ve closely read the RFP guidelines. 

Persuasive Closing

After completing the structure and details of your proposal cover letter, end with a persuasive closing demonstrating your understanding of the next steps. Clients want to understand how you’ll assist them in achieving their objectives and the next steps for moving forward. This demonstrates to them that you can simplify the process by detailing the necessary steps to advance. 

As mentioned earlier, you’ll want to encourage the reader to read the entire proposal. However, you should also mention the opportunity to discuss the proposal further. Some examples of what this might look like include: 

• “We look forward to the opportunity to discuss our proposal further.” 
• “Once you’ve had an opportunity to review our proposal, please don’t hesitate to reach out and follow up with any questions.” 
• “Our team will be following up in a week for an update and see if there are any additional ways we can support your team. “

Signature 

Don’t forget to include a signature! But who signs it? Who signs the proposal cover letter varies based on different factors. The person who has the relationship with the client is in charge of the strategy, and probably carried out the research leading to the proposal is typically the one that should sign the proposal cover letter. 

However, it’s recommended that you have the proposal cover letter signed by the individual with the highest authorization level, ideally someone the client knows. 

Otherwise, you should consider having the executive director of your organization sign the cover letter and include their contact details for professionalism. People to consider for signing the proposal cover letter include: 

• Executive director 
• Account manager  
• Executive of executives 
• CEO (a strategy used by small firms or when the RFP represents a large portion of a responder’s annual revenue) 
• Someone with a senior title 

What Makes a Good Proposal Cover Letter?

So, now we know how to structure a proposal cover letter and how to write one, but how can we make it stand out? Here are some tips you should follow to craft a good proposal cover letter. 

Capture Reader’s Attention Early 

Within the framework of a proposal, the first paragraph is the best chance you have to catch your reader’s interest. This means the introduction is one of the most essential parts of your proposal cover letter. It’s crucial to catch the reader’s attention immediately, so think of an engaging way to introduce yourself and your company. You can do this by finding a way to relate to them or showing that you understand their needs. 

Mirror Clients’ Words and Phrases 

When writing a proposal cover letter, it’s essential to align your language with the client’s terminology to show that you understand their needs. Failing to do so might not only display a lack of alignment and agreement. 

Prioritize the Prospect 

A common mistake is making a proposal letter about yourself. Clients aren’t focused on your achievements or your professional journey. They want to understand how you’ll assist them in reaching their objectives. Therefore, the cover letter should focus on how you plan to help the client in reaching their objectives.

If you do want to mention special company achievements, make sure they are relevant to your client’s objectives and provide value. 

Get Straight to the Point

Keep it simple. Be clear and avoid any uncertainty. Being unclear can break trust quickly. So, gather all your information before writing, so you don’t sound unsure. Make sure what you write is accurate. You’re the expert. Write confidently and avoid wasting your client’s (or your) time by putting unnecessary information in your proposal cover letter. The goal is to have clients read to the conclusion and sign. 

Stand Out From the Competition

The proposal cover letter shows that you understand the client’s worries. It helps you be different from others and encourages clients to read your entire proposal. After reading the cover letter, they can then look at the more detailed parts.

Moreover, the proposal cover letter is your first chance to highlight your value proposition and what makes your offer unique compared to others. For the cover letter, you should focus on how you can distinguish yourself from competitors.  You don’t want to “sound” the same as the competition. 

RFP Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid 

Now that we’ve seen what makes a cover letter good, let’s take a look at what makes a cover letter bad. Here are the proposal cover letter mistakes to avoid. 

Repeating the Executive Summary 

Avoid repeating content from the executive summary within your proposal cover letter. Each document — the executive summary, proposal, and cover letter — should be separate. Repetitive information can damage the impact of your message and possibly bore or discourage the reader. 

Not Utilizing the Right Software 

When creating RFP responses, you need to manage digital assets while keeping everything accurate and up to date. With the right software, like a DAM system , you can store and manage all your project images, videos, and other media in one place. This makes it easy to find and incorporate the most relevant and impressive visuals into your RFP to make it more compelling.

With a DAM, you can quickly search, access, and integrate assets from the software directly into your RFP documents. This means that with the right DAM integrations for your industry, you can create documents in seconds with pre-designed templates. 

Additionally, a DAM helps ensure that all images and media used are in line with your brand guidelines and accessed by the right people. 

TIP: Want to know more ways a digital asset management (DAM) system can help you create RFP responses and win more clients? Read our Ultimate DAM Guide now. 

