I am looking to find software to facilitate/automate proposal writing.
My company provides business and marketing consulting services.
Currently we write all our proposals in MS Word 2003.  The proposals
are 80% written from scratch and are very time consuming.  We have
written enough proposals that we could now benefit from some type of
software that will automate part of the process.  I have spent ~ 2
hours Googling proposal automation software and so far all I could
find are solutions that are either 1) too expensive (thousands of
dollars) and/or 2) too complicated to set up.

I am looking for someone to identify at least one, and ideally, more
than one, software package that meets the following specifications:

1. Runs on a desktop under Windows XP.
2. Integrates with Microsoft Office 2003.
3. Allows me to create my own custom templates for different page layouts/designs.
4. Has a library of different sections that I can edit.  For example,
let's me input two versions of my company's qualifications (one or
marketing consulting the other for general consulting) that I can then
select for each proposal.  Another example is letting me enter bios
for all my staff and then easily selecting which ones to include in
each proposal.
5. Automates some/most of the proposal writing process.
6. Costs less than $500 for a single user license.
7. Is software that I purchase (as opposed to s/w that is leased on an
annual basis).

Wish List Includes:
8. Ability to semi-automate project pricing by working with Excel or Access.
9. Ability to incorporate graphics and flash into proposal.
10. Includes proposal templates and suggestions on how to improve proposals.

Note: If you find "the perfect" s/w package I will also provide a tip.

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Clarification of Question by socal_19-ga on 21 Jul 2006 12:34 PDT

In your answer, please provide your opinion/analysis of the software
in terms of what it does, how well it meets my needs, and third-party
reviews you can find on it, etc.  I increased the price due to the
extra work.

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Request for Question Clarification by czh-ga on 01 Aug 2006 12:48 PDT

Hello socal_19-ga,

Since you've already done a lot of research please help us out by
giving us the results so we don't duplicate your efforts just to be
told, "I already knew that." I don't want to offend you, but this
happens a lot. So, please tell us which packages you've reviewed and
your conclusions for each. Thanks.

~ czh ~

Hi 

I currently work in proposal management for a very large computer
company.  Unfortunately I've never had the need to try or test any of
these software packages as we have our own.  I did do a little digging
around for you though and thought you may like to take a look at the
following:

http://desktop.proposalsmartz.com/?gclid=CPm1zIyEvIYCFSOYWAodElKkQQ

It seems to be a very 'visual' tool that should increase the wow
factor of your templates etc, is MS Word compatable and has a trial
period for 30 days for only $99.  The price does increase but is
dependant on the number of users you wish to give access to it. Here's
a list of a few of the features;

 	Multi-format proposals

	Add audio, video, Flash animations and graphics

	Attractive display themes and templates

	A range of slick, animated intros

	Add the personal touch with video feed

	Fast proposal creation


Also

http://www.villagesoft.com/Products%20Master/FastPlan%20Proposal%20and%20Marketing.htm

This one is a standard price of $99 and seems to me to be a little
more 'thourough' but maybe lacking in the presentation department.
Features include:

Store documents associated with each proposal and marketing plan in a
single FastPlan?.

The FastPlan? Wizard lets you choose a company logo for your company's
proposal and marketing plan documents.

Print or fax your proposal to your client at the touch of a button.
You can fax one or all of the documents at once.

Pre-formatted fax cover sheets and other documents give your proposal
documents a uniform look and feel.

Village Software's easy installation lets you jump right in and get started. 

Navigate easily through your entire collection of documents with a
click of a button.

The Quote automatically calculates totals and taxes. 

Choose the sections that you want to have in your FastPlan?. Village
Software's FastPlan? Wizard lets you select the sections you want to
use so you won't clutter your file with ones you don't.

If you prepare many proposals or marketing plans, this FastPlan? will
remember your business information. So, you'll only need to type it in
once. The next time you use the FastPlan?, the Wizard will
automatically fill it in again until you change it.


Given the industry you're in, I'd guess you'd be keen to make
interesting and attractive documents that stand out so I'd personally
suggest trying the first one for 30 days.

Hope this helps