1. Day 1 November 6, 2006 Bren School of Environmental Science and Management Kate Kokosinski

2.  Proposal Writer – Clipper Windpower Development  Writing Consultant – Bren Writing Center (now Bren Communications Center)

3.  Types of proposal prompts  Group exercise  Document preparation  Group exercise  Idea development

4.  Request for support to perform work  Includes: ◦ Why the work needs to be done ◦ What will be done ◦ How it will be done ◦ Why you specifically should do it ◦ How much it will cost

5. Known? Unknown? Needs to be known? How will you do it? Why you? Cost? Big picture?

6.  Funding proposals  Concept proposals

7. Funding agency:  issues RFP (request for proposals)  requests information in specific format  awards money to recipient to complete scope of work

8. Examples:  Fellowship prompts  RFP from federal government or utilities  RFI (request for information)  Conference funding request

9.  Request for idea or concept  Reviewing body approves/endorses idea without necessarily providing funding

10. Examples:  Group project proposal

11.  Although examples structured differently, all typically request similar information  Sometimes convoluted  Pay attention to detail  Must address everything, including formatting

12.  Split into groups of five  Read prompt and use highlighters to identify elements you think are important Answer following questions: 1. What is your prompt requesting? 2. What are your first reactions after thumbing through the document? 3. Are expectations clearly outlined? 4. What are important elements/what did you highlight?

13.  Description of the program  What/whom does it exclude?  Available funds  Page length  Deadlines  Contacts/resources  Review and award criteria

14.  Now switch prompts with a group sitting next to you.  Take some time to read the new document and highlight important points. Answer the following questions: 1. What is the prompt requesting? 2. How is this prompt different from the first? 3. Are there any similar elements?

15.  Executive Summary  Who’s eligible  Background Information about Company  Project Descripton  Timeline/Project schedule  Budget/Budget justification  Organization’s Prior experience  Legal constraints  Deliverables  Rights  Contact Information  Methodology/Approach

16. Break

17.  Typically come to a point where all proposal elements are summarized  Important to familiarize with document – will refer back to RFP numerous times  Do background research – look up terms  When reviewing RFP, think about if you should respond

18.  If you decide to apply there may be some pre-proposal activities to complete ◦ Notice of Intent to Bid form ◦ Pre-bid conference ◦ RFI/pre-proposal submission

19.  Collaborative effort  Track down information from others  Need #s and data as supporting evidence  Time management  Set targets

20.  Make a checklist  When working with others make an action item chart  Create preliminary word document with placeholders

21. SectionDescriptionResponsible PartyDeadline 4.5Technical Proposal Form Kate11/9/09 4.6.1Ownership Arrangement Matt/Kate11/9/09 4.6.4Delivery of PowerJon/Kate11/9/09 4.6.5Environmental Compliance Plan Casey11/9/09 4.9Project ScheduleJon11/9/09 Submission of original and three hard copies with two electronic copies on CD-ROM Kate11/16/09

22.  Be aware of your audience!  Consider your reader’s needs  Provide appropriate background information

23.  Get into your same groups and think about the audience for your prompt.  If you have a laptop, feel free to research the organization. Answer the following questions: 1. Who is your audience? 2. What does the organization do/what is its #1 concern? 3. What types of questions would you ask when researching the organization? 4. How does this information help you write your response to the proposal?

24.  Do a quick internet search  Call the organization and talk to someone  Look at recent projects or programs the organization has initiated  Look at examples of projects that have recently been funded  Read its mission or vision statement  Read press materials

25.  Big picture – selling an idea or product  Evidence is key!  Assume the role of your reviewer  Address the problem  Issue-oriented

26. Fellowship application  Agency is concerned with conservation of critical habitat  Asks about future career goals Self: I would like to conduct field work with an environmental NGO, because I have always had a passion for the outdoors. Issue: I envision myself pursuing a position with an NGO similar to the Sierra Club, enacting change via local participation in habitat restoration projects like those undertaken in the Santa Ynez Valley.

27.  Understand what RFP is asking  Do research and audience analysis to set the stage  Get organized  Enlist others  Prepare document  Develop ideas

28.  Going to look at examples of effective proposals  Using what is known about organization/audience, writer constructed a convincing issue-oriented argument  Please read GP proposal RFP

29. Kate Kokosinski kkokosinski@bren.ucsb.edu