Two-Step Proposal Writing Process
Step 1 - We will prepare a proposal template from the solicitation requirements. The template outlines how an ideal offeror would respond in a proposal. Then, via a telephone conversation, we will discuss solicitation requirements using the template to help you determine if your business is ready to submit a proposal. And, if so, we work with you to prepare a win strategy.
Step 2 - Write your proposal
MWH & Associates will prepare a proposal to meet the expectations and requirements of the U.S. Federal Government that is outlined in the solicitation. We will write your proposal to be concise, comprehensive, and meet the prime importance outlined by the Government in the solicitation. In addition, your proposal will be organized in accordance with the solicitation requirements. We rely on your team to provide us (usually obtained via interviews) with information on your approach to perform the Government's scope of work. We use the information you provide to prepare a proposal with clarity, accuracy, relevance, and completeness in all respects outlined in the solicitation without the Government needing additional explanation or information. To assist the Government’s review, your proposal will be confined to essential matters sufficient to define your offer and provide an adequate basis for evaluation. The Government will review your proposal for content only, not syntax. The US Government discourages unnecessarily elaborate proposals.
Is a Solicitation a Good Fit for My Business
- Check Small Business Set Aside Requirements to see if you can participate.
- Make sure there is enough time remaining to write the proposal. I always budget three weeks to gather the requirement information, write, review, and send the proposal.
- Review the mandatory requirements. These are the types of items I’ve seen previously.
-Contractor personnel must possess a SECRET or INTERIM SECRET
-Contractor must possess a current facility clearance through the Defense Security Services (DSS).
-Must have a local office.
-Must have local licenses and/or certifications.
- Review the award strategy: Usually either Best Value or Lowest Price Technically acceptable (LPTA). Sometimes LPTA solicitations leave the door open for those businesses without adequate past performance to participate in the proposal process.
- Review the scope of work to understand if you've done similar work in the past. This is know as past performance. t
-Has your company successfully perform this type of business recently?
-Will they allow your Key Personnel experience to count toward your business past performance?
- Will they allow you to use your subcontractors (or JV partners) experience for your past performance?
- Financial Resources Requirement- I ask my clients to perform a breakeven analysis know that it could be up to 90 days before you start getting paid. Ask yourself does my business have the cash on hand or credit to perform the contract?
- Finally I review the Key Personnel Requirements – Do you have (or access to) the personnel with the right experience to perform the work?
Helpful Information
Will your proposal be eliminated from the competition?
80% of the proposals the Government receives are not reviewed because they don't meet the minimum or mandatory solicitation requirements.
Who gets Preference?
Here is the US Government preference:
1. Specialty Small Business (8a (Socioeconomically), Veteran Owned Service Disabled, Hubzone)
2. Other Specialty Small Business (Women Owned, Economically Disadvantage Woman Owned, Veteran Owned)
3. Small Businesses
5. Large Business
Procurement Officer get rewards for awarding to small Business!