Frequently Asked Questions

About

Proposal Services

Contract Vehicle Expertise

Orals Coaching + Presentation Support

Business Development + Capture

Marketing for Government Contractors

Training + Coaching

Results + Engagement

Reputation + Proof

About Summit Strategy

Who is Summit Strategy?

Summit Strategy is a win studio for growth-obsessed teams who want results in federal, SLED, and commercial markets. We help government contractors and B2B companies win more work by connecting business development, capture, proposal development, branding, marketing, and team training into one integrated growth system.

Organizations partner with Summit Strategy when they need a proven, modern, and strategic approach to GovCon growth, SLED contracting, and commercial B2B business development — not just proposal support.

What types of companies work with Summit Strategy?

We work with companies of all sizes, including:

Federal government contractors (8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone, small businesses, mid-sized firms, and large enterprises)

SLED contractors (state, local, and education markets)

Commercial B2B organizations selling professional services, IT, engineering, cybersecurity, construction, logistics, and more

Companies pursuing GSA MAS, OASIS+, IDIQs, GWACs, recompetes, and new market entry

Whether you’re scaling from $5M to $20M or optimizing a $200M growth engine, we help you position, pursue, and win more effectively.

What makes Summit Strategy different from other proposal or BD consultants?

Most consultants focus on a single activity like writing proposals or managing pipeline tools. Summit Strategy rebuilds the entire growth engine by integrating:

BD strategy + pipeline development

Capture planning + competitive positioning

Proposal management + compliant, compelling narratives

Branding, marketing, and strategic messaging

Sales enablement + team training

Our proprietary Summit Win System™ aligns your growth functions so your team can stop reacting to opportunities and start winning consistently with a unified, data-driven strategy.

Where is Summit Strategy based?

Summit Strategy is a fully remote U.S.-based consulting firm, supporting clients nationwide across all time zones. We regularly work with teams spanning federal agencies, state and local governments, and commercial markets.

How many clients has Summit Strategy supported?

We’ve supported 200+ companies across federal, SLED, and commercial B2B sectors, maintaining a world-class Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 87.5, far above industry averages.

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Clients consistently report improved BD performance, stronger capture strategies, and significantly higher proposal win rates.

Who is a good fit to work with Summit Strategy?

Summit Strategy is a strong fit for growth-minded companies of all sizes — from emerging small businesses to billion-dollar contractors — that want sharper strategy, better systems, and a more disciplined approach to BD, capture, proposals, and marketing.

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We’re a great fit if you:

Want clear strategy + repeatable systems instead of guesswork

Value honest feedback, fast iteration, and real accountability

Need surge support for high-visibility proposals, orals, or contract vehicles

Want expert help without the overhead of building a full internal growth team

Need support across federal, SLED, or commercial B2B markets

Have leadership buy-in and are ready to make measurable improvements

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Whether you need an ongoing partner or one highly strategic proposal done right, we meet you where you are and help you win.

**Who is not a good fit for Summit Strategy?**

We’re usually not the right fit if you’re looking for:

A proposal mill that cranks out low-quality bids at high volume

A low-cost writer to chase every RFP on SAM.gov

Fully outsourced, customer-facing BD reps doing cold outreach

A vendor who avoids candor or rubber-stamps bad pursuit decisions

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We partner best with organizations that want strategic, evaluator-aligned growth support — not quantity over quality.

Do you work with companies that are brand new to GovCon or SLED?

Yes. We regularly help new and early-stage companies enter federal and SLED markets the right way. That includes building your market entry strategy, clarifying your positioning, creating your first BD + capture processes, and guiding you through proposals and contract vehicles.

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That said, we’re not a low-cost starter shop.

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Successful market entry requires real strategy, strong messaging, and disciplined systems — and that requires a meaningful investment. We’re a great fit for new companies that:

Have budget set aside for professional guidance

Want to build it right the first time

Are committed to pursuing opportunities they can actually win

Are ready to follow a proven system rather than winging it

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We don’t take on pre-revenue firms looking for free coaching or ultra-low-budget support. We partner with new companies that are serious about building a real, competitive GovCon or SLED practice from day one.

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Does Summit Strategy use AI tools to support BD, capture, or proposals?

We use AI tools selectively and strategically to speed up research, synthesis, and first-draft thinking — but every client-facing deliverable is led, refined, and quality-checked by experienced humans. Your strategy, messaging, and proposals are never “just AI-generated.” AI is a helper, not the driver.

Proposal Services

Does Summit Strategy write federal, SLED, and commercial proposals?

Yes. Summit Strategy provides full-service proposal management and proposal writing for federal, SLED (state, local, education), and commercial opportunities.

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We develop compliant, compelling, evaluator-friendly proposals that reflect your strengths and align with the scoring criteria — whether you’re bidding to DoD, GSA, state agencies, or commercial enterprises.

