The official RFP manager that decides whether you win or lose from a pile of dozens of proposals, aptly described by some as ‘the final boss’ in the bid process is a ‘Contracting Officer.’ Network with them frequently and positively for your best chances at staying updated.
Contracting Officers (CO) have the ability to make the Federal government pay larger amounts than original budget amounts. There is usually one per contract. There is no win without this person being involved and is assigned to manage the RFP & sort through potential contractors to make a contract award.
Budgets provide COs with a specific monetary ceiling, allowing them to bind the governments to the limit. A CO can only bind the government up to the worth of the budget or ‘warrant’ (just their official word for budget or limit) listed in the latest contract issue.
As an interested party, you should regard the applicable CO as your most esteemed client for each contract you want. They have the authority to make official contract changes in coordination with the Federal Government. You most likely will only be able
to bid on contracts with their approval.