You’ve found an RFP that looks promising. The deadline works, the budget is reasonable, and the cause matters to you. Then, you read the scope of work: it requires three different skill sets, and you have none of them.

Most people close the tab at this point.

If that sounds familiar, you’re missing out on the best part of contracting: collaboration.

There is a myth in the business world that says if you can’t fulfill 100% of the project scope yourself, you shouldn’t bother applying. Unfortunately, sticking with that mindset might leave money and opportunity on the table for you.

For RFPs, You’re a Project Manager, Not a Generalist

Organizations issuing RFPs aren’t always looking for a “do-it-all” freelancer. Most of the times, they are looking for a project lead. Someone who can assemble the right team to get the job done reliably, on time, and (whenever possible) under budget.

See an RFP that requires both UI/UX design and a financial audit, but you’re just a communications strategist? Don’t walk away. Reach out to that auditor colleague you’ve been dying to work with. If you trust their work, why not put in a bid together?

You aren’t “faking it.” You are project managing. You are taking the initiative to curate the right talent… Whether you are the one managing the final submission or contributing your expertise as a partner, that tactical leadership is exactly what hiring committees are looking for.

A Conversation Starter

Here is the secret most people miss: An RFP is not just a bid; it’s an audition.

Even if you don’t win the contract, the process forces you to present your methodology, your pricing, and your professional approach to a hiring committee. If your proposal is clear, realistic about costs, and demonstrates that you understand their pain points, you’ve put yourself on their radar.

I’ve lost plenty of bids, only to get the call six months later: “We didn’t pick you for that project, but we loved your proposal. Can you come in for a different one?” When you write a great proposal, you aren’t just bidding for one contract, you’re building a portfolio of interest. You’re auditioning for the ones you haven’t even seen yet. That’s the real game: every bid is also a professional conversation. You’re essentially proving:

• That you can manage risk. You’ve anticipated the hurdles before they happen.

• That you are transparent about costs. You aren’t low-balling to win; you’re pricing for sustainable quality.

• That you are reliable. You’ve treated the RFP with the seriousness it deserves.

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Practical Tips for Your First Collaborative Partnership

• Network of Practice: Start a list of freelancers or firms whose work you admire and trust. When you see an RFP that’s “too big,” call them.

• Know Who Leads: Before you start writing, be honest about who is in the best position to manage the bid. Sometimes it’s the person whose expertise is the project’s primary focus; other times, it’s the person with the strongest existing relationship with the hiring committee. You aren’t picking a “boss.” You’re picking the person best suited to land the win.

• Be Honest in the Proposal: You don’t need to hide your collaborators. Highlight them! A team of three experts often looks more stable and reliable to a hiring committee than one person claiming to be a miracle worker.

The Bottom Line

RFP responses aren’t just about winning a single contract; they’re a long-term business development strategy. You don’t need to be a ‘Jack of all trades’ to land a major bid. You just need to be the one who knows how to assemble the right team and present a solution that actually works.

Questions about building your first contracting team? Drop them in the comments!