AI Proposal Platform: Responsive
Website: https://www.responsive.io
Target Audience: Mid-to-large AEC firms with complex, decentralized proposal needs
Best Use Case: Centralizing firm content and improving proposal collaboration at scale
Overview
Responsive is an AI-powered response management tool built to streamline the development of RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs. It focuses on enabling team collaboration, structuring firm knowledge, and accelerating proposal response times by leveraging AI.
Key Features
Response Outline
Responsive allows users to upload RFP documents directly into the platform. It then identifies key sections and generates draft responses for customization and refinement. This feature helps proposal teams quickly develop response frameworks. (Note: This may also support preliminary go/no-go assessments depending on use.)
Centralized Content Management
Responsive functions as a structured knowledge base tailored to firm-specific data. Its Content Library stores reusable content, such as question-and-answer pairs, documents, and other resources, in a secure and easily searchable format.
Content is organized using tags, custom fields, and collections, allowing marketing information and other assets to be filtered by department, sector, or office.
Team members can edit content directly, assign review cycles, and manage updates through built-in moderation workflows.
A dedicated dashboard tracks content status using metadata, including the last updated date, usage metrics, and review status. Overdue content is flagged (“Overdue on YYYY-MM-DD”), and pending reviews are marked (“Pending Review”).
External client content can be managed within the platform. Individual content records can be shared with collaborators, with permissions set for viewing, commenting, downloading, or editing. Clients cannot access the full Content Library—only what is shared with them.
Collaboration Tools
Responsive supports both internal and external collaboration:
Proposal managers can assign questions or sections to team members either individually or in bulk. Email notifications ensure timely updates.
External collaborators (e.g., clients or consultants) can be granted limited access as guest users. Their permissions can be customized, though they cannot access the broader content library.
A project dashboard offers real-time visibility into assignments, statuses, and overall progress. Automated reminders and overdue task flags help maintain momentum.
Templates and Branding
Responsive offers basic templates and in-platform formatting, though it is primarily built for content assembly rather than final layout or design. Most firms export content for refinement in external tools such as Adobe InDesign.
Export Options
Proposals are typically exported into Microsoft Word for further formatting and design. This enables teams to meet firm branding and visual standards using more robust design platforms.
Pricing
Annual License: $17,000 (1-year commitment required)
One-Time Setup Fee: $2,500
User count and license tiers: Not publicly disclosed
Onboarding & Trial
Responsive does not offer a free trial, but it does provide a 5-day proof-of-concept (POC) instance. The POC includes high-level training, a fully functional environment (excluding CRM connectors), and is populated with actual client data. A 60-minute kickoff call and structured sessions are included.
AEC Industry Considerations
Responsive is well-suited for mid-to-large AEC firms managing a high volume of decentralized or complex RFPs. It is especially effective for teams with dedicated marketing staff who can build and maintain structured content libraries. Once an initial outline is created by a senior marketer, coordinators or support staff can manage assignments and track progress, keeping the proposal on schedule.
Final Summary
Responsive delivers a comprehensive solution for AEC firms aiming to streamline proposal development, centralize content, and enhance collaboration. Its AI-driven tools and structured knowledge base provide significant value for firms facing frequent and intricate proposal cycles. Although it lacks advanced formatting features, it integrates well with external tools for final design and layout, making it a strong asset for content-driven proposal workflows.
