1. (Arguing for Solutions) 2013, B. Maxey-Billings

2. TheRFP(Request for Proposal) Many proposals respond to an RFP(Request for Proposal)Such arequested proposal is called a solicitedproposal. If youre responding to a RFP, carefullyreview the details of the request. Provide all of the information specified inthe RFP. Also, adhere to any design, length, orformatting details included in the request. 3. Unsolicited ProposalsOf course, sometimes a proposalwriter has identified a problem onhis/her own.Such an unsolicited proposal mustfirst argue that the identifiedproblem exists, and then mustpropose an appropriate solution to it.For an unsolicited proposal, thewriter must determine the design,formatting, and other elements. 4. Every effective proposalperforms two commonfunctions:1. It identifies a problem.2. It argues for (proposes) a solution. 5. And, all effective proposals consider the reader. Remember that youre writing the proposal to a reader who mustapprove it. State the purpose clearly at the beginning of the proposal. Arrange information so the reader can find iteasily--a classical structure works well. Provide background information that yourreader may need in order to approve yourproposal. Make sure that the reader has all theinformation necessary to make a positivedecision. 6. Eight Steps toward a Strong Proposal1. For any solicited proposal,* follow the specific directions provided in the RFP.Use the format and sections the RFP specifies, and make sure you provide all ofthe requested information.* For the Proposal Assignment in ENG 3250, youre producing asolicited proposal in response to my RFP, and youlluse the example in your textbook as a model. 7. 2. In Plain English, define the problem and explain howyour proposed solution will help to remedy it.Assure your reader that you understand the problem and can solve iteffectively.NOTE: Every element of the proposal shouldaddress aspects of these two basic functions(that is, defining the problemand solving the problem). 8. 3. Assume that you must convince your reader that your proposed solution is the best. A proposal presents an argument. In it, you must argue to convince your reader of the two points mentioned earlier: Youve identified a valid and significantproblem. Youve determined an effective way to addressthe problem. To argue effectively, avoid overconfidence. Dont assume your reader will agree with you. Do your best to anticipate and address the readers possible concerns. 9. 4. Conduct any necessary background research.You can make a more convincing argument if youve investigated the issue.Provide the reader with examples, data, expert commentary, etc. thatyouve uncovered.Avoid arguing opinion. However, providing your reader with factualsupport can help you win the approval you seek for your proposal. 10. 5. Convince your reader that your solution willeffectively address the problem.To argue for the effectiveness of your proposed solution, include ananalysis of your plan and postulate about anticipated results.In other words, answer this question: What do you hope toaccomplish by addressing the problem in the way you propose? 11. 6. Argue that your proposal isfeasible.Provide timetables and deadlines to reassureyour reader that youve considered the time,budget, personnel, materials, and any othercomponents necessary to complete the project.Keep in mind that youre asking the reader toapprove your proposal and provide thenecessary support, so make sure you explainwhy your proposal is worth the investment. 12. 7. Prepare a polished finished proposal.The quality of your proposal presents an ethosappeal. You want it to say to your reader, Thiswriter pays attention to details and can be trustedto carry out the proposed plan.Thus, revise and proofread the content to make itas perfect as possible.Also, prepare an attractive and readable proposal.An attractive document helps make your argumentfor its approval. 13. 8. Include a clear, concise, and explicit Call to Action.After all, you cannot proceed with your plan until your reader approvesyour proposed project.Make sure you conclude your proposal with a CTA that asks for an approval of your proposed plan. CTA 14. After ApprovalOnce youve gained approval for your proposal, the realwork begins. So, make sure your proposal lays out a plan that you can actually carry out, and then stick with it.Good luck!