My Journey with SourceIQ's AI RFP Matching System

In today's rapidly evolving tech landscape, innovation is not just a buzzword—it's a necessity. As the founder of SourceIQ , I've had the privilege of developing one of our platform's most groundbreaking features: an AI-powered Request for Proposal (RFP) matching system. This journey has been filled with both accolades and challenges, offering valuable lessons for fellow founders and companies navigating MVP demos, product-market fit, and customer feedback.

A Conference That Sparked Reflection

I hadn't planned to share this story, but a recent conference on AI and bias changed my mind. During a panel discussion, experts debated theoretical applications of AI for inclusion—concepts I had already tested in real-world scenarios.

During the Q&A, I introduced myself from the audience and described how SourceIQ's AI RFP matching tool integrates business automation while addressing biases in contracting. The response was mixed. One panelist immediately dismissed my work, suggesting I lacked the resources to develop such a model and should instead rely on existing AI solutions like ChatGPT or Copilot.

This assumption puzzled me. How could he know my resources? In reality, I had collaborated with nine UC San Diego students to build our initial model. Over two years, with the help of data analysts and computer science majors, we refined it into a fully operational system.

I later learned that the skepticism stemmed from frustration. The same organization had spent five years—and likely millions of dollars—attempting to develop a similar tool for internal procurement without success. This highlights a common issue: many companies struggle to implement AI solutions effectively. In fact, a recent survey revealed that 74% of companies find it challenging to achieve and scale value from AI initiatives, with around 70% of these challenges stemming from people- and process-related issues.

Boston Consulting Group

Innovation Isn’t About Resources—It’s About Perspective

This wasn't my first encounter with resistance. A large technology provider once rejected our platform, admitting they'd invested millions in an internal RFP reader without achieving our results. Their frustration wasn't solely about the financial investment—it was about how a smaller, resource-constrained company like mine had solved a problem they couldn't.

This led me to a key realization: many companies struggle with innovation because they build solutions exclusively for themselves. They focus on internal processes without considering scalability, interoperability, or inclusivity.

At SourceIQ, we adopted a different approach. From the outset, our RFP matching system was designed with all users in mind—not just our internal team. This mindset expanded our capacity for innovation, as we weren't confined by legacy processes or internal silos. Instead, we identified common threads across industries, regulatory requirements like HIPAA compliance, and real-world scenarios to ensure flexibility and scalability.

The Birth of the AI RFP Matching System

The idea for this feature emerged in 2022 after numerous research calls with organizations across various industries. I posed a simple yet powerful question: What can I create that truly differentiates SourceIQ?

That night, I envisioned the AI RFP matching tool—a feature that would not only complement our platform but also set us apart. The next morning, I began researching AI models, consulting with specialists, and watching educational videos. I hired an AI expert to help refine my vision and conducted additional interviews with executives to gather insights into their sourcing processes.

By incorporating data on biases in contracting, legal challenges, and stagnation in supplier programs, we infused meaningful insights into our model. The result? A system capable of matching RFPs with suppliers in a way that promotes inclusivity and efficiency while addressing the real-world challenges organizations face.

Collaboration Over Competition

The skepticism I've encountered has underscored an important lesson: the power of collaboration over competition. Many large companies struggle to innovate because they isolate their efforts, focusing solely on internal needs. In contrast, startups like mine thrive by building solutions designed to scale, integrate, and serve broader markets.

Innovation doesn't have to be a solitary endeavor. Companies can achieve more by partnering with startups at early stages, co-creating solutions, and becoming early adopters. This approach not only reduces the risk of being a late adopter but also positions companies as thought leaders in their industries.

Why Companies Should Rethink “Homegrown” Solutions

The reality is that companies often spend millions on homegrown solutions that are difficult to scale, don't integrate well with external systems, and quickly become outdated. While protecting data and maintaining control are valid concerns, modern approaches—such as microservices or cloud-based environments—allow for both security and scalability.

Instead of heavily investing in isolated internal tools, companies could collaborate with startups or adopt existing technologies purpose-built for broader market needs. Why reinvent the wheel when you can enhance and build upon what's already effective?

Key Takeaways for Founders and Companies

For Founders: Focus on building inclusive, scalable solutions that address real-world problems. Relentlessly gather feedback, but don't let skepticism deter you. Innovation thrives on resourcefulness and collaboration, not just substantial budgets.

For Companies: Assess whether your internal solutions are truly competitive and scalable. If they're not, consider partnering with startups or adopting external solutions that can seamlessly integrate with your systems. Innovation isn't solely about ROI—it's about staying ahead of the curve and creating value within your industry.

Final Thoughts

Reflecting on my journey with SourceIQ's AI RFP matching system, I've learned that innovation isn't just about resources—it's about perspective. By embracing collaboration, inclusivity, and thinking beyond internal constraints, we've achieved what others deemed impossible.

To fellow founders and companies: Don't let skepticism hold you back. Use it as motivation to refine your vision and demonstrate what's possible. Sometimes, the biggest barrier to progress is right in front of you. Break through it, and you'll unlock the true potential of innovation.