Compliance Matrix
What is the Compliance Matrix?
The Compliance Matrix is a centralized workspace where all solicitation requirements are captured, categorized, and tracked through the proposal lifecycle.
With AI-powered generation, NextStage can:
Extract requirements directly from RFP and PWS documents
Identify key instructions, SOW elements, and evaluation criteria
Organize requirements into a structured, actionable matrix, each linked back to its source clause
How is the Compliance Matrix Generated?
The Compliance Matrix is generated automatically as the first item NextStage AI builds as part of the Kickoff Package workflow. If your opportunity's documents were already in NextStage through an integration (eBuy, GovWin, SAM.gov, etc.) or you uploaded them during the Kickoff Package document review step, your Compliance Matrix is generated automatically as part of that sequence.
Once it's generated:
Review the extracted requirements
Validate accuracy and completeness
Adjust categorization and actions as needed
Check the matrix as Reviewed to move on to the next item in Kickoff Package
Understanding the Compliance Matrix
After generation, your matrix will populate with structured requirement entries. Requirements can be viewed as a Table or as a Document, and the full matrix can be exported to XLSX.
Key Fields Explained
ID Unique identifier for each requirement (for tracking and reference)
Requirement Extracted text from the solicitation
Type Categorizes the requirement (e.g., SOW, Special Clauses, Instruction, Evaluation)
Action Indicates how the requirement should be handled Example: Address in Proposal, Post-Award Obligation, Price It, Review Only
Eval Requirements Flags evaluation-related criteria when applicable
Section Links back to the original document section
Managing Your Compliance Matrix
You can refine and manage your matrix using the available tools:
Viewing the Matrix Choose Table or Document view at the top of the page. Table view shows all requirements in a sortable list; Document view shows requirements in the context of the source document.
Filtering and Search
Use the search bar to locate specific requirements by requirement text, ID, or section
Use Filters to narrow by Type, Action, or Document Source
Reset filters as needed
Adding a Requirement Click Add Requirement to open the Add Requirement window and manually include an item not captured by AI. Fields include:
Document (required): the source document the requirement comes from
Type: e.g., SOW, Special Clauses, Instruction, Evaluation
Section Title, Section Path (e.g., A, B.1, C.2.3), and Subsection Heading
Action Required: how the requirement should be handled
Requirement (required): a summary of the requirement text
Eval Requirements: link related requirements that evaluate this one
Sources: add the exact source text and page number so it highlights correctly in the PDF preview. The source page number always starts at 1, which may not match the page number printed in the document itself
Click Save Requirement to add it to the matrix.
Editing or Deleting Requirements Check the box next to the row (or rows) you want to change, then:
Click Delete (red button, top right) to remove the selected requirement(s)
Click Edit to open the Bulk Edit window. Only the fields you modify are updated, unchanged fields are left as-is. Update Type, Section Path, Section Title, Subsection Heading, Action Required, or Eval Requirements as needed, then click Update [n] Requirement(s) to save. The window closes and the matrix reflects your changes.
Marking as Reviewed Once you've validated the matrix, check it as Reviewed. If you're working through Kickoff Package, this is what allows you to move on to the next item using the left navigation menu
Exporting
Export the matrix to Excel using Export XLSX for offline use or reviews
Best Practices
Upload clean, final versions of your RFP and PWS documents
Include all relevant sections (Instructions, SOW, Evaluation Criteria)
Review and validate AI-extracted requirements before starting proposal development
Use the Action field to drive assignments and workflow
Common Questions
Can I edit the matrix after generation? Yes. All fields can be updated to align with your capture and proposal strategy.
What if something is missing? You can manually add requirements at any time using the Add Requirement button.
Have a question not answered here? Use the chat bubble in the lower right corner of NextStage or email hello@nextstage.ai.