Human-Level Problems: What AI Can and Can’t Do in Proposal Writing

By: Sean Williams

AI still can’t chop a tomato. Humans find chopping tomatoes easy.

Proposal writing presents similar challenges. Reading a tender, understanding its intent, and working out the optimal structure can all be sped up by AI, but perfecting a tender response is a human-level problem. AI can support the process, but AI alone will not write as well as an experienced human proposal writer using AI. 

At this stage of technological development, the most valuable role AI can play is as an accelerator. It helps humans work out the right approach faster, reducing the time spent on repetitive or manual tasks. This is augmented intelligence rather than artificial intelligence. Human-in-the-loop isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.

It’s important for teams to understand both the strengths and limitations of AI. While the technology can’t replace the creativity, strategic thinking, and contextual awareness that humans bring, it can remove the barriers that slow them down. Faster structuring. Stronger first drafts. More time to focus on crafting responses that resonate.

The future of proposal writing isn’t about replacing humans with AI. It’s about enabling humans to do their jobs faster, with more clarity and less pressure. And that’s good news — because the expertise and insight of proposal professionals remain at the heart of every winning response.