Grant Writing and Contract Proposal Writing Services
THERE ARE MANY ELEMENTS TO CRAFTING A STRONG PROPOSAL. THE PROBLEM FACED BY MOST ORGANIZATIONS, BIG AND SMALL, IS THAT FEW INDIVIDUALS HAVE THE TIME AND SKILLS NEEDED TO KEEP THE PROPOSAL ENGINE TURNING IN THE FACE OF ONGOING PROJECTS THAT ARE ALREADY FUNDED. THE KEY IS TO IDENTIFY THE CRITICAL TALENT NEEDED, AND THEN TO FIND A WAY TO GET IT ON BOARD, WHETHER IN-HOUSE OR VIA OUTSOURCING.
Government and non-government Grants and Contracts
Federal grants and contracts, particularly with a technical flavor, are a specialty. I can help you navigate those complex RFPs, RFAs, RFQs, RFIs (requests for-proposal/application/qualifications/information) and BAAs (broad agency announcements) to focus on the critical elements. More generally, Proposal Exponent is glad to support the following broad categories of proposal services:
- Project strategizing relative to solicitation
- Proposal outlining and task break down
- Proposal coordination / management
- Targeted original writing and graphics
- Proposal critique, editing, and review
In most cases, I prefer that prospective clients already have identified a specific grant or contract opportunity with full solicitation in-hand. It's also helpful if you have already completed your registrations (e.g. DUNS, CCR, ORCA, Grants.Gov, FedBizOpps, etc.) and are ready-to-go. But if you are not quite there, feel free to talk to me anyway.
Related Consulting Services
I especially enjoy niche specialty projects where it can be difficult to find outside help. For example, I can advise or develop a basic prospectus, white paper, proposal, or powerpoint presentation to:
- expedite technology transfer of intellectual property
- expand business development opportunities
- explore a business partnership, particularly with an academic or not-for-profit entity
- undertake a grant program to distribute funds competitively for some specified purpose
Under the right circumstances, I can pursue these roles in greater depth using my knowledge and experience to advocate and negotiate on behalf of my client.
How I work
Proposal Exponent is based in Seattle, WA. Most projects can be routinely handled remotely via frequent correspondence and exchange of files via e-mail and telephone. If you prefer that I work on-site, I am glad to accommodate, but costs will be higher owing to travel expense and time. This option may be particularly beneficial if the task is complex or if a long-term relationship is envisioned.
Because the needs of every client differ, pricing will depend on the nature of a specific project. You will find my rates are very reasonable. Needless to say, results for proposal submissions cannot be guaranteed, particularly in these ultra-competitive times. Nor is it realistic or ethical to base payment on success or as a percentage of dollar amounts requested (see PGSA for a nice article on this).
The best route is to consider your needs and get in touch with me. There’s no pressure – we're very friendly and helpful here in the Pacific Northwest!
Expertise/Themes
While there are many flavors of proposals, a significant proportion of grants and contracts flow to research and development in health care, science, and engineering. The federal acquisition system encompasses many products and services that are technical in nature. I will rarely substitute for the experts resident on your staff, but Proposal Exponent has a solid grasp of many technology areas and excels at packaging difficult concepts and propositions for specific audiences.
Some of my areas of familiarity are listed below. Please realize that a good proposal consultant or writer does not need to be versed in the subject matter of every proposal he or she touches – but sometimes, this can be a real asset!