XL Eagle Send us your price
Solicitations, proposals and contract management

Executive Summary

Executive Summary. The executive summary is a short opening section, often one or two pages, that tells evaluators what you offer and why you are the right choice. It highlights your understanding of the need, your approach and your most important strengths.

Some solicitations ask for one and set a page limit. Others do not mention it, and adding one may count against your page limit, so check Section L.

Why it matters to a small contractor

Evaluators are busy. A crisp summary that names the agency's problem, your solution and two or three proven strengths sets the tone for everything they read next. Keep it specific to this job, not a copy of your company brochure. XL Eagle writes complete proposals for $19.99 at xleagle.com/proposal-writing/.

Example

A security company's executive summary opens with the agency's need for 24/7 coverage at two gates, states that its local supervisor will be on site within 30 minutes of any call, and points to three similar contracts with excellent ratings.

Executive Summary: common questions

Is the executive summary scored?

Usually not on its own unless Section M says so, but it shapes the evaluator's first impression of the whole proposal.

Should it include price?

Not if it sits in the technical volume. Keep price in the price volume unless the instructions say otherwise.

Want the contract without the paperwork? Send XL Eagle your price on an open government job. We write and submit the bid under our registrations, free to you. Find open jobs →