Using comparable documents to plan your response

One of the most practical uses of InstantMarkets' historical data is finding past solicitation documents — RFP packets, scopes of work, evaluation criteria — from similar opportunities. These give you a template for what agencies in your category typically expect.

Why comparable documents matter

Every agency writes its solicitations differently, but agencies in the same sector and category tend to ask for similar things. Reading past RFP documents tells you:

• What sections and formats are expected in a response
• What evaluation criteria the agency uses (and how heavily each is weighted)
• What certifications, insurance levels, or registrations are typically required
• What the typical contract term looks like
• Red flags or unusual requirements to anticipate

Finding comparable documents

By keyword and status

1. Run a search for your category (e.g., "janitorial services" or "cybersecurity assessment").
2. Set the Status filter to Closed or All to surface past solicitations.
3. Open listings that look relevant and click View source to access the original agency portal, where documents are typically downloadable.

By agency

If you're responding to an agency you've worked with or researched before, look up their past solicitations directly:

1. Go to Agencies and find the agency.
2. Click the History tab to see their past solicitations.
3. Open relevant listings and download documents from the source portal.

By NAICS code

Filter by your NAICS code with status set to Closed to find category-specific past solicitations across many agencies.

What to look for in comparable documents

• Scope of work structure — how detailed, what deliverables, what timelines
• Pricing format — unit pricing, hourly rates, lump sum, or cost-plus
• Evaluation criteria — technical approach, past performance, price weighting
• Mandatory requirements — certifications, references, bonding, insurance minimums
• Submission format — page limits, required sections, file format

A note on using past documents

Comparable documents are a research tool — not a template to copy. Each agency's solicitation is unique, and submitting a response that doesn't address the specific requirements of the current RFP is a common reason for disqualification. Use historical documents to inform your approach, then tailor your response to the current solicitation.