7 Must-have Gifts for Bid and Proposal Management Professionals

A Light-Hearted Holiday Shopping Guide

Ah, the holidays! It’s a time of joy, cheer, and the eternal question: What on Earth do I get for a bid and proposal management professional? Fear not, intrepid shopper, for I have ventured into the treacherous world of gift-giving to bring you the ultimate guide.

1. A Clock That Only Counts Down

Let’s face it: bid and proposal managers live their lives by deadlines. Why not gift them a clock that only counts down? It’s like an advent calendar, but instead of chocolate, each day brings them closer to submission day. Just what they wanted, right?

2. Perpetually Full Coffee Cup or Diet Soda Glass

Bid and proposal managers and their coffee cups or diet soda glasses are like peanut butter and jelly—inseparable. Imagine their delight when they unwrap a perpetually full coffee cup or diet soda glass. Disclaimer: The cup or glass may not defy the laws of physics, but it’s the thought that counts!

3. A ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ Proposal Template

Every bid and proposal manager dreams of a template that writes itself. Why not gift them a ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ proposal template? “If you think the executive summary should be two pages, turn to page 15. If you prefer a more concise approach, turn to page 34.” It’s fun and interactive, and it might save them a few hours!

4. A Magic 8-Ball for Decision Making

Decisions, decisions. Should we bid on this project? Ask the Magic 8-Ball! “Signs point to yes,” it says. Ah, if only real-life decisions were this easy. But hey, it’s a fun way to lighten the mood in those tense team meetings.

5. Personalized Stress Ball—Shaped Like a Proposal Document

When the going gets tough, the tough get…squeezing? A stress ball shaped like a proposal document is a humorous nod to their daily grind and a handy tool for those nail-biting moments before hitting ‘submit.’

6. A Book of Excuses for Missed Deadlines

This gift’s a bit cheeky, but imagine the laughs when they unwrap a book titled “101 Excuses for Missed Deadlines.” From “My dog ate the RFP” to “I was abducted by aliens who needed help with their procurement process,” it’s sure to bring a smile.

7. Noise-Canceling Headphones—for Peaceful Proposal Writing

Sometimes, the best gift is the gift of silence. Noise-canceling headphones can be a lifesaver for those who must block out the world and focus on crafting that winning proposal.

Conclusion

Shopping for a bid and proposal management professional doesn’t have to be daunting. With a bit of creativity and a sense of humor, you can find the perfect gift to bring a smile to their face—and maybe make their job a little easier (or at least more enjoyable).

Happy holidays and happy shopping! May your gifts be on time and your proposals be winners!

By Brenda Crist, Vice President at Lohfeld Consulting Group, MPA, CPP APMP Fellow

Lohfeld Consulting Group has proven results specializing in helping companies create winning captures and proposals. As the premier capture and proposal services consulting firm focused exclusively on government markets, we provide expert assistance to government contractors in Capture Planning and Strategy, Proposal Management and Writing, Capture and Proposal Process and Infrastructure, and Training. In the last 3 years, we’ve supported over 550 proposals winning more than $170B for our clients—including the Top 10 government contractors. Lohfeld Consulting Group is your “go-to” capture and proposal source! Start winning by contacting us at www.lohfeldconsulting.com and join us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.