2026 Report
RFP Response
Trends & Benchmarks
1,500+ global companies
250,000+ RFPs
Billions in revenue
Our seventh annual report on the latest trends and benchmarks in response management, with insights from 1,500+ global participants
Don’t Just React to Industry Shifts—Lead Them
Get the definitive strategic report for response leaders. Audit your current performance, identify efficiency gaps, and align your team with the high-growth strategies of top performers.
Developed in collaboration with the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP).
Sneak Peek at What’s Inside This Year’s Report
It’s so much more than benchmarks. Here’s a glimpse of the insights guiding response teams, right now.
01
RFP Volume
Submissions increase to an average of 166 per year, as economic pressure mounts.
02
REVENUE & WIN RATES
RFPs are more critical to the bottom line—but they’re getting harder to win.
03
WRITING
Tension builds as teams balance increased RFP volume with higher quality standards.
04
TEAM CHALLENGES
Bandwidth becomes the #1 challenge for RFP teams for the first time, ever.
05
SOFTWARE & AI
See how response teams shifted from AI curiosity to deep integration in less than three years.
06
RESOURCING
Resourcing is still strong as RFP teams continue to hire—but not for all industries.
07
TOP PERFORMERS
Learn what sets top-performers apart and how you can get there, too.
Uncover Industry-Specific Insights
72% of Insurance Teams Say SMEs Are Their Top Challenge
Insurance industry response pros flagged working with SMEs as the hardest part of the RFP process.
13% in Financial Services Report Unmanageable Stress Levels
Financial Services teams are the most overwhelmed with the highest-reported stress levels.
At 229 RFPs Submitted per Year, Management Consulting Sets the Pace
Response teams in Management Consulting overtook Insurance—the longtime frontrunner—for the most annual submissions.
92% of Software Teams Now Use AI in Their RFP Process
Over the past year, Software response teams have led the way in AI adoption.
At 22 Hours, Advertising Leads With the Fastest Response Turnaround
Response pros in Media and Comms report the lowest time spent on individual proposals.
Featuring Commentary From Industry Experts
Ceri Mescall
Managing Director, Strategic Proposals Canada
Danica Nelson, CPSM
Proposal and Marketing Coordinator, WGM Group
Lauryn Hagel, CF APMP
RFP Manager, Ignite Reading
Lisa Puvar
Manager, Proposals, Global Law Firm
Tiffany Reyes, CF APMP
Senior Commercial Bid Manager, TaskUs
Vani Ungapen, CAE
CEO, APMP