MTSC Quarterly Update

Welcome to MTSC's Summer 2011 Quarterly Update. Our goal in publishing this Update is to provide our clients and contacts with a quick, easy-to-read email that highlights MTSC's Capture/Proposal capabilities, provides advice based on our extensive experience, and provides an medium to keep in touch with you regularly throughout the year.

This quarter we highlight our Space Systems Support and Orals Coaching capability, and provide a recommended course of action to consider when a Draft RFP is released. We hope you enjoy this quarter's issue and will consider MTSC's support when you need to augment your Capture/Proposal Team. - Dennis

Space Systems Support

MTSC Enters the Space and Missile Mission Area

Over the past year, MTSC has been been identifying new Associates and contacts to assist with Capture/Proposal efforts in the Space and Missile business area. To-date we have identified almost two dozen SMEs and Proposal experts with a wide range of Space and Missile expertise in the military and civilian markets, including: ICBM operations; satellite operations; missile warning/defense; missile launch and range operations; space surveillance; NASA vehicles, research and installation support; and more. Please contact MTSC to discuss your Space Systems Support requirements.

Draft RFP...Now What?
"Must Do" Actions to Take When the Draft RFP is Released

MTSC often gets called for support when the Final RFP is imminent and in some cases AFTER it has been released. Rather than start your Proposal effort "behind the power curve," consider completing these 10 actions based on a Draft RFP.

1. Review the Draft RFP - Carefully review the Draft RFP noting any "show stoppers" that may impact your capture effort. Provide comments, as requested by the Government to clarify requirements and shape the RFP in favor of your solution.

2. Update Your Capture Plan - Whether it's a text document, PowerPoint slide presentation or a point paper, an updated Capture Plan is critical to properly assessing the opportunity, the competition, and your proposed solution. This is critical to your company's decision process to pursue the opportunity.

3. Finalize Teaming Agreements - You will need your Teammates assistance in preparing the Proposal so the sooner you finalize Teaming Agreements, the sooner you can focus on preparing the Proposal.

4. Shred the Draft RFP - Develop your Proposal outline, compliance matrix, and storyboards based on the Draft RFP. This will help you determine the magnitude of the Proposal effort and these can be quickly updated when the Final RFP is released.

5. Develop the Proposal Timeline - Develop your timeline based on the expected release date of the Final RFP. When the Final RFP is released you will be ready to fine tune your timeline and identify any calendar issues.

6. Select Your Proposal Team - Line up you Proposal Team early - company members, teaming members, and consultants. Selecting your Proposal Team early allows you to identify any gaps in your capability to prepare a compliant Proposal.

7. Make Your Writing Assignments - Assigning your Proposal Team their specific section to write assigns ownership early and helps identify any gaps in capability to develop your Proposal.

8. Conduct a "Kick-off" Meeting - Conduct a Kick-off meeting so the entire Proposal Team fully understands the opportunity, your solution, the importance of the capture for the company, their role in the effort, and the planned timeline for the effort.

9. Conduct Proposal Team Training - Training should include a review of the proposal processes (data backup, templates, formatting, "truth walls," graphics support, etc.) that will be used. A writing course should be conducted for "new" writers and a refresher course conducted for the experienced writers.

10. Begin Writing - Why wait until the Final RFP? Beginning to write based on the Draft RFP allows your Proposal Team to write to a planned schedule vice a "rushed" timeline after the Final RFP is released...creating a better Proposal. It also allows more time for creating better graphics, identifying photo requirements, and should provide a solid product for the Pink Team review before or immediately after the Final RFP is released.