How should a writer prepare to write a response to an RFP?

What will be an ideal response?

Answer: With an RFP, the writer is writing a solicited proposal. This means that the audience has identified a need and is looking for multiple competitive proposals. Since the audience has already identified its need, the writer will not have to spend extra time grabbing their attention and convincing them that a need exists. Solicited proposals usually take the form of a report-style document or a formal, detailed letter that uses a direct organization because your audience is expecting to hear your main idea. The writer will need to prove that her idea is better than a competitor's, since proposals that respond to RFPs are always competitive. The RFP will outline the important criteria used for judging, so she should pay close attention to these, and think carefully about what her audience is really looking for.