Slide #1 Writing Winning Proposals

Slide #2 Agenda  Overview  Writing Tips  Comments, Suggestions, Questions  Upcoming Seminars

Slide #3 Overview  Proposals are not all the same  Check guidelines, format, and page limitation  Review other proposals  Talk with other researchers

Slide #4 Overview  Target proposal to sponsor/audience  RMC – benefits to TxDOT  NCHRP – benefits to State DOTs  Target text to sponsor/audience

Slide #5 Proposal Preparation  Review RFP  Check for template or format  Assemble information about team members and agency  Schedule a team meeting if needed

Slide #6 Templates and Support  Templates for specific sponsors available on TTInet:   General proposal template on TTInet:   Facilities descriptions on TTI web:   COM and RDO offer support services

Slide #7 Develop Project Plan  Define the problem  Set your goals  Draft your project plan including timeframe  Break tasks into measurable steps  Construct evaluation steps and metrics  Specify deliverables – check RFP

Slide #8 A good proposal*…  Specifies uniqueness and strengths of your approach, your team, and your facilities  Describes your methodology clearly  Specifies reporting structure and deliverables  States scope and extent of work clearly  Doesn’t overpromise * Not an exhaustive list!

Slide #9 Standard Text Sections  Introduction  Problem definition and knowledge of field  Project work plan  Deliverables and Schedule  Agency and team member information

Slide #10 Write the Proposal  Match writing style to sponsor  Write persuasively and informatively  Use power-writing techniques  Don’t assume knowledge about TTI or the topic  Echo terminology of RFP, but be creative  Use targeted content and graphics effectively, as appropriate

Slide #11 Targeted Writing  Sell your expertise with a detailed, documented explanation of the problem  Include only relevant material (bios, project histories, agency boiler, facilities)  Be sure your content refers back to the problem and objectives in the RFP

Slide #12 Persuasive Writing  You must craft an “argument” and show that your solution will solve the problem.  Support propositions and generalizations with reasoning, facts, evidence, statistics, and appeals to authority, ethics, and emotion.  Show benefits of your approach by weaving positive words and phrases into your scope.

Slide #13 Informative Writing  Don’t assume reader familiarity with content  Present content in organized manner  Clearly differentiate fact from opinion or plans

Slide #14 Power Writing  Avoid long and complex sentences and paragraphs  Use active voice and action verbs to achieve a clear and concise style.  Break into sections with informative headings

Slide #15 Echo the RFP…  Match the style of writing  Use RFP terminology  Use corresponding numbering for corresponding sections … But Be Creative

Slide #16 Develop Team/Agency Information  Explain why you, the team, and the agency are the best choices to execute the project  Assemble bios, resumes, and project history for team members and agency as a whole

Slide #17 Assemble Proposal  Follow RFP organization unless a different organization is justified  Follow formatting requirements for sponsor and TTI  Include supplemental material if allowed

Slide #18 Personalize Your Proposal  Use graphics where they will communicate most effectively, if appropriate  Decide the appearance – upscale or low-key  Glitzier is not always better

Slide #19 Reread Proposal  Refine organization and writing  Ask another researcher to review  Use outside proofreader  Verify that you have stayed focused  Double check that proposal responds to all RFP topic requirements

Slide #20 Comments, Suggestions, Questions

Slide #21 Future Seminars  Literature Searches – February 13, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.  Writing Winning Proposals – February 20, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.  International Research – March 26, 12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m.  Research with a Customer Focus – April 10, 12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m.