Strategies for Managerial Writing

1
Chapter 6 Formatting the Proposal
2
What Is a Proposal?

• Key Concept 6.1
• Formal proposals represent a major means of
  acquiring new and renewed business, internal
  support for ideas, and external financial support.

3
What Is a Proposal?

• Section Outline
• The Importance of Proposals
• Major Types of Proposals

4
Proposal Essentials

• Must address specified need
• Must demonstrate the ability to complete the
  proposed task
• Must articulate methods and procedures
• Must address accountability
• Must have budget
• Must clarify terms and conditions

5
The Sales Proposal

• Key Concept 6.2
• The sales proposal includes elements that are
  designed and intended to persuade a client to
  decide in favor of the proposed product or
  service commitment.

6
The Sales Proposal

• Section Outline
• The Critical Role of Needs Analysis
• The Elements of a Sales Proposal

7
Elements of the Sales Proposal

• 1. Title Page
• 2. Letter of Transmittal
• 3. Table of Contents
• 4. Executive Summary
• 5. Customers Objectives
• 6. Customers Present Operations and Equipment

8
Elements of the Sales Proposal (Continued)

• 7. Proposed System
• 8. Benefits of the Proposed Activity or Solution
• 9. Investment Required for the Proposed Activity
  or Solution (Budget)
• 10. Implementation and Training Schedule
• 11. Reference Page

9
Solicited and Unsolicited Proposals

• Key Concept 6.3
• Requests for proposals originate from a variety
  of sources, including both public and private
  sectors. They can be required for government
  contracts, foundation support, and for profit or
  nonprofit projects.

10
Solicited and Unsolicited Proposals

• Section Outline
• The RFP and the Solicited Proposal
• The Unsolicited Proposal
• Format for an Unsolicited Internal Proposal
• Grant Writing and Solicited Government and
  Foundation Proposals
• Format for a Proposal Seeking Foundation Support

11
The RFP Essentials

• Background Information (who is making the request
  and why)
• Instructions for Preparing Proposals and
  Submitting Completed Proposals
• Overview of the Current System

12
The RFP Essentials (Continued)

• Mandatory Vendor Requirements
• General Vendor Questions
• Specific System Requirements
• Information Technology System Requirements
• Exhibit

13
Essentials for Seeking Foundation Support

• Letter of Transmittal
• Cover Sheet
• Summary
• Background
• Goals What the Organization Hopes to Achieve

14
Essentials for Seeking Foundation Support (Cont)

• Procedures and Activities How the Organization
  Plans to Achieve Its Goals
• Evaluation How the Organization Will Know if It
  Succeeds
• Budget What this Project Will Cost
• Conclusion
• Appendixes