Media Room

By Ann Robertson | Harkcon's Proposal Coordinator

What is a B&P Operation? 

As a small business setting up a proper bid and proposal (B&P) shop is one of the things often overlooked due to limitations of funding and resources. Many individuals within a small business wear multiple business development (BD) hats to get their organization off the ground. Setting up a proper B&P shop can streamline the BD processes and is how new business is brought into an organization.

What is the primary function of the B&P? 

The B&P operation focuses on identifying new opportunities or contracts for your company and responding to Request for Proposals (RFPs) requirements released by the Government (federal, state, or local). 

Who leads it?

This is normally lead by a Director of Business Development or Business Development Manager and supported by a team of proposal writers and graphic designers. The purpose of the B&P operation is to continuously build a pipeline of potential opportunities a...

By Jen Emswiler | Harkcon's Program Control Analyst 

My stress is immediately reduced when I think about program control and what is does for our business. When something provides you the ability to track projects, reduce risk, increase accuracy and prevent error in your business all at once, how can you not be overjoyed and feel more at ease? This is what program control is all about. Program control is a set of operational practices that promote communication across departments while executing the operational functions of a business. Program control provides support through planning, tracking, analysis and reporting throughout the life cycle of a project. This is accomplished by implementing processes and linking departments together to ensure communication, accountability, and accuracy. It’s the left hand (operations) talking to the right hand (finance) and ensuring both departments are doing what compliments the other. 

You may think: this sounds good and all, but where...