Preparing International Proposals

The modern engineer has two key tasks: successfully completing projects and working to win the next one. In the past, a proposal may have been little more than a brief letter, accompanied by one or two CVs. Now, to tempt prospective clients, engineers have to submit a comprehensive document consisting of one hundred pages or more of text and calculations and offer an interesting package of skills at a competitive price. All UK and international proposals involve writing technical and financial proposals. The proper preparation and good presentation of a proposal will save money and greatly increase the chances of a successful outcome. This book is a practical step-by-step guide which will help practising engineers prepare and write successful proposals.In one handy guide it: describes the problems and best approach for preparing proposals, focusing on technical and financial proposals, technical staff CV's and project references outlines the preparation of a proposal, the best route map for getting there, and possible short cuts; explains the importance of intermediate sheets to help you get invited to write a proposal resubmitting letters of interest and pre-qualification documents; describes technical proposals, how to get ideas, what the documents should contain, and what you should and should not say; highlights the unexpected problems with document submission; illustrates the value of follow-up, regardless of the outcome of the proposal decision; and describes financial proposals - what should not be included, and how to simplify and standardise calculations. It defines technical references - project and staff descriptions, summary, short and long forms of each - and compares the expectations of a range of International Funding Institutions; and contains numerous checklists including a summary of the key factors to remember and potential pitfalls to watch out for when preparing and writing proposals.