A Request for Proposals (RFP) from the Minnesota Department of Commerce is a formal invitation to potential contractors or grantees to submit a proposal. General guidelines on how to prepare and submit a bid: Complete and include all required forms.For example, "Contractor must have worked on this building within last five years. Complete this form and return it with your bid or proposal. All bids must be complete, signed, and transmitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked with the bid number, subject matter, and opening date. This page provides access to the majority of standard templates related to contracting. Pre-letting (how to bid). Steps. Contract is attached for reference.