What’s included in your proposal support services?

Our proposal services cover the entire lifecycle of an RFP, including:

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Proposal project management and schedule development

Proposal writing and narrative development

Editing, compliance checks, and quality control

Color team reviews (pink, red, gold)

Graphics and visual storytelling

Solutioning, messaging, and win theme development

Final submission preparation (technical + pricing coordination)

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We integrate proposal strategy with BD, capture, and marketing to ensure your submission is consistent, persuasive, and aligned with your growth goals.

Does Summit Strategy help with proposal reviews, audits, or rewrites?

Absolutely. Our proposal health check process provides end-to-end proposal audits for federal, SLED, and commercial bids. We evaluate compliance, narrative strength, scoring alignment, visuals, structure, and competitive positioning — then deliver a prioritized plan to elevate the proposal quickly.

How does Summit Strategy measure proposal success?

We focus on metrics that reflect true performance, not vanity stats.
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Our evaluation includes:

Downselect and finalist rates

Compliance accuracy

Strength-to-weakness ratio in narratives

Evaluator alignment and clarity

Client win rates

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We track proposal outcomes across federal, SLED, and commercial markets to continually strengthen your competitive position.

Does Summit Strategy write grants or non-B2G proposals?

Yes. We support government-aligned grant programs that operate more like competitive proposals, including:

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SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research)

STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer)

Select infrastructure-related grants tied to federal, state, and local agencies

Grants that require technical narratives, commercialization plans, compliance, and merit-based scoring

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These programs fit naturally within our expertise in government procurement, technical storytelling, and evaluator-focused strategy.

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We do not support philanthropic, nonprofit, or donor-funded grants, as those operate on a completely different model. Our focus is on government-driven, competitive grants that align with B2G growth.

Contract Vehicle Expertise

Can Summit Strategy help me get on a GSA Schedule (MAS)?

Yes. Summit Strategy provides end-to-end GSA MAS support, including readiness assessments, pricing strategy, narrative development, compliance checks, and full proposal preparation.

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We also support post-award success, helping you build a marketing and sales plan so your schedule actually generates revenue — not dust.

Do you support OASIS+, IDIQs, GWACs, and other contract vehicles?

Absolutely. We specialize in major federal contract vehicles, including:

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GSA OASIS+ (on-ramps, score optimization, documentation)

GSA MAS

NASA SEWP

MDA SHIELD

CIO-SP4 / recompete equivalents

Department-specific IDIQs and BPAs

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Our OASIS+ Trail Scan™ provides a detailed score analysis, competitiveness assessment, and a roadmap to strengthen your submission before you ever begin responding.

Can Summit Strategy help existing IDIQ or GWAC holders expand into new domains or recompete?

Yes. We help contractors:

Add new domains

Increase scoring for future on-ramps

Strengthen narratives and documentation

Audit past submissions to improve compliance + competitiveness

Prepare for recompetes with stronger solutioning + positioning

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Whether it’s OASIS+, MAS, SEWP, SHIELD, or agency-specific IDIQs, we ensure your next submission is stronger, cleaner, and more competitive.

What’s the benefit of hiring Summit Strategy for contract vehicles?

Summit Strategy has supported 200+ companies in pursuing federal and SLED contract vehicles. Our expertise spans:
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Self-scoring models

Past performance alignment

Pricing strategy and price-to-win considerations

Technical narrative development

Proposal management for multi-volume submissions

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We combine BD, capture, proposals, and marketing into one integrated approach so your submission isn’t just compliant — it’s strategically positioned to win.

Can Summit Strategy help with pricing strategy and price-to-win analysis?

Yes. We support clients with federal pricing strategy, price-to-win analysis, and pricing narratives for major bids and contract vehicles. We help you understand competitive ranges, structure labor categories and rates, and align your pricing approach with your technical solution and capture strategy. For small and mid-sized companies, we focus on practical, right-sized pricing support that fits tight timelines and real-world constraints.

Orals Coaching + Presentation Support

Does Summit Strategy provide orals coaching for federal proposals?

Yes. Summit Strategy delivers end-to-end orals coaching for federal, SLED, and commercial evaluations. We help your team understand the orals process, refine your messaging, and present with clarity, confidence, and evaluator alignment.

Most teams panic when they see “oral presentation required.” We make sure yours doesn’t.

What’s included in your orals coaching services?

Our orals support covers everything agencies expect — and everything most teams forget:

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Orals strategy + message mapping

Slide development + visual storytelling

Presenter coaching (structure, delivery, flow, transitions)

Mock sessions with real-time scoring + evaluator-style feedback

Scenario-based coaching (Q&A, technical walkthroughs, tech/code challenges)

Compliance reviews for orals-specific instructions

Team coordination + speaking roles

Dry runs + practice rounds to sharpen timing and narrative discipline

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We help your team present like a cohesive unit — not 5 SMEs reading slides at each other.

