Which guideline for developing the proposal outline is least likely to be followed?

The guideline regarding avoiding annotations on the proposal outline with response instructions is least likely to be followed because including such annotations helps organize the proposal effectively. Annotating the outline with clear response instructions provides direction for the proposal team, clarifies expectations for how each section should be addressed, and ensures that all relevant points are covered. This practice enhances communication among team members and aligns efforts toward a cohesive final proposal.

In contrast, preparing a top-level, topical outline that aligns with the customer's organizational priorities is a common practice, as it demonstrates an understanding of the customer’s needs and enhances the proposal's relevance. Allocating pages according to the relative importance of each topic is also frequently utilized to ensure that critical information receives appropriate emphasis, thus aligning with the customer's priorities. Extending the outline into a proposal responsibility matrix is a practical approach to managing contributions effectively among various team members, ensuring accountability and clarity in the proposal development process.