LIFT Associates - SBIR Proposal Consultant
. . . specializing in SBIR proposal development
B&P Authorization Form
Controlling The Proposal Selection Process
Proposal Authorization Form
The development of a proposal, especially from scratch, is an expensive proposition in terms of time, money, opportunity cost and emotional energy. It is incumbent upon senior management to control the selection and submission of proposals. In companies experienced in contract research, it is not uncommon to assign a project number and budget to each approved proposal activity, the key word being approved. The form below has evolved over long experience into a useful tool for managing the proposal selection process.
Typically, the proposal manager fills out the form and submits it for management review. Often, this review culminates in an oral defense of the proposed opportunity. If approved, the cognizant manager(s) sign and date the form. The proposal manager then takes the signed form to the Finance Department for assignment of a B&P (bids and proposal) number and a budget.
B&P AUTHORIZATION FORM
(Use Addition Sheets as Needed)
Proposal Overview
Proposal Leader ____________________________________________________ Request Date __________
Opportunity __________________________________________________________ Due Date __________
Proposal Title __________________________________________________________ Amount __________
How many other proposals is the Proposal Leader responsible for in this time frame? ______________________
How much will it cost to prepare a "winning" proposal? ____________________________________________
Who will need to be involved? _______________________________________________________________
Management Plan
Who will be the PI? _______________________________________________________________________
Who will be designated Key Personnel? ________________________________________________________
Who will be designated Other Senior Staff? _____________________________________________________
Will subcontracts/consultants be used? _________ If so, who? ______________________________________
Agency Synergism
Have you talked to the TM? __________ What was the reaction? ___________________________________
What need/mission is being addressed? ________________________________________________________
What are the competing technologies? _________________________________________________________
What is our technology advantage? __________________________________________________________
What firms are likely to respond?_____________________________________________________________
What is our competitive advantage? __________________________________________________________
Has this proposal been submitted before? __________ If so, to whom? _______________________________
Technology Synergism
What is the goal of the proposed effort?
What are the main technical risks involved (rate each from 1-5, with 5 being the highest):
- Risk 1. _________________________________________________________________________
- Risk 2. _________________________________________________________________________
- Risk 3. _________________________________________________________________________
- Risk 4. _________________________________________________________________________
What is the proposed innovation/solution to each risk:
- Innovation 1. ____________________________________________________________________
- Innovation 2. ____________________________________________________________________
- Innovation 3. ____________________________________________________________________
- Innovation 4. ____________________________________________________________________
List the titles of the main tasks associated with each solution:
- Task 1. ________________________________________________________________________
- Task 2. ________________________________________________________________________
- Task 3. ________________________________________________________________________
- Task 4. ________________________________________________________________________
What is the milestone associated with each task:
- Milestone 1. _____________________________________________________________________
- Milestone 2. _____________________________________________________________________
- Milestone 3. _____________________________________________________________________
- Milestone 4. _____________________________________________________________________
What is the proposed deliverable? ____________________________________________________________
Does this activity offset any product development activities? __________ If yes, which one(s)? ______________
What core competency/capability will be created/advanced? ________________________________________
In short, what is the advantage to the firm? _____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Business Synergism
What is the perceived product? ______________________________________________________________
If the program is successful, will additional development will still be needed? __________ If yes, what? ________
How much additional time and money will be required? _____________________________________________
What is the perceived market? _______________________________________________________________
What market sector will be targeted for penetration? _______________________________________________
Who are our customers? ____________________________________________________________________
What is our manufacturing/production plan? ______________________________________________________
What is our financing plan? __________________________________________________________________
What any new business relationships will be developed in the course of this work? __________
If yes, who? ___________________________________________________________________________
Who will be our commercialization partners? _____________________________________________________
Will a successful project be sufficient to attract outside money? __________
If no, what further development will be required? _______________________________________________
What is the opportunity cost to the firm? ________________________________________________________
In short, how is this endeavor in line with the firm's business goals? _____________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Estimated Proposal cost
Who is needed to produce this proposal?________________________________________________________
How many hours of each person is required? _____________________________________________________
Are consultants needed? If so, what is the projected cost? ___________________________________________
What other direct costs (e.g., graphics, publication, postage) are involved? _______________________________
What is the total estimated cost of preparing this proposal (in B&P dollars)? ______________________________
What indirect support is needed (e.g., administrative, financial, graphics)? ________________________________
Approvals
______________ ____________
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date
______________ ____________
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______________ ____________
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LIFT Associates
Launching Innovative Future Technologies