Do you offer virtual or in-person orals training?

Both. We run virtual orals coaching, live in-person sessions, or hybrid rehearsals depending on timing, team availability, and complexity of the evaluation.

We’ve never done orals before. Can Summit Strategy prepare us?

Absolutely. Many of our clients are first-time orals teams — and we train them to perform at a competitive level fast.

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We break down the process, teach your team how evaluators score, and make sure everyone understands what to say, what NOT to say, and how to deliver with confidence under pressure.

What types of orals does Summit Strategy support?

We coach teams for:

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Federal oral presentations

Technical demonstrations

Code/technical challenges

Scenario/problem-solving exercises

Staffing + management plan briefings

IT solution walkthroughs

Live task order orals under IDIQs/GWACs (GSA, DHS, DoD, etc.)

SLED orals (state + local procurement panels)

Commercial proposal presentations

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If it’s scored, timed, and makes your team sweat — we support it.

Business Development + Capture

What BD services does Summit Strategy offer?

Summit Strategy builds complete growth systems for companies across federal, SLED, and commercial B2B markets.

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Our business development services include:

Pipeline development + qualification

Go/no-go processes that eliminate wasted effort

Capture strategy + pre-RFP positioning

Customer account planning

Opportunity research + market analysis

BD workflow and CRM optimization

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We help your team stop chasing low-value leads and start pursuing opportunities that align with your strengths, capacity, and growth goals.

Do you provide fractional BD support?

Yes, but not in the traditional “outsourced BD” sense. Summit Strategy does not conduct direct customer outreach or act as an external sales rep.

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Instead, our fractional growth retainer gives you a senior-level team to build, optimize, and operationalize your entire growth system so your internal staff can execute BD more effectively.

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This includes:

Designing and optimizing your pipeline and pursuit process

Implementing go/no-go discipline so your team stops wasting time

Strengthening capture workflows, account planning, and positioning

Developing BD messaging, marketing alignment, and brand strategy

Creating templates, dashboards, and meeting structures that keep your team accountable

Coaching your BD, capture, and delivery staff to operate with clarity and consistency

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Think of it as the strategy, structure, and systems of a high-performing growth engine — without outsourcing the customer-facing BD work.

Can Summit Strategy help us expand from federal into SLED markets?

Yes. We help federal contractors diversify into SLED (state, local, and education) markets, including:

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Identifying high-fit SLED agencies and contract types

Adapting your messaging, positioning, and qualifications

Building SLED-focused pipelines and account plans

Supporting proposals and contract vehicle submissions at the state and local level

Can you help train my BD and capture team?

Absolutely. Our training programs equip teams to operate like a high-performing BD and capture function.

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We teach:

Capture planning

Pipeline strategy

Opportunity qualification

Pre-RFP customer engagement

Competitive positioning

BD meeting structure + discipline

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Training is customized to your team’s experience level, target markets, and revenue goals.

Does Summit Strategy help with customer account management?

Yes. We coach delivery leads, project managers, and technical SMEs to function as strategic growth partners, not just executors of work.

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This includes:

Relationship-building before the RFP

Identifying new opportunities inside current accounts

Positioning for recompetes

Strengthening client feedback loops

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Helping your team “own the account” leads to higher revenue, better client retention, and more natural pipeline growth.

What tools and platforms does Summit Strategy work with?

We regularly work inside client environments using tools such as:

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CRM: Salesforce, HubSpot, Deltek, Unanet, Microsoft Dynamics, Zoho, Pipedrive, NextStage

Proposal + knowledge tools: Visible Thread, Loopio, Responsive, SharePoint, Teams

Project + task management: Asana, ClickUp, Monday.com, Trello

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We adapt to your tech stack and, where needed, recommend improvements that better support BD, capture, and proposal workflows.

Marketing for Government Contractors

Does Summit Strategy provide branding and marketing services?

Yes. Summit Strategy helps federal, SLED, and commercial B2B companies build marketing and branding that actually supports business development — not just aesthetics.

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We clarify your message, strengthen your brand identity, and create marketing assets that resonate with government evaluators, industry partners, primes, teaming partners, and commercial buyers.

What marketing materials can you create?

We design strategic, government-ready marketing materials that support BD, capture, and proposals, including:

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Capability statements

Pitch decks + pipeline decks

Proposal templates + branded deliverables

Websites designed for government audiences

Case studies + past performance writeups

Brand messaging frameworks

Social media graphics + thought leadership assets

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Every asset is built to align with your BD, capture, proposal, and brand strategy through our integrated Summit Win System™.

