P3’s Top 10 To-Dos
Written by Rafif Jouejati.
Updated May 6, 2026.
Images have been generated using AI.
Deadline Crunch?
We’ve all been there. We’ve followed the proposal process to the letter. Our writers and editors have collaborated. The graphics match the content. We’re ready to produce the books for Red Team.
And then, CRAP! We notice typos and inconsistencies.
With an hour before Red Team, here are top 10 search/replace functions to make your proposal easier to read and evaluate:
Proposal Mistakes
The name of the client!
Too many people are guilty of copying and pasting content from previous proposals and forgetting to change the client name. If you’re bidding to DHS, make sure your content isn’t addressing USDA.
Program Manager versus Project Manager.
This is the kind of inconsistency that can get the proposal thrown out in an evaluation. And you don’t need any more grief from your Red Team reviewers.
Team [Client] versus [Client] Team.
See comment above.
Federal Government (not federal government)
If you’re using GPO and sticking to the old standard of making evaluators feel more important.
Single space after periods.
We see this one ALL the time!
Ensure that versus ensure.
Check your sentence structure.
Ensure versus assure and insure.
Check the meanings!
Over versus more than.
Whatever you do, do NOT run a global search/replace! Otherwise you might end up with words like Gmorethannment in your document.
Run spell check.
Pay particular attention to terms like “public services.” We’ve seen too many instances of “pubic services.” Ah, this one never stops being funny. One of the dangers of poor writing.
Reduce page view.
It helps you see where there are any bad page breaks or wonky graphics.
Writing Tips
Even with the tightest deadlines, a few smart tricks can save your proposal from last-minute errors—and make it far easier for evaluators to read and score. By taking the time to clean up inconsistencies, correct typos, and standardize formatting, you not only reduce stress but also give your proposal a professional edge that reviewers notice.
Don’t wait until the last hour — equip your team with these tools now and make every proposal cleaner, clearer, and more compelling.
Ready to take your proposals to the next level?
Learn how P3’s experienced team can help streamline your process, improve quality, and give your next submission a winning edge.
Further Reading:
A day in the life: How my proposal client drove me to distraction.
Communicate your win strategy.
Proposal coordination: What’s coordination got to do with it?
Why proposals fail: How to Uncover the Client’s Real Problem Before Writing the Proposal.