Proposals: Write to Win

Knowing ahead of time what a proposal evaluator looks for will help increase the chance of writing a winning proposal. This chapter emphasizes in‐depth reading of an Request for Proposal (RFP), and outlines what a bid winner is required to do. In a research proposal people may have some leeway in their approaches to the problem, but only a meticulous study of the RFP will tell them just how much freedom they have. The chapter presents five suggestions for final format and comments on what is looked for during the technical evaluation. A good research proposal includes a proposed line of investigation, method of approach to the problem, recommended changes, logical work units, and estimated completion time. The criteria for evaluation certainly vary, but two broad categories cover much of the technical information of interest to evaluators: qualifications of the organization and the scientific/engineering approach.