Artificial intelligence (AI) is showing up everywhere. Proposal writing is no exception. From ChatGPT to Microsoft Copilot to specialized platforms that claim they can “write the proposal for you,” it feels like the whole process is being reimagined. But what does this really mean for RFPs and the people who write them?
Where AI Is Already Helping
AI is already proving useful in a few practical areas:
These things save time, no question. They free up proposal writers to spend less energy on busywork and more on strategy.
The Rise of AI-Driven Proposal Platforms
Lately, more platforms are advertising they can “write the proposal for you.” On the surface, that sounds appealing, just plug in your information, and out comes a polished response.
Here’s the reality:
For some organizations, these platforms can be a decent assistant when you’re dealing with boilerplate content. But they’re not a replacement for expertise. Evaluators can tell when a proposal feels automated, and that can hurt your chances more than help.
The Limits of AI in Proposals
Even the best AI tools hit a wall pretty quickly when it comes to proposals:
AI handles mechanics. Humans handle meaning.
The Future of AI in Proposal Writing
We’ll likely see more AI tools built directly into Microsoft and procurement platforms, plus industry-specific models (law, cybersecurity, healthcare). At the same time, I expect RFP issuers) will start asking vendors to disclose when AI is used, which will raise new questions about ethics and originality.Some government agencies are doing it already.
What This Means for Businesses
If you’re responding to RFPs, here’s the bottom line:
Conclusion
AI is definitely shaping the future of proposal writing. But it’s not replacing the human side of the work. The winning combination is AI for efficiency and human expertise for strategy and persuasion.
That’s the balance we aim for at NovaSel Strategy & Writing: using technology to take care of the mechanics so we can focus on what matters most — proposals that actually win.
