consulting assignment proposal

Activity

Start Date

Completion Date

Content Audit

January 1

January 14

Technical Audit

January 15

January 31

Usability Tests

February 1

February 7

Content Plan Creation

February 8

February 28

Content Plan Review and Approval

March 1

March 7

Content Creation

March 8

April 30

Website Redesign

April 1

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I charge fees per project based on the estimated time to completion.

You won’t have to worry about hiring freelance writers or finding a web developer. As your consultant, I’ll take care of that for you. All fees are inclusive of phone calls and emails.

Please sign below.

[signature form]

Please return the signed document to me by Wednesday, December 6. I’ll touch base with you on Friday, December 8, to discuss this proposal. You can send me any questions and concerns at [email protected]. I look forward to working with you.

Now that you have an idea of what a sample consulting proposal looks like, I’m going to share some tools that can help with your next draft.

Consulting Proposal Example

For more inspiration on how to write your proposal, I’d like to show you an example of an audio marketing company’s proposal.

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Win new clients with this impressive customizable consulting proposal template.

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6 Consulting Proposal Examples to Win Deals (+Templates)

Learn how to write a winning consulting proposal. Get expert tips, inspiring examples to guide you, and consulting proposal templates to make your best one yet.

9 minute read

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Short answer

What is a consulting proposal?

A consulting proposal is a detailed plan offered by a consultant to a potential client. It clearly outlines the project's goals, strategies, timeline, and cost, aiming to persuade the client by showcasing the consultant's expertise and approach to solving their specific problems.

Your consulting proposal needs a winning edge to seal the deal

You've had the meetings, shaken hands, and outlined a plan. It should be simple: put it on paper, get a signature, and start the project.

Yet, this is where many consultants stumble. What seems like a straightforward task often turns into a complex challenge, leading to lost clients and missed opportunities.

A poorly executed proposal can overshadow your expertise and undermine the trust you've built . But it doesn't have to be this way.

This guide demystifies the proposal process. I’ll teach you how to write consulting proposals that turn those discussions into successful partnerships, and follow up with ready-to-use templates so you can put those skills to work right away.

Let's ensure your proposals are as effective as your consulting skills!

What to include in a consulting proposal?

Crafting a consulting proposal is more than just putting your discussions on paper; it's about creating a roadmap for success.

A well-structured proposal can be the deciding factor in winning a client's trust and business. Here's what you need to include to make your proposal stand out.

9 slides of a winning consulting proposal:

Executive summary : Start with a clear and concise summary that encapsulates the client's challenges and how you plan to address them.

Your unique approach: Explain why you're the best fit for the job. Highlight your experience and how it aligns with the client's goals.

Project scope: Detail the specific actions and strategies you'll employ to achieve the desired outcomes.

Objectives: Clearly outline the goals and results you aim to achieve through your consulting services.

Deliverables: Specify the tangible outcomes the client can expect from the project.

Timeline: Provide a realistic timeline for each phase of the project, setting clear expectations.

Costs and Investment: Be transparent about your fees, including any payment structures or conditions.

Terms and conditions: Outline the terms of your service, ensuring both parties have a clear understanding of the agreement.

Next steps: The last slide of your presentation should guide the client on how to proceed after reviewing the proposal, facilitating a smooth transition into the project's execution phase.

What is the best consulting proposal format?

When it comes to crafting consulting proposals, the format you choose is key. Traditionally, consultants have relied on formats like Word documents or PDFs.

These are familiar and straightforward, making them a safe choice. They're great for detailed, text-heavy proposals and are easily printable, which can be handy for in-person meetings.

But traditional legacy formats don't work anymore. There's a growing trend towards more dynamic formats, like interactive decks.

These are becoming the go-to choice for several reasons:

Engagement: Interactive decks turn a proposal into an interactive experience. They allow for clickable elements, embedded videos, and animations that keep the client engaged and interested.

Visual appeal: They offer a visually appealing way to present complex data through charts and infographics, making your proposal not just informative but also visually captivating.

