Creating Effective Proposals Proposal Writing -- General Rules C O N S U L T I N G

Proposal Writing A Quotation for All Writers IF I HAD MORE TIME, I WOULD HAVE WRITTEN A SHORTER LETTER.

C O N S U L T I N G Proposal Writing Winning Proposal Text u RFP Compliant u Direct and Concise u Client Specific u Geographic Slant u Specific Examples u Tells How and Why u Empathetic

C O N S U L T I N G Proposal Writing Guidelines and Tips to Get There

C O N S U L T I N G Proposal Writing Verify Your Writing Assignments Know the sections you are assigned to write Consult the Proposal Outline for deadlines and page constraints If confused, consult with Partner, Proposal Manager, or Proposal Coordinator Dont assume anything Be prompt with your sections - proposals depend on organization and punctuality

C O N S U L T I N G Proposal Writing Understanding RFP Compliance Read the RFP BEFORE you start writing Understand what is required in your section(s) Pay close attention to the RFP evaluation criteria Understand response format - verify if you are unsure If you have compliance concerns, talk to the Proposal Manager BEFORE you start writing Questions can be posed to the client that clarify the requirement Creative responses can be developed

C O N S U L T I N G Proposal Writing Writing RFP-Compliant Text Write for ease of evaluation Evaluator tends to look for RFP section number references, RFP wording Evaluator uses compliance checklists Write response format according to RFP Q/A format vs. standard format Then discuss how we will accomplish or exceed the requirement

C O N S U L T I N G Proposal Writing Compliance Example Requirement: Vendor will be responsible for system performance tuning. Non-Compliant: KPMG will conduct system performance tuning. Compliant: Using our proven OSIIG methodology, KPMG will conduct system performance tuning by completing the following tasks: –Set up model database environment –Load comparable volumes of data –Run the application repeatedly –Record and verify results

C O N S U L T I N G Proposal Writing What to do When Theres No RFP KPMG Partner/BDM/Sr. Manager should fill out an Opportunity Fact Sheet (OFS) Contains much of the information found in an RFP Becomes, in effect, the RFP for the proposal Refer to OFS for guidance/themes When in doubt, ask Proposal Manager Again, dont assume anything

C O N S U L T I N G Proposal Writing Preparing to Write Think before you write Fight the temptation to dig in Think some more Compose graphics first (represent visually) Helps organize ideas Obtain pre-formatted section template and style guide from Proposal Coordinator Ensures consistent headings, fonts, appearance Increases punctuality

C O N S U L T I N G Proposal Writing 10 Commandments for Superior Proposal Writing 1. Get your point across early – establish theme right away; spark the evaluators interest 2. Emphasize the customer – what is the customers gain in what were proposing? 3. Be specific – sell just a few ideas, and sell them hard 4. Write in a positive style – dont be defensive, negative, or apologetic 5. Speak the customers language – dont assume the evaluator knows your methods/approach

C O N S U L T I N G Proposal Writing 10 Commandments for Superior Proposal Writing 6. Be frank and direct – vague proposals confuse evaluators 7. Keep your writing terse – excessively long sections obscure the few good points 8. Use brief, active language – be conversational and straightforward, not formal 9. Make your organization obvious – follow the RFP titles; give evaluators every sign-post 10. Be original – if lifting, make sure text is tailored!

C O N S U L T I N G Proposal Writing Any Questions? Carl Rosenblatt BDST Manager, Public Services Tysons Tower