Technical Proposals

     A technical proposal takes some work. However, similar to the technical instructions if you break it down into some bite-sized chunks it will be easier to manage. The steps listed are only a guideline you are not required to have them all, they can be included in other sections.

1. Introduction. While writing the intro, you will want to focus on what you are telling your audience. Here you might want to reveal the full description but it might be better just to give your reader a glance at what you will be talking about rather than explaining it thoroughly multiple times. 

2. Problem. In this section, you should present the problem that is significant to them. It might be a good idea to summarize the problem from the reader's point of view.

3. Objectives. After discussing the problem and before you state the solution, you should tell the reader of the goals of the solution. The objectives should be brief and tell how the solution would solve the problem.

4. Solution. The solution should answer how you would achieve your objectives. You must persuade your reader that your solution is the best way to solve the objectives. The best way to explain your solution is to be very specific. It might be difficult writing the solution but as long as you remind yourself to stay specific it should flow just fine. 

5. Method. The method is basically how you would carry out your solution. How you will produce the result? 

6. Resources. If your solution needs additional resources to carry out the plan it would be best to include this section. However, if you do not need anything additional you do not need to include this section. 

7. Schedule. The schedule provides the reader with a timeline for a deadline or how to slowly integrate the solution. 

8. Qualifications. This section is where you will explain your qualifications. What makes your experience give you qualifications to solve the problem. 

9. Management. This is where you would explain what tasks go to what people. If you are a part of a team this breaks out each one of their responsibilities of the solution. 

10. Costs. The costs are an important section if your solution will cost money. The reader will expect a budget during this section. You can also use this section if you are saving money, you would include how much money you saved. 

    As you are writing your proposal it might be a good idea to consider again some graphics in key places. These visuals can include pie charts, graphs, drawings, and photographs. However, if you do elect to include visuals you will want to make sure they are designed properly to back up the information you are trying to get across. Additionally, you do not want them to be too wordy. They should only include facts about the data. 

    To conclude, technical proposals can be a difficult item to wrap your head around. As long as you follow the steps listed it shouldn't be that difficult of an endeavor. Don't forget to remain objective, do not let your own personal views cloud the solution. Additionally, if you use visuals ensure they are designed properly and help back up the data you are trying to convey.