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 8, 2018

2. 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

3. 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

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 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
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.

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
Expect you can make up for inadequate proposals through oral presentations.

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. 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

13. Proposal Writing Tips
QUESTIONS