FAQ for a Proposal Submission

The following are some frequently asked questions regarding Open Solicitations in Symphony. 

Why can't I see a new solicitation?

There are multiple instances of Symphony available on different websites. Verify the link being used is the one provided in the solicitation/request for proposals (RFP). (See Signing in to Symphony for the available contract vehicles). 

Can the program office see the documents I post before submission? 

No, the program office team will only receive submitted proposals when the solicitation deadline is met. Up until the deadline, offerors may review and edit their proposals. 

How do I cancel a submission I started by mistake? How do I delete a submission?

Users can't undo a submission started in error, but the government will only receive proposals authorized users certify and submit. If users take no further action, a submission won't go anywhere and it can be considered a "draft." (See Submitting an Open Market Proposal).

How do I identify that my projects/past performances are in scope?

1. Use the My Company link to build the asset library and to add Projects/Past Performance.
     
2. Return to the Dashboard and Start a Submission.
     
3. Go to the Projects/Past Performance section.
     
4. Select Projects and use the Begin button under Performance Factors to add the scope details (see Figure 1).

The Submission displays the Solicitation Name on the top left and the Live Score on the top right.

Figure 1. Add Performance Factors to Projects/Past Performance in the proposal Submission for more points.

How do I add more tags to Symphony?

The Tag legend only applies to projects in My Company because these details are reusable (see Tagging Documents). Users enter the unique tags from thier documents after they "Begin" the Performance Factors for Projects in a Submission (see Figure 1).

How does Symphony calculate project points?

1. When users add Projects from My Company to a Submission, Symphony will start pulling the scoring elements from the project details. 
     
2. In a submission, users must "Begin" or "Modify" the Performance Factors that apply to the project for additional scoring elements (see Figure 1).

What does "location in file" mean?

The location can mean a keyword or be a brief description of where the information can be found in the document: page number, section, paragraph, etc.  A keyword becomes known as a tag (see Tagging Documents).

Who can submit the proposal?

The SAM POC administrator(s) or Open Market Proposal Manager(s) can submit proposal(s) (see Administration Basics). 

• The Dashboard will display the submission date and time, with the option to view the details of it. 
• If the details are viewed, these users can undo the submission, and make edits until the solicitation deadline.
• Users should carefully review and resubmit if changes are made. 
• Once the Solicitation deadline is met, all assets are saved and the program office will only receive submitted proposals.

How do I select more than one Proposal Manager?

Administrators can assign or unassign the role in the Administration link (see Figure 2). A proposal manager is not required to use Symphony (see Administration Basics). 

Figure 2. The Open Market Proposal Manager assignment in Administration

Need technical help? Contact us  

Users should be aware that the information on this website may not reflect the official positions of the Federal Government. The views and opinions expressed by agents of Apex Logic, Inc. are those of its employees and do not necessarily reflect those of the Federal Government or any of its officials. Guidelines and requirements provided by the Federal Government in the form of solicitations, amendments, modifications, or any other communications supersede any information provided by Apex Logic, Inc. If you have questions about this disclaimer, please contact us.