Chapter 11. Writing Proposals © 2013 by Bedford/St. Martin's

Resources for Writing Proposals personnel facilities equipment Chapter 11. Writing Proposals © 2013 by Bedford/St. Martin's 2 2

Chapter 11. Writing Proposals © 2013 by Bedford/St. Martin's Logistics : Chapter 11. Writing Proposals © 2013 by Bedford/St. Martin's 3 3

Respond to different needs: Solicited proposals are sent in response to an information for bid (IFB) or a request for proposal (RFP). Unsolicited proposals are submitted by a supplier who believes that the prospective customer has a need for goods or services. Chapter 11. Writing Proposals © 2013 by Bedford/St. Martin's 4 4

Chapter 11. Writing Proposals © 2013 by Bedford/St. Martin's Deliverables: Research: You are promising to perform research and then provide a report about it Goods and Services: You are offering to supply a tangible product, a service, or some combination of the two Chapter 11. Writing Proposals © 2013 by Bedford/St. Martin's 5 5

is a persuasive argument: A successful proposal is a persuasive argument: Show that you understand your readers’ needs. The most crucial element of your proposal is the definition of the problem or opportunity you are responding to. Show that you have know what you plan to do and that you are able to do it. Once you have shown that you understand what needs to be done and why, describe what you plan to do. Convince the reader that you can respond effectively to the situation. Show that you are a professional and that you are committed to fulfilling your promises. Demonstrate that you are the kind of person who is committed to delivering what you promise. Chapter 11. Writing Proposals © 2013 by Bedford/St. Martin's 6 6

for Writing Your Proposals: Suggestions for Writing Your Proposals: Understand what makes an argument persuasive. Budget enough time. Use simple graphics, with captions. Write short sentences, using common vocabulary. Proofread carefully regarding punctuation, spelling, and mechanics. Chapter 11. Writing Proposals © 2013 by Bedford/St. Martin's 7 7

The Structure of the Proposal Summary: The summary covers the major elements of the proposal but devotes only a few sentences to each. Define the problem in a sentence or two. Describe the proposed program. Provide a brief statement of your commitment. Chapter 11. Writing Proposals © 2013 by Bedford/St. Martin's 8 8

Chapter 11. Writing Proposals © 2013 by Bedford/St. Martin's Proposed Program: Called the plan of work, the proposed program explains what you want to do. Be specific. State how you will gather and analyze the data. Justify your claims. Unless you can show in your proposed program that you have done the research – and that the research indicates that the project is likely to succeed – the reader has no reason to authorize the project Chapter 11. Writing Proposals © 2013 by Bedford/St. Martin's 9 9

Chapter 11. Writing Proposals © 2013 by Bedford/St. Martin's Task Schedule: The task schedule is almost always drawn in one of three graphical formats: a table, bar chart [Gantt charts], or network diagram. Evaluative Techniques: An evaluation typically refers to any procedure used to determine whether the proposed program is effective and efficient. Quantitative evaluations – test of measureable quantities Qualitative evaluations – test of whether a proposed program is an improvement on what is currently being done Chapter 11. Writing Proposals © 2013 by Bedford/St. Martin's 10 10

Your Proposal Includes: purpose summary introduction proposed program or tasks qualifications resources/appendixes 11 11

Writing the Summary Answer these questions: What is the problem or opportunity? What is the proposed program? What are your qualifications or experience?

Writing the Introduction : Answer these questions: What is the problem or opportunity? What is the purpose of the proposal? What is the background of the problem/opportunity? What are your sources of information? What is the scope of the proposal? What is the organization of the proposal? What key terms will you use in the proposal? Does the description of the proposed program provide a clear, specific plan of action and justify the tasks you propose to perform? 13 13

Writing the Appendixes Do the appendixes include the relevant supporting materials, such as a task schedule, a description of evaluation techniques, and evidence of other successful work?

Evaluating completed work: quantitative evaluations qualitative evaluations formative evaluations summative evaluations Chapter 11. Writing Proposals © 2013 by Bedford/St. Martin's 15 15