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2025-06-17 Federal Market Insights Episode 11 – Session Overview

WPI Podcast Episode 11 Summary 

Website Notes for Podcast June 17, 2025: “Why Aren’t You Picking Me?”

Governments might not choose a certain proposal for a variety of reasons, encompassing legal, practical, and ethical considerations.

Common reasons for rejection include:

· Lack of Alignment with Priorities: The proposal may not align with current priorities or funding agency’s mission.

· Legal Conflicts: A proposal might be rejected if it conflicts with existing laws, including the Constitution.

· Not Responsive: The proposal does not precisely answer the need at hand as described in the solicitation.

· Unwanted substitution: Vendor offers to supply products or services that are only “close” to the item requested, suggesting they are “just as good as” the request.

· Untested or unproven “upgraded” product or service that again, is not what was asked for, but promises to be superior in performance without providing adequate evidence. The government will not always agree to be a “test customer.”

· A word of hope though: the Sources Sought Notices in SAM are the place to offer the government your innovative solutions, because that is where they are seeking them!

· Flawed Methodology or Design: The proposal’s proposed approach may be deemed impractical, ineffective, or lacking measurable indicators of success.

· Insufficient Detail or Clarity: Proposals that are unclear, ambiguous, or lack sufficient detail about fiscal accountability may be rejected.

· Unrealistic Expectations or Objectives: A proposal may be rejected if it sets unrealistic goals or objectives that cannot be achieved within the allocated resources or timeframe.

· Lack of Fiscal Accountability: The applicant may not have demonstrated the ability to manage funds effectively.

· Competition and Existing Projects: The government might have already funded a similar project or deemed another proposal as a better use of their resources.

· Changing Priorities: Government priorities and interests evolve, and a proposal that was once relevant may no longer be a good fit.

· Disproportionate Influence: Concerns about potential undue influence from special interest groups lobbying for the proposal.

· Public Opinion or Resistance: Strong public opposition or concerns about the offeror, or proposal’s feasibility or unintended consequences.

In summary, a government’s decision to accept or reject a proposal is often based on a thorough evaluation of factors like:

· Alignment with Goals: Does the proposal support the government’s strategic goals and objectives?

· Effectiveness and Feasibility: Is the proposed solution practical, effective, and capable of achieving its objectives?

· Cost-Benefit Analysis: Does the potential benefit outweigh the cost of implementing the proposal?

· Legal and Ethical Considerations: Does the proposal adhere to all legal requirements and ethical guidelines?

· Public Interest: Does the proposal serve the best interests of the public?

· Potential Objections: Have potential objections been addressed and mitigated?

Ultimately, the government’s decision-making process for proposals aims to select options that are viable, beneficial to society, and align with their overarching policy objectives.

WPI offers no-cost review of proposals to our clients. You should be prepared to transmit the original solicitation and all associated attachments, as well as the proposal, your cover letter, and Capabilities Statement, and speak with our counselors to allow sufficient time for a review before the due date.

And plan to attend our upcoming Acquisition Hour webinars on “How to Analyze Federal Solicitations” on June 25, and “Writing a Winning Proposal,” July 9, both linked at our website, www.wispro.org . And the Government Opportunities Business Conferences this summer.