Development Proposal

[japes89]

Does anyone have any good recommendations where to start to start writing up proposals? I guess maybe I am looking for a template, somewhere to start as I have just started looking for outside contract work and un-beknownst to me, the feedback was / is amazing.
Can anyone help me starting out in the wonderful world of documentation?

Thanks

JP

 

[Scott24x7]

JP,
Go to google, or Yahoo, and do a couple of searches, for things like:

Methodology
Proposal Documenting
Project Managment Templates

Also, go do a search for this type of thing at your local book store, or search Amazon.com. There are VOLUMES of information available on this subject. I tried the ones above and got a ton of hits, most of which were pretty relevant.
Best Regards,
Scott

"Everything should be made as simple as possible, and no simpler."

 

[mmorancbt]

I follow a fairly standard approach:

Letter explaining following proposal;
- Thanks for opportunity;
- Listening to your concerns I can see x, y, and z is critical in this project
- The proposal is broken into the following sections;
1) Intro (state the problem/challenge);
2) Proposed solution (overview);
3) Scope of work (more detailed);
4) Assumptions (critical elements that define what client is responsible for/what you are responsible for);
5) Schedule & Fees
a) How change orders are handled;
b) Payment schedule
6) Authorization
a) client signature/date with clause
Client agrees to pay contractor/company x based on the payment schedule in section 5. Final payment is due x days after completion of Section 3 scope of work (or immediately upon completion);

A note about proposals. Guage the size of the project before taking extensive time to give a proposal. For small projects (you determine), do not create multiple page proposals. A simple 1 page letter estimate is adequate.

You don't want to spend 2 days creating a proposal for even 1 week of work. I use a rule. If the project is less than 1 month in duration, I give a 1 page letter with authorization.

Hope this is somewhat helpful. Matthew Moran
The I.T. Career Builder's Toolkit

http://www.cbtoolkit.com

 

[mickyjune26]

I was wondering the same thing, and I think the last post was really helpful. Thanks a lot Matthew!

-Micky

 

[greymatterindia]

Hi
I am srini and I am working with GreyMatterIndia Technologies Pvt.Ltd as Strategy Head. Proposal is a very sensitive document and it has to very Informative and sales oriented. The following sessions are part of any standard proposals.

A.Introduction
------- Introduction to both your firm and client firm

B Scope of the document
------- Briefly expain scope of the document

C Overview
------- Give an outline of proposal

D Understand
--------- Define your understanding about client requiremets. These are based on certain assumptions and RFP you have received from your client.

E Business Analysis
-------- Your analysis of client exsiting business process and business model

F Industry Analysis
-------- Depth Industry analysis to prove your industry knowledge

G -Enterprise Requirements

--- Elaboration of client requirements
H - Business Strategy

Technical Strategy
Technical Feasibility
Existing Infrastructure
Technology Risk

I- Proposed Solution
Overview
High Level Architecture
Tools and Technology
Design Methodology
Project Management
Project Organization Structure
Deliverable Matrix

J- Commercials
Estimation Methodology
High Level Estimation
Communication Plan
Terms and Conditions
From Client Side
From GMI
K -Credentials
L -Annexure

If you need more information, let me know.

Regards
srini

 

[kashyapshah]

Hi all,

I am agree with Matthew & Srini that its kind of sensitive document; which need good home work about the proposed solution and impressive presentation about the solution. well i have been doing the same, but u know what, at the end customer will seek for the bottom line that is MONEY, well the best way make it winning proposal is to add some ROI details for the proposed soulution, which will be very useful for the customer to decide further. In fact TCO will be again wonderful value addition...even you can provide some industry standard matrix collected by your organization or some other reputed org.

Regards,
Kashyap

 

[Practicalwisdom]

Hi greymatterindia
Ur suggestion was impressive. If u have any sample document on proposal, can u share with me at ask2791@indiatimes.com?

thanks
Ask

 

[greymatterindia]

Hi Ask..

Thankx for your response..I have already mailed you regarding your query..

I would advice you to have a look at

http://www.greymatterindia.com

also.

Regards
Srini
Grey Matter India Technologies Pvt.Ltd