Be sure that you can provide the client’s needs as outlined in the RFP. For example, you need to be able to meet the proposed budget, timing requirements, and any other specifications that the client identifies. You may choose to submit a formal proposal without waiting for an RFP. If you believe some business could use your services, you may reach out to them on your own and submit your own formal proposal.
Find out if prior attempts were made to address the problem. If so, why did those attempts fail? Ask what criteria the client will use when evaluating a business proposal. Find out whether the company has any special concerns that you should address. Ask about the company’s operating policies. Your proposal should be consistent with these policies.
Your name Your company’s name The name of the person you are submitting the proposal to The date you submitted the proposal
For example, a proposal to provide legal services might begin with the following introduction: “We are aware of pending litigation that has been threatened regarding your company’s acquisition of XYZ Corp. We offer this proposal to provide the legal services that you need. ”
Prior attempts that have failed. Whether someone asked you to write the business proposal. How you became involved in the project or aware of the problem.
You can draft the business proposal first and then go through to identify any terms that might be unclear to the reader. Also define terms if you are using them in a unique way. For example, the term “fiscal year” can be defined in many ways, depending on the business.
For example, you might offer: “Acme Accounting specializes in Accounting and Payroll Services for growing small and mid-sized businesses. We can provide complete service in the following areas: ledger maintenance, inventory account balancing, year-end tax statements and summaries, and standard pay period check origination. ”
Provide evidence to justify your expected benefits. For example, if you have studies or industry data that support your proposal, you should include them. [9] X Research source
Highlight certain milestones. For example, if you propose to remodel a store, you should include your beginning date and finishing date, so the client will know when the store can reopen. [11] X Research source Include a warning that your timeline is an estimate and may depend on other factors that could be out of your control. For example, a proposal for a construction job could be delayed by having to obtain the necessary permits from the local government or by relying on a subcontractor.
start-up costs or initial set-up labor costs supply costs ongoing monthly charges maintenance costs
How much is paid on signing: “50% payment upon signing. ” Penalties or interests assessed for late payment: “A late fee of $50 will be assessed on any account past due. ” Your cancellation policies: “The contract may be cancelled for any reason with 90 days written notice. There are no pre-payment penalties. ”
Be careful not to exceed any client confidentiality agreements you may have with other clients. Nevertheless, you can describe your prior experience in general terms. For example, you could write, “Successfully provided Accounting and Payroll Services to 20 mid-sized businesses (25-100 employees) for the past five years. ”
If available, you should include resumes along with the business proposal. [14] X Research source
Including a list of sources allows the client to verify your information easily. Encourage the client to contact you with questions. Provide your website, in case the client would like to see more information about your business.
What topics interest you enough to research and write about? Is the topic important enough, and why? What problems or open academic questions will your research answer? How does your proposal build on research that has already been done? Can you accomplish the research in the time allotted?
Introduction Background and significance Literature review Research design and methods. Conclusion Citations
What is the main field of your research? What is the specific topic of study related to that problem? What methods will you be using to analyze the research problem? Why is this research worthwhile? What is its significance? Why would someone reviewing your proposal be interested in the results of your research?
The primary research problem. Explain the purpose of your study beyond the brief introduction you started with. The rationale of your proposed study. Explain why this project is worth doing. Anticipate and explain why anyone would care about the outcome of your research. The major issues or problems to be addressed by your research. Address the ways in which your proposal expands on previous assumptions and beliefs about the topic. Explain how you plan to conduct your research. Define the primary sources you will use and their contribution to your analysis. Focus your research. Provide the boundaries for your particular project. If there are related issues that you are specifically not addressing, explain what those are.
The specific tasks and steps you will undertake. With each step, include a description of the reason for it, and how that step will add to the research project as a whole. Comparisons to other prior research. If your academic review has found other, similar projects or research, you should discuss how your methods will differ. Explain why the difference is important, and what you intend to show by using your method.
Materials and budget. If you need financial support for your research, this is the section to include a budget. Provide a list of the materials that you will be using, and explain why they are critical to your work. If other, cheaper supplies are available, explain why you propose to use what you do. Be aware of any limitations that have been placed on any proposals. Acknowledge potential problems you anticipate. At the outset, you should consider difficulties that may arise. Address them here, and how you believe you will address them. Provide a timeline.
You might also review sample proposals used in your industry. Search the Internet for “proposal sample” and some details about your particular business field. You may also find business proposal templates online. Using one of these templates can make your proposal look professional. [24] X Research source
For example, you could write, “This business proposal has four parts. After this introduction, we offer the proposed solution, timetable, and an explanation of benefits in Part II. In Part III, we provide an itemized budget and a set of standard contract terms. Finally, in Part IV, we summarize our experience and confirm that our proposed solution is the correct course of conduct. ”
You also should review the RFP again, along with any relevant correspondence. Make sure your proposal contains everything that the client has requested that you address. Shorten the proposal, if necessary. Ideally, someone should be able to read your proposal in eight minutes. If it takes longer than that, then try to move as such material into an appendix.
