Avoid These 7 Disqualifiers That Tank Great Proposals

Most teams lose points on writing. But many lose the whole bid on compliance. These are the silent killers—each one fixable with a tight pre-flight.

The 7 Silent DQs (and how to prevent them)

  1. Missed addendum acknowledgement
    Fix: Track addenda in a Forms Index and reference them in your cover letter.

  2. Wrong signatures / missing notarizations
    Fix: Map who signs, where, and ink vs. e-sign rules. Book notary time early.

  3. Out-of-bounds page limits
    Fix: Keep “vault” versions within limits and verify after final PDF export.

  4. Licenses/insurance don’t match the RFP language
    Fix: Get broker-provided endorsements with exact wording; attach ACORD + AI/waiver as required.

  5. Naming/order mismatches (tabs, filenames, USB structure)
    Fix: Mirror the RFP’s order exactly and use their naming conventions.

  6. Missed mandatory events (pre-bid/site visit)
    Fix: Calendar invites with backups and capture proof (sign-in photo/screenshot).

  7. Late or wrong delivery
    Fix: Courier with a 2-hour buffer, verify address and security, and get a hand-off receipt photo.


Free Download

Submission Compliance Checklist (XLSX)

What’s inside:

  • Pre-Flight: 20 must-pass checks with owners and evidence

  • Forms Index: Signature/notary map so nothing gets missed

  • File Packaging: Tab order + naming conventions and USB structure

  • Delivery Plan: Courier steps with buffers and proof


CTA: Pre-Flight Compliance Review

Want a second set of eyes before you submit? We’ll run your package through this checklist and fix the usual traps.
Reply “Pre-Flight” and I’ll send the intake.