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The Research Proposal should be a clear and concise presentation of the applicant's proposed research. The Proposal must include: Research AbstractProvide an abstract of no more than 325 words outlining the applicant's proposed research. Proposal must be single-spaced (using 11 point Arial font or larger) and limited to 5 pages total, not including the bibliography or budget. Research proposals over 5 pages will not be accepted. Please include your bibliography with the research proposal but do not count these pages in the 5 page total. The proposal must include:
Budget GuidelinesEach selected awardee is funded up to $100,000 USD (inclusive of any indirect costs), to be paid in two annual instalments of up to $50,000 USD per year directly to the researcher's institution. Funding for the second year is contingent upon submission of a progress report by each junior faculty researcher and approval by the Chair of the Scientific Review Committee. An itemized budget must be submitted with the proposal, consistent with the following guidelines: Indirect Costs:
Salaries:
Supplies:
Travel and Training:
Other Allowable Costs:
If the research project includes investigations on human subjects, a copy of the submission to the institutional review board (IRB) must be submitted prior to award. Award will be contingent upon IRB approval The above are only guidelines for all eligible regions for this program. Should you be successful then all budget guidelines would be subject to your individual country rules and regulations.
Writing a technical proposal entails an in-depth understanding of the proposed solution, the main pain points, and, ultimately, your audience. In technical writing, writing the content of a proposal can be overwhelming and time-consuming, even more so if you don’t have a technical background. However, a successful proposal can result in a new project and/or client when done well. In 2021, more and more marketers are turning to automatization for help. Whether in construction, education, healthcare, software, and technology, or manufacturing, there is an appropriate automated option that can help achieve the best results. What is a technical proposal?A technical proposal is a document that contains an introduction to the product, an explanation of how it will help address the recipient’s problem, the company’s execution plan, and technical details of the deal. This type of proposal should be brief, and it should explain the complex product in simple terms. Technical proposal formatting: How to format a technical proposal?If you don’t want to get bored and consumed with writing a technical proposal from scratch day after day, you can always turn to PandaDoc’s technical proposal template, beautifully designed and accurately put together. Our technical proposal template covers all technical proposal sections you need in a successful document of this type; in addition, we give you useful information on how to fill it out effectively. However, if you’d rather do it on your own, here are essential elements of technical proposal formatting:
How long should a technical proposal be?It’s a classic Goldilocks problem to create a proposal that’s just the correct length. Your pitch should not be too short, as this will leave out important information. It should not be excessively long, either, as this may cause your client to skim or skip sections. So, how long do you think your proposal should be? Although proposals of 10 to 20 pages are usual, some clients prefer short concept notes, while others rather go for extensive proposals of 50 pages or more. This is, however, merely a framework metric. The ideal length is one that best satisfies the needs of your client. Technical proposals can be divided into two categories. Business proposal or sales proposalSales proposals, also known as business proposals, are given to possible buyers or consumers outside of the company. In terms of form and style, sales proposals rarely resemble one another. In fact, they frequently follow very different and artistic directions, similar to successful ads. PandaDoc offers business proposal templates and sales templates that can help take your company to the next level. Research proposalsResearch proposals can be defined as an academic plan with a clear and coherent overview of the planned study. Professors or institutions often use research proposals to get a grant in response to a request or announcement from the government or another agency. The research proposal is a detailed, well-thought-out strategy written by the investigator or researchers. PandaDoc’s research proposal template is a beautifully designed, accurate document that helps individuals and companies write as many technical proposals as they need – quickly and effectively. Why not try it? All you need to do is sign up and that’s it! No credit card is required, that’s right. What is technical proposal writing?Technical proposal writing is translating technical requirements into a customer-facing proposal used to pitch your solution or offerings. Considering the situation in which your proposal occurred and depending on its nature, technical proposal writing might encompass only a small section or the whole proposal. Also, do regard that different proposals require different methodologies and concepts. While the main idea behind them is the same/similar (getting your point across and being approved for a project), a business proposal won’t have the same structure as a technical proposal, nor will a cover letter for a progress report follows the same proposal examples as a piece of technical proposal writing. In putting together and implementing a request for proposal, you need to mind a few steps of its structure. Read on for the best tips that will help you create your best technical proposal writing. Step 1. Prepare an executive summary, abstract, or introductionProvide a summary of your proposal in one page or less, presenting an overview of the proposed work. Make sure your proposal writing is carefully put together and covers all elements and deliverables you plan to tackle:
It is not necessary you lay things out in this order. If you are writing a proposal on your own, make sure you use proper proposal templates, follow the outlined workflow and formatting, and stay on point. Here’s a good example of how you can put together an executive summary for a website development proposal. Step 2. Put together a table of contents (TOC)The purpose of a table of contents or TOC is to show the readers what topics this technical proposal covers, how the topics are discussed (the subtopics), and what page numbers they can find those sections and subsections. A well-organized table of contents provides an at-a-glance way of finding information in the proposal. In that sense, it is crucial you apply proper formatting in your TOC design structure. Do consider the following:
Step 3. Technical background, opportunity, or situationGive background that identifies the problem; discuss what has inspired the need for the project, and provide motivation explaining why such a task would be essential or beneficial. Reflect on the present opportunity to improve things in your proposed project while explaining the basic situation. For example, the project management department of an IT company or a startup is looking to ensure that all employees know the basics of safety measurements in case of a fire, resulting from a new set of regulations for IT companies or due to their personal preferences. While most of the proposal’s named audience may already be familiar with this very well, writing the background section is valuable as it demonstrates your particular view of the situation. If this is an unsolicited proposal, a background section is almost a must. You will have to convince the audience that this is the right time for your proposal assignment (as the opportunity exists) and that it should be addressed. 3.1 Justification, benefits, and feasibility of the proposed workProvide technical justification for your technical proposal, and include any data obtained by yourself or others (if cited properly) that would support your idea and the proposed project. Everything you lay out in this section serves as a type of argument in favor of approving the project. If you are handling an unsolicited proposal, you will possibly need to discuss the likelihood of the project’s success. This section is where you are trying to “sell” the audience on the project. This section is often the largest and tends to contain numerous subsections such as: 3.2.1 TheoryShort theoretical summary tackling the benefits of your proposed work, as well as its justification and viability. 3.2.2 Previous experimental resultsDrawing in on previous work that would serve as an example and starting point for what you are about to propose and, ultimately, work on. 3.2.3 Theoretical modeling of experimental resultsSubmitting relevant papers, textbooks, and links that may have standing as a backup in your work. 3.2.4 Implications of work completed to dateAny relevant work related to your idea and project that can serve as an example that such work is possible to complete. 3.2.5 Identification of critical needsAn overview of tools (of any kind) you may need to complete your proposed project successfully. The models above are only examples of the format this section usually contains but should be considered flexible. Step 4. Technical approach, resources, and costs requiredMost proposals contain a section resembling a progress report detailing the approach to the projects, resources, objectives, and costs required. This is true for both internal and external proposals. The difference is that external projects, i.e., external technical proposals, may require a detailed list of costs of equipment and supplies, your hourly rates, projected hours, and so forth, and then calculate the total cost of the entire proposal. Internal projects, although a bit more laid back, are still not free; they too require a list of the project costs: hours need for proposed work completion, equipment and supplies you will be using, potential assistance you may need from other team members in the organization, and so on. Here is a part of the proposal that is typically included in this section: 4.1 ObjectivesPinpoint the specific things you plan to achieve with this project. 4.2 Statement of work/Work planThe statement of work (SOW) is a document that covers and defines all components of a project’s scope of work. It is legally binding and notes the project’s activities, deliverables, and timeline. It’s a very detailed work contract that establishes the framework for the project plan. SOW is one of the first, and most important documents you’ll create before planning and executing a project. Writing one can be intimidating due to the quantity of detail required. An SOW can be classified into one of three categories:
How to write a statement of work?Here’s a quick rundown of the steps you’ll need to write your statement of work:
When writing the work statement, be specific. You want to make the terminology universally understood. Define who will do what and when it must be done. This minimizes potential misunderstandings later in the project. Include visuals such as graphs, charts, illustrations, or others; they should accompany concise SOW documents you are designing for clients to make them more digestible. After planning and preparation, you don’t want to miss the final, critical step – getting the job signed off. You can’t proceed unless you have authority. You can, but it may cost you the project’s success. As a result, confirm authority has signed off on the work statement. If you are thinking that there are one too many steps in this process, you are right. Putting together a decent SOW takes a lot of time and energy, taking away of more important business. But, guess what? PandaDoc’s got your back! One of our many template offers is a detailed Statement of work template you can start using right now! If you are any similar to our regular clientele, you’ll love how efficient and well-designed it is! 4.2.1 Project tasksProvide a detailed list of itemized tasks (Task 1, Task 2, etc., with sub-tasks (if any), numbered Task 1.1) that need to be performed for the objectives listed above to be met. Each task and subtask should come with a brief description. 4.2.2 Project calendar/scheduleAttach each task to a schedule for project completion. Include a calendar predicting the overall project completion. If preferred, this section can contain a chart for schedule illustration. 4.2.3 Expected costsDetermine costs per each task and the overall project completion. Include estimates for all labor involved as well as any supply and equipment costs. Although the proposers don’t typically know all that it will take to complete your project at this early stage, it is still important to show they understand the overall process and understand the steps required. Step 5. Capabilities and procedureThis section acts as an additional persuasive element that shows you have a sound, thoughtful approach to your statement of work and the knowledge of the field needed to complete the project. 5.1 Project team and key personnelClassify and pinpoint team management structure and list the qualifications and related experience of key team members. 5.2 Equipment and facilitiesIdentify resource and equipment suitability you plan to use and/or purchase in carrying out this project. Indicate what equipment is an existing capability and what needs to be additionally constructed/purchased to complete this proposal assignment. Step 6. Anticipated benefits of project proposalThis section focuses on an explicit acknowledgment of the anticipated benefits linked to this project proposal, i.e., the undertaking of the proposed work. The benefits of a project proposal include economic, societal, environmental, or any other benefits that could have an impact at any level. The purpose of this section is to justify the time and expense of carrying out this project. Speaking in more detail, when your organization is trying to acquire a project contract, taking the effort to write a concise project proposal has a number of advantages:
Developing project proposals is an unavoidable part of any project manager’s job, but it doesn’t have to be tough or time-consuming. You can make that procedure a lot easier if you look for it. Yes, you’ve guessed it – templates! PandaDoc is laying out some benefits of using a project proposal template: The project proposal template does more than just provide you with some ready-to-use language. It also helps you:
Step 7. Anticipated environmental impact of the proposed solutionAs a fully paperless solution, PandaDoc poses no threat to the environment, i.e., its templates are entirely safe for the planet. In addition, as a remote-first global company, PandaDoc is posing no secondary threat to the environment either. Moreover, the usage of electronic documents. fulfills one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on sustainable consumption and production patterns. Step 8. ConclusionThe conclusion of a technical proposal is the final paragraph/section of the proposal that brings readers back to the central idea of the proposal. This final section should, once again, list all positive aspects of the project. If you want to end your proposal on a solid note, urge the reader to contact you to work out project details further, remind them of this project’s benefits, and maybe remind them why you (and your team) are the right person to lead this project. Step 9. NomenclatureIn technical proposal writing, nomenclature can and does not have to be a part of the proposal. Depending on your proposed project, you can use this section to layout suggestions to simplify infraspecific terminology. Additionally, you can indicate (if necessary) a system of names and terms you would like to use in this executive summary. If there is no need for nomenclature, a simple statement of that fact is sufficient for this section. Step 10. References and sourcesReferences section lists resources cited in the body text and diverts readers to those sources should they need additional reading or checking of facts. Step 11. AppendicesNot an essential part of the proposal but potentially a helpful one, an appendix contains supplementary material that provides a more comprehensive understanding of the research/topic at hand. Appendices sections usually contain information that is too taxing to be included in the body of the paper. Valuable tips and hacks for writing a successful technical proposalGetting funds for research takes more than having a good idea; you need to have a captivating, persuasive approach that will convince a panel of reviewers your idea is worth considering and – is likely to succeed. So, we give you eight tips for a winning technical proposal:
Remember, it is not unusual for great ideas to fall through: not because they were bad ideas but because they didn’t have a clear and convincing presentation. So, follow PandaDoc tips for a winning proposal writing piece, and you should be good to go! Final thoughts: Proposal creation done rightIf you are looking to have your proposal error-proof, clean, and automatized, we recommend including a proposal software solution into the mix. With the suitable proposal tools, an RFP is a pleasure to write. You can also use a proposal template, a seamless solution for a successful proposal. PandaDoc offers a fantastic range of template options as starting points for developing your own technology business. What is more, with PandaDoc you can choose between proposals, quotes, contracts, eSignatures, and forms to get the solution you need. Proposers everywhere have been using PandaDoc for their technical proposal writing, so why not join the crew! With a technical proposal that’s seamlessly put together, there’s very little that won’t go your way. Sign up to PandaDoc to explore your options! Originally was published in April 2014 and has been updated for comprehensiveness in September 2021 Which of the following is an important part of persuading readers of a proposal that you can complete the proposed work successfully?Which of the following is an important part of persuading the reader of a proposal that you can complete the proposed work successfully? You must show readers that they can trust you to do a good job.
What are the main categories of resources required to complete a proposed project?Project resources are components that are necessary for successful project implementation. They include people, equipment, money, time, knowledge – basically, anything that you may require from the project planning to the project delivery phases.
What are the four parts of a technical proposal?A technical proposal is a document that contains an introduction to the product, an explanation of how it will help address the recipient's problem, the company's execution plan, and technical details of the deal. This type of proposal should be brief, and it should explain the complex product in simple terms.
What is the common name for the leader of a proposed research project?In many countries, the term principal investigator (PI) refers to the holder of an independent grant and the lead researcher for the grant project, usually in the sciences, such as a laboratory study or a clinical trial. The phrase is also often used as a synonym for "head of the laboratory" or "research group leader".
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