What’s a Compliance Matrix, Anyway?

Does anyone even bother with these any longer? I mean, let’s be honest, our clients usually find something on e-buy a week after it’s already been released. Then, it’s only 5 more days until it’s due. Sure, there may be an extension – but you can’t count on it. You can’t afford to waste time on a Compliance Matrix – or can you??

Although conventional wisdom tells us that most of these RFQs are wired, I’m not so sure. The truth is that Jim and I have won quite a few of these last minute wonders over the years and we dismiss them at our peril. The last one of these turned out to be a large single award contract for DOL and it’s tripled in size going into its second option year. We’re very glad we didn’t pass on this one – and so is our customer.

However, with such a tight deadline, some things have to be left out. I feel very strongly, though, that one of those things should never be a thorough Compliance Matrix. Let’s face it – you need it. Otherwise, you create more work for yourself as you stop and start, back and forth, checking and re-checking the requirements. You’re already late to the party. Instead of sprinting off to catch up with everyone else, take a day to get organized. Read the SOW/PWS as often as you need to. After reading it at least 3 times, sit down and create a Compliance Matrix. If you don’t know what to include, just Google it and you’ll find a ton of examples. Pick one and use it.

Believe me, come submission time, you’ll be glad you did.

Patricia Marin