New Research Exposes AI Access Gap in Proposal Writing: 92% Want It, Just One-Third Have It
AutogenAI research shows a growing divide between frontline demand and leadership action
A new report from AutogenAI, a leader in AI proposal writing software, highlights a growing disconnect between proposal writers and business leaders. While 92% say AI would help them submit more RFPs and 95% believe it would improve win rates, only one in three (34%) currently have access. This reveals a critical gap between what proposal teams need to perform at their best and the willingness of leadership to invest in the right tools.
This shortfall comes at a time when proposal teams are already under strain. The research points to widespread, systematic challenges across the profession:
- 75% say RFPs have become more complex over the past three years
- 73% cite tight deadlines as a major challenge
- 52% rate the RFPs they respond to as ‘highly or extremely complex’
The research also revealed a fundamental inefficiency in how proposal teams spend their time. On average, each RFP response takes 87.4 hours, yet only 35% of that time goes into actual writing. The remaining two-thirds is consumed by understanding lengthy documents (30%) and checking compliance with criteria (35%).
This imbalance has clear business consequences. When highly skilled professionals are tied up in manual admin, their expertise in strategy, persuasion, and client engagement is underused. Over time, teams risk disengagement, while competitors with better tools stand to attract both the best talent and the best results.
Faced with these challenges, proposal teams are increasingly turning to AI to close this gap. For teams already using AI in their proposal process, the research shows an average 22% increase in win rates and a 30% reduction in the time spent on proposals. AutogenAI’s client data shows even greater results: one organization saw a 241% increase in win rates, while another generated $25 million in new revenue within nine months by nearly doubling its proposal submissions.
Raj Kaur Khaira, Co-founder & Deputy Global CEO at AutogenAI, said: “The research confirms what we’ve long heard in the field. Teams are still constrained by outdated tools and rigid workflows that drain time, energy and talent. What’s interesting is that proposal writers are telling us they want to take on more proposals and grow revenue. They understand the potential of AI and are ready to put it to work. Now it’s up to leaders to drive that change.”
The report highlights a widening gap between frontline demand and access to AI. Proposal teams are clear on the benefits: more RFPs submitted, and higher win rates achieved. Now it’s up to leadership to close the gap and provide the tools to succeed.
About the Research
AutogenAI commissioned this research of 511 professionals across construction & infrastructure, transportation & supply chain, professional & business services, energy & utilities, and technology & IT sectors. All participants are actively involved in proposal writing processes.
About AutogenAI
AutogenAI is the world’s leading proposal writing engine, helping companies write and manage more proposals that win. Developed by world-leading AI experts, validated by industry-defining proposal writers, and trusted by 200+ enterprise businesses, AutogenAI is the only AI solution proving profitable for those using it.
For more information, visit AutogenAI
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