Not Reading the RFP Multiple Times

Overlooking details is the first challenge in the RFP response process. The data presented by the client within the RFP serves to guide and inform your proposal. Hence, it’s crucial to carefully review the RFP multiple times to ensure all essential elements are seen and there is no critical information missing. 

Moreover, if you don’t follow the client’s RFP guidelines, they’ll most likely ignore your response, and all your effort will be lost to those who did thoroughly read the RFP.

Not Understanding the Client’s Needs 

This might seem like a general mistake, but it’s a big one. If you don’t understand what the client wants, your whole response won’t matter. For this reason, you need to read the RFP carefully to know what the client looking for. Don’t send a proposal that’s missing details or doesn’t match what they need. 

Making the Length Too Long 

Your cover letter should always be one page unless you’re dealing with a long proposal of 100+ pages. If you do end up with a longer cover letter, it might be because you are including too much detail. Instead of describing every detail of your proposal (save that for the executive summary), focus on the top three aspects that will catch the reader’s attention. This will leave the reader wanting to know more, encouraging them to read the entire proposal.  

Proposal Cover Letter Examples 

It’s time to take a look at good proposal cover letter examples to help you further understand what is expected. 

Construction Proposal Letter Example 

Here is a construction RFP response cover letter example that works: 

Source: Examples   

Architecture RFP Cover Page Example

Here is an architecture RFP cover page example that works: 

Source: Utley Strategies 

Engineering Cover Letter for a Proposal 

Here is an engineering cover letter example that works: 

Free Cover Letter for Proposal Template 

Below, you can download a FREE proposal cover letter template made for the AEC industry from OpenAsset partner and proposal writing guru, Rachelle Ray. Just enter your name and email for immediate access.

AEC Cover Letter Template

Responding to an RFP? The downloadable RFP cover letter sample has the structure you need for a proposal cover letter that wins more clients. 

How to Create Quality Proposal Cover Letters Every Time 

Creating quality proposal cover letters every time isn’t an easy task. However, as the #1 DAM for AEC and Real Estate, OpenAsset can help you find, share, and use the digital assets you need to create high-quality AEC proposals quickly and easily. 

With dozens of integrations and useful features, OpenAsset makes it easy to share and manage the heavy amounts of digital assets needed to create winning proposals . 

Get your free downloadable proposal cover letter template today. And if you’d like to learn more about our DAM technology, you can reach out to one of our digital asset experts today to schedule a demo . 

Get OpenAsset DAM Insights

How to Create Winning Proposals

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Writing an RFP Cover Letter

Writing an effective cover letter for RFP (Request for Proposal) is essential for standing out in a competitive bidding process. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to write an impactful RFP cover letter, along with a template to help you get started.

What is an RFP Cover Letter?

An RFP cover page is a formal document that accompanies your RFP response letter, serving as an introduction to your proposal. The bid cover letter provides a brief overview of your company, the services or products you offer, and your interest in the project. It’s an opportunity to make a positive first impression, set the tone for your proposal cover letter, and highlight your key qualifications and the benefits you bring to the table.

Why is an RFP Cover Letter Needed?

An RFP response cover letter is needed for several reasons:

• Reiterates Key Details: It reiterates important details from your RFP letter, including the company name and the specific service or product requested.
• States Your Intent: It clearly states that you are bidding for their contract by responding to the RFP.
• Demonstrates Qualification: It explains why your organization is qualified to respond to the RFP and how you meet the requirements.
• Highlights Benefits: It reveals the key benefits the client will experience while working with your business.
• Expresses Enthusiasm: It demonstrates your excitement for the potential partnership.

A cover letter for business proposal submissions serves similar purposes, ensuring that your bid stands out and addresses the client’s needs effectively.

What is the Difference Between an RFP Cover Letter and an Executive Summary?

While both the cover letter RFP and the executive summary serve to introduce your proposal, they differ in content and purpose:

• RFP Proposal Cover Letter: This is a formal letter that introduces your company and proposal. It sets the stage for the reader by providing context about who you are and why you are bidding. It’s more personal and tailored to the specific RFP.
• Executive Summary: This is a concise summary of the key points in your request for proposal letter. It provides an overview of your solution, highlighting how it meets the client’s needs, the benefits, and the unique value proposition. The executive summary is more detailed and focused on the content of your proposal.

