What does the option to "mark it in progress" signify for suppliers?

The option to "mark it in progress" signifies that the proposal is still being worked on by the supplier. This indicates to both the supplier and the event planner that the supplier is actively engaged in the proposal process, making updates, gathering necessary information, or preparing details to submit a comprehensive and competitive bid. This status helps in managing expectations, as it communicates that the supplier has not yet finalized their submission but is in the midst of completing the proposal.

In contrast, labeling a proposal as closed or submitted would imply that the supplier has completed their work on it and has formally presented the proposal. Not marking it in progress when that is the reality could mislead event planners about the supplier's engagement level.

Recognizing this status is vital for effective communication and planning during the sourcing process. Importantly, if a supplier indicates they are not interested in the RFP, they would typically not mark the proposal as in progress at all, as that would imply a commitment to continue working on it.