I've been asked many times what it takes to be good at public sector procurement, and there is no simple answer. I started in this industry nearly 30 years ago with a strong marketing focus and over the years while I have ventured away from proposal response management my background has always remained consistently within the wheelhouse of adding to my skills. I still feel like I am running with scissors most days, but I never fall down on the job.Detail-oriented - Ability to manage dozens upon dozens of requirements, often for more than one response at a time, all the while holding a keen eye on compliance because one missed detail can cause a disqualification. Mutli-tasking - There will rarely be a time when you do not need to switch directions, quickly, professionally and while maintaining separate response requirements in your head. It's important to take care of the quick little items as they roll across your desk because making notes or lists only adds up to a to-do list at the end of the day that will keep you in the office for hours.Time management - Deadlines are wonderful things when it comes to proposals, it can keep them on track throughout all the reviews. However, they are guidelines and there will always come a time when you have 300+ pages of content to format, proof, prep, and print with only a few hours. Learn to devise ways to keep yourself moving quickly, efficiently, and solidly through a document.Research-minded - I spent about 5 years doing research on businesses for a leading municipal-based professional newspaper. It taught me to be relentless, find a way around voicemail, and secretaries, and hone what I now refer to as - bidtracker skills.Technical Writing and Diagrams - This is a skill that doesn't come easily and depending upon the market you are working in - takes some work to hone your skills. It's the ability to take highly complex requirements and be able to understand them enough to present them in an easy to comprehend manner.