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You may be wondering how to make your government cover letter for RFP stand out. Below are the five key points you want to cover in your letter:

• Address Your Letter to a Named Contact at the Organization: Personalize the cover letter for a proposal by addressing it to a specific individual.
• Introduction and Greeting: Start with a warm greeting and a brief introduction of your company.
• Summary of RFP Needs: Briefly summarize the client’s needs as outlined in the RFP response cover page.
• Your Business Qualifications and Unique Selling Point: Highlight your qualifications and what makes your business unique, referring to examples from the RFP cover letter template and RFP cover letter examples.
• A Closing Call to Action: End with a strong closing that encourages the client to contact you. This can be crucial for securing a cover bid or receiving an RFP acceptance letter.

By following this guide, you can ensure that your RFP cover letter for proposal is both professional and persuasive, increasing your chances of winning the contract. Whether you are writing a bid proposal cover letter for an RFP response, a construction bid cover letter, or a government RFP cover letter proposal, these tips will help you create a strong and effective cover letter for bid proposal that captures the attention of the client and sets you apart from the competition.

Writing an effective cover letter for RFP response is crucial in the competitive bidding process. By addressing the five key points—addressing a named contact, providing an introduction and greeting, summarizing the RFP needs, highlighting your qualifications and unique selling point, and including a closing call to action—you can create a compelling RFP cover letter that sets your proposal bid letter apart.

For guidance on how to write a cover letter for a business proposal, contact BSBCON . We offer RFP writing services to help you secure the contracts that drive your business forward.

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Word & Excel Templates

Printable word and excel templates.

Tender Submission Covering Letter

We submit tenders to those organizations that are in search of contractors or service providers. The tenders submitted by contractors let them know how much they are ready to charge and under what conditions they are willing to work.

Tender submission is a crucial process everyone has to go through to whoever wants to be in a new business agreement. These days, in addition to working on tenders, contractors are putting effort into writing covering letters also.

What is a tender submission cover letter?

It is a basic introductory letter that acts as a cover letter. The purpose of this letter is to give the introductory details regarding the bid document the contractor is going to submit.

Importance of the covering letter for tender submission:

Cover letters are not mandatory to write and no one asks you to write one while you are about to submit your bid. However, when a person writes the cover letter, it implies that he shows good manners and makes it easy for the companies to read their tenders.

Tender documents are generally very long as they contain a lot of information. Just as a person trying to buy a book cannot read a complete book and judge it by its cover, a bid document is also judged by the content provided in the cover letter. The use of the covering letter is an indication that the contractor values the time of the tender recipient and gives his best in an attempt to make his tender more readable and easy to understand.

What are some important components of the tender cover letter?

Some organizations cannot give individual attention to each and every bid document. Therefore, they completely rely on the cover letter. If they find anything worthy of their attention, they consider reading the entire tender document. So, it is important to be careful as to what you are including in this letter. Below are some major components of this letter:

Introductory information:

Every cover letter possesses an introductory part that gives the introduction of the bid document. After this section, the reader should be able to understand everything about the bid document you have submitted. Make sure that you give preference to the tender you are targeting.

Enlist the main elements of the document:

Since you are trying to cover the entire bid document in this one-page cover letter, make a list of main headings that you have included in your tender submission. This will make the reader know what you have focused on in your cover letter.

Give details of attachments:

Further, brief the reader about what you have attached with the letter and what was your purpose behind it. If you have attached the copy of the contract, inform him that you are optimistic that your bid will get approval, and therefore, you have attached the contract you are ready to sign. Also mention that it will be totally fine for you if your letter does not get the desired outcomes.

To write a compelling covering letter, there is a sample letter given below.

Sample letter:

Ref No. ___________

Name of the organization: Address:

Subject: Covering letter for tender submission

Dear Sir/Madam,

It is to notify you that we are submitting the document comprising our bid of the tender that you advertised on behalf of your organization. The tender number we are targeting is 23532.

Our tender document includes the following information:

• Notice soliciting tenders
• Bid of price
• Clauses of the agreement
• Letter of undertaking
• Bank guarantee

We acknowledge the fact that your organization holds all the right to reject our bids without giving any solid reason. We also accept that your company is not bound to accept a bid that is too low. We are ready to sign the contract with you in case you show a willingness to accept our bid and work with us. The draft of the contract is also attached to this letter.

We are hopeful that you will consider our bid. We assure you that our staff will show strong commitment towards the work it is committed to doing.

Looking forward to your kind response.

File: Word (.docx) & iPad Size 22 KB

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