How is marketing for government contractors different?

Marketing to government buyers requires a different approach than commercial B2C or traditional brand marketing.

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Government evaluators want:

Credibility over flashiness

Clarity over creativity

Proof points + performance history

Simple, compliant information hierarchy

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Our marketing approach blends strong strategic messaging, clean visuals, and GovCon-specific positioning to help you stand out in a sea of sameness. We ensure your brand supports your BD and proposal goals — not separate from them.

Training + Coaching

Does Summit Strategy offer proposal, BD, and capture training?

Yes. Summit Strategy delivers high-impact training programs that strengthen your team’s skills across business development, capture management, proposal development, presentation/orals coaching, and pursuit strategy.

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Our training is practical, customized, and built to help your team win more federal, SLED, and commercial opportunities.

What’s included in Summit Strategy’s training programs?

Our training curriculum includes:

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Capture strategy + pre-RFP positioning

Pipeline development + qualification

Proposal writing, narrative structure, and evaluator-focused storytelling

Compliance management + color team reviews

Presentation/orals coaching

BD process design + opportunity management

Client relationship-building for delivery teams

Team roles, workflows, and pursuit discipline

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We tailor every workshop to your industry, agency targets, contract vehicles, and internal team structure.

Do you offer virtual or in-person training?

Both. Summit Strategy offers:

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Virtual training workshops (Zoom, Teams, or client platforms)

In-person sessions for leadership teams, BD groups, project managers, and delivery staff

Hybrid training models for multi-location teams

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We design training that meets you where you are — whether your team is brand new to GovCon or ready to level up their advanced strategy and execution skills.

Results + Engagement

What results can I expect working with Summit Strategy?

Summit Strategy helps companies achieve measurable improvements across business development, capture, proposals, marketing, and overall growth operations.

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Clients typically see:

Stronger, more predictable pipelines

Clearer and more effective capture strategies

Higher-quality, evaluator-aligned proposals

Improved win rates

Better internal alignment between BD, delivery, and proposal teams

A growth engine that stops reacting and starts winning with intention

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Our integrated Summit Win System™ is designed to deliver as quickly as possible.

How quickly can we start?

Most clients can begin within 1–2 weeks. Common starting points include:

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GovReady Audit™ (growth system + positioning assessment)

BD Roadmap™ (pipeline, process, and capture overhaul)

OASIS+ Trail Scan™ or other contract vehicle readiness assessments

Proposal support projects for active bids

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We build an engagement plan that fits your timeline and growth goals.

What does the onboarding process look like?

Our onboarding process is streamlined, structured, and designed for fast traction:

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Discovery + goal alignment

Scope definition + engagement roadmap

Assignment of a dedicated BD, capture, or proposal manager

Access to our collaboration platform for full visibility

Kickoff session to align priorities, timelines, and responsibilities

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We ensure your leadership, BD, delivery, and proposal teams are all aligned before execution begins.

How does pricing work?

We offer hourly, fixed-fee, and retainer-based pricing depending on your needs. Common engagement models include:

Fractional growth retainer (BD, capture, proposal, marketing systems + support)

BD roadmap + growth strategy

Proposal development projects (federal, SLED, and commercial)

Contract vehicle support (GSA MAS, OASIS+, IDIQs, GWACs)

Training + workshops for BD, capture, proposals, and orals

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We tailor pricing to match the complexity, timeline, and scope of your pursuit.

Reputation + Proof

What results does Summit Strategy consistently deliver?

Summit Strategy has supported 200+ organizations across federal, SLED, and commercial markets, helping clients strengthen their BD systems, improve capture strategies, and elevate proposal quality.

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Our clients consistently report measurable improvements in:

Pipeline quality and opportunity qualification

Downselect rates and evaluator feedback

Proposal clarity, compliance, and competitiveness

Internal alignment between BD, capture, proposals, and delivery

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We also maintain a world-class Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 87.5, reflecting the trust our clients place in our work and the results they achieve using the Summit Win System™.

Has Summit Strategy won any awards?

Yes. Summit Strategy and our founder have been recognized nationally for excellence in government contracting, small-business growth, and leadership. Recent honors include:

Engage Federal Citizen Services 150 Honoree, OrangeSlices AI (2026)

Inc. Power Partner Award (2025)

Enterprising Women of the Year Award, Enterprising Women Magazine (2025)

Inc. Power Partner Award (2024)

Micro-Entrepreneur of the Year, SBA Orange County / Inland Empire District Office (2024)

Top 3 Finalist: Small Business Resource of the Year, National 8(a) Association (2024)

Loopio Partner Award (2023)

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These recognitions reflect Summit Strategy’s impact across federal, SLED, and commercial markets, and our commitment to helping companies build growth systems that win consistently.