Preparing Well-Written Proposals

One of the most widely used forms of solicitation is the Request for Proposal (RFP). This form of solicitation is used for situations such as problem identification and resolution, project management including product replacement or service improvement, or improving organizational effectiveness. The buyer has the need and the seller has the solution.

The response to an RFP is in the form of a Proposal. A Proposal needs to correctly interpret the RFP's requirements and expectations and in such a way that provides the buyer with the solution, qualifications and cost that is the most desirable and affordable.

This two-day course will focus on the preparation of Proposals from both the buyer's (owner) and seller's (proponent) perspective to ensure mutual understanding of each other's points of view and obligations.

Topics and the key benefits to attending this course will include:

• Understanding the RFP planning framework and solicitation process
• Reviewing and interpreting the RFP selection and evaluation criteria
• Establishing RFP clarity through well thought-out questions (e.g. pre-bid meeting)
• Establishing the proposal (project management) planning guideline and checklist based on the RFP Project requirements.
• Specifying the scope requirements using a project work breakdown structure
• Understanding and responding to the RFP selection criteria and evaluation process, and preparing for interviews and presentations
• Formulating a well-defined proposal / project scope (both preliminary and detailed)
• Establishing the project quality assurance and performance measurement process
• Identifying potential areas of project risk, possible impacts and response planning
• Illustrating the proposal response using planning charts and models
• Proposal submission formats and writing guidelines
• Cautions in proposal preparation and writing
• Understanding the importance of establishing a negotiation strategy
• Understanding typical contract terms and conditions and Statements of Work

This course will provide you with the practical knowledge to plan and prepare well-written Proposals. Participants will be given the opportunity to plan an actual Proposal situation, and what could be expected in a Proposal response through a series of exercises and discussions based on a typical RFP situation and case study. You will be given a comprehensive manual containing guidelines and checklists to assist in your Proposal planning and preparation, including language tips and formats for writing.

REGISTER for seminar in: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario