Technical Communication A Practical Approach Chapter 12: Proposals and White Papers William Sanborn Pfeiffer Kaye Adkins

Technical CommunicationA Practical Approach

Chapter 12: Proposals and White Papers

William Sanborn Pfeiffer

Kaye Adkins

Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth EditionW. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins

Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc., All Rights Reserved.2

Proposals and White Papers

Proposals Unsolicited Proposals Solicited Proposals Grant Proposals White Papers



Proposals

Guidelines for Proposals M-Global Proposals



Guidelines for Proposals

Plan Well Before You Write Make Text Visually Appealing Edit Carefully



M-Global Proposals

In-House Proposals Sales Proposals Grant Proposals



ABC Format for Unsolicited Proposals

Abstract Purpose of the Proposal Needs that exist in the current situation How the needs will be met Main advantage of your solution Overview of proposal sections to follow




Body Description of problem or project and its

significance Proposed solution or approach Personnel Schedule Costs




Conclusion Emphasize main benefit or feature of your

proposal Restate your interest in doing the work Indicate what should happen next Encourage your readers to contact you with

questions



Solicited Proposals

Title Page Letter/Memo of Transmittal Executive Summary Appendixes



ABC Format for Solicited Proposals

Abstract Purpose of proposal Reader’s main need Main features you offer, as well as related

benefits Overview of proposal sections to follow




Body Summary of current situation Background information and data Technical information Management information Cost information Appendices




Conclusion Benefits of accepting the proposal Unique qualifications of the proposing

organization



ABC Format for Grant Proposals

Abstract Statement of need Mission of your organization Explanation of how the proposed program will

meet the goals of the granting organization




Body Background information about your

organization Detailed explanations of the situation

Data Supporting research

Objectives to be used to evaluate the success of the proposed program




Body Importance of the proposal to the community How results will be shared (for research grants) Budget




Conclusion Summary of community needs to be met How community needs fit the organizations

goals Main reasons why your organization is best

suited to meet the community need



White Papers

Guidelines for White Papers ABC Format for White Papers



Guidelines for White Papers

Know Your Audience Include the Problem and Solution in the

Title Use Analogies and Metaphors to Explain

New Concepts Use Graphic Elements to Provide

Information Cite Sources Correctly



ABC Format for White Papers

Abstract Definition of the Problem

Body Historical/background overview to set stage for

new technology Evidence, data, and information from published

sources Criteria for solution Solution



ABC Format for White Papers

Body Brief mention of product or service (perhaps no mention

at all)

Conclusion Review of the problem Benefits of the solution Bibliography

Documents

Technical Communication A Practical Approach Chapter 12: Proposals and White Papers William Sanborn Pfeiffer Kaye Adkins