Proposal Writing Tips Ivan Page L.A.C.M.T.A. Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Proposal Writing Tips Ivan Page L.A.C.M.T.A. Executive Officer, Vendor/Contract Management November 8, 2018

Objectives Provide insight into Metro’s proposal evaluation process to help you develop a focused proposal. Insight to Metro Programs SBE Set-Aside Medium Size Program Keep Up with Metro Opportunities on our Vendor Portal: metro.business.net

BASICS Read the RFP: know its main objective and know the basis for award. Look for the minimum requirements: Small Business Goals & Programs Know the Proposal Format Requirements Take Advantage of a post award de-briefing

Know the Evaluation Criteria: BASICS – cont. Know the Evaluation Criteria: Relative importance of Criteria Stated in RFP Critical Elements Metro believes are most important – Which criteria allow you to distinguish your proposal from another – Generally the selected offeror will most likely deliver the best value to Metro

Basics – cont.. Submit your best proposal first Award without negotiations – Award based on original submittal Exceptions to the RFP/Contract requirements with good justification, proposed changes

DOs and DON’Ts Do Proof Read Your Proposal Spell Check and Check the Quality of Proposal Tailor proposal to Evaluation Criteria Follow format and page limitations Key Personnel must know the proposal Make sure the numbers work Minimize marketing hyperbole & props Answer who, what and HOW!! Be careful about “value added” personnel, ideas, methods or organizational concepts.

DOs and DON’Ts – cont. DBE/SBE Goal Make sure subcontractors are certified Team with qualified subcontractors Use DBE/SBE to enhance Consider JV opportunities with DBE/SBE

DOs and DON’Ts – cont. Don’t Use boilerplate Repeat Statement of Work or Services Clutter with marketing items Assume others have the inside track Assume you have the inside track Assume Evaluators know your firm or team Communicate with anyone but the CA Expect you can make up for inadequate proposals through oral presentations.

Evaluation Evaluation Team Responsibility You wonder how to differentiate yourselves the evaluators wonder how to differentiate between you. Assess the Capability of the Offerors Past Performance Technical Experience >Prime Contractor >Subcontractors >Proposed Personnel Understanding of the Work

Evaluation – Cont. Assess Price/Cost Factors Non A&E Procurements Establish Competitive Range Offerors with a reasonable chance of award Make a written recommendation to Source Selection Officers

Evaluation Diverse Evaluation Members: Project Team Members Other Metro Departments Other Agencies Consultants

FUTURE CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES Construction Management Support Services Division 20 Turnback Facility Highways Sound Wall Project Pkgs. 7, 10, 10A AMC/96th Street Station Quality Assurance Consultant Claims Management Support Services Engineering Support Services Emergency Security Operations Center Rail Operations/Bus Operations Centere A&E Services Long Range Transportation Plan Policy Support Services Construction Insurance Brokerage Services Insurance Brokerage Services Division 20 Portal Widening Turnback Construction Linked US Advance Utility Relocation

Proposal Writing Tips QUESTIONS