1. 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 9, 2017

2. Objectives
Provide insight into Metro’s proposal evaluation process to help you develop a proposal focused on what the Evaluation Team needs to know and understand.
Insight to Metro Programs
Keep Up with Metro Opportunities on our Vendor Portal and register as a vendor for blasts: metro.business.net

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

4. 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

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

6. 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
Compare your budget investment with dedicated resources to propose
Key Personnel must know the proposal
Make sure the numbers work
Minimize marketing hyperbole & props
Answer who, what and HOW!!

7. 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

8. 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

9. DOs and DON’Ts – cont.
Expect you can make up for inadequate proposals through oral presentations.
Concentrate on less than all sections of the proposal in response to the RFP.
Be careful about “value added” personnel, ideas, methods or organizational concepts.

10. 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

11. 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

12. Evaluation Evaluation Members: Project Team Members
Other Metro Departments
Other Agencies
Consultants

13. FUTURE CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES
Construction Management Support Services
Division 20 Turnback Facility
Linked US
Willow Brook/Rosa Park Station
Rosecran/Marquardt Grade Separation
Soundwall 10
Testing Labs
Quality Assurance Consultant
Engineering Support Services Systems
Prelimidary Engieering and Design Services During Construciton for East San Fernando Valley Transit
Link Union Station Design Support Services

14. Proposal Writing Tips
QUESTIONS