Customization: With interactive decks, you can tailor each proposal to reflect the client's brand and specific needs, making it feel more personalized.

Accessibility: These decks are easily shareable and accessible on various devices, which is great in our increasingly mobile world.

You can see what a fully interactive consulting proposal looks like below:

Consulting proposal examples that boost your win rate

The right proposal can open doors to new opportunities and forge lasting client relationships. It's your chance to shine, to show that you understand not just the 'what' of the project, but the 'why' and the 'how'.

In the following examples, we'll explore how a well-crafted proposal can align perfectly with your main goal, whether it's winning a new client, solving a complex problem, or showcasing your unique approach.

Consultancy proposal

This consultancy proposal is designed to transform businesses with innovative solutions. It's a compelling tool for agencies wanting to showcase their ability to enhance operational efficiency and drive strategic growth.

What makes this consulting proposal great:

Strategic insights: Offers actionable strategies for success in dynamic markets, showcasing the agency's deep understanding of business challenges.

Custom solutions: Presents tailored consulting approaches, demonstrating the agency's adaptability to specific business needs.

Proven impact: Shares impressive statistics on revenue growth, market share, and client satisfaction, providing concrete evidence of the agency's effectiveness.

HR consulting proposal

Designed for HR leaders seeking transformative strategies, this proposal deck is a comprehensive guide to elevating HR functions. It combines seasoned expertise with tailored solutions, focusing on enhancing operational efficiency and addressing unique organizational challenges.

Tailored strategic solutions: The deck offers customized strategies that are specifically designed to address the unique challenges and needs of each organization's HR functions.

Expertise and insight: It showcases a deep understanding of HR management, backed by years of experience and a track record of enhancing operational efficiency.

Focus on impactful results: It emphasizes delivering measurable improvements in HR processes, ensuring both efficiency and effectiveness in human resources management.

Marketing consulting proposal

Tailored for dynamic marketing teams, this proposal deck is a roadmap to marketing excellence. It emphasizes leveraging modern strategies and innovative technologies to optimize marketing processes, enhance decision-making, and secure a competitive edge.

Innovative marketing strategies: The proposal presents cutting-edge marketing solutions that combine the latest technologies with creative approaches to drive business growth.

Data-driven decision making: It highlights the use of actionable data insights to inform marketing strategies, ensuring campaigns are both targeted and effective.

Competitive edge focus: It aims to provide businesses with a significant competitive advantage through optimized marketing processes and enhanced decision-making capabilities.

Business consulting proposal

This consulting proposal is a powerful tool for showcasing how consulting expertise can revolutionize business operations. It effectively communicates the ability to transform inefficiencies into opportunities for growth, making it an essential asset for potential clients.

User-friendly navigation: The deck is structured for easy navigation, allowing viewers to move through the content seamlessly, which is crucial for maintaining engagement.

Multimedia integration: The inclusion of multimedia elements, like short clips or animations, adds a dynamic layer to the proposal.

Customizable sections: The proposal is designed to be easily customizable, allowing for quick updates or changes tailored to specific client presentations.

IT consulting proposal

Ideal for tech-driven companies and technology consulting services , this IT consulting proposal deck focuses on providing comprehensive, tailored IT solutions, integrating innovative features, and offering scalable solutions to meet evolving business needs.

Interactive data displays: It features running numbers, and has the option to add interactive charts and graphs, allowing viewers to engage with the data in a more meaningful way.

The option to integrate video content: You can embed and play video elements directly from the deck, providing an immersive experience and a break from traditional text-heavy slides.

Strategic call-to-action placement: A smart CTA at the end encourages viewer interaction and facilitates the next steps in the client engagement process.

Consulting proposal

This consulting proposal deck is a versatile and comprehensive tool for presenting consulting services. It's structured to provide a clear overview of services, project details, and the value proposition.

Timeline and budget breakdowns: Includes detailed sections for project timelines and budgeting, providing a clear and transparent overview of project logistics.

Comprehensive project summary: Offers a complete summary section, providing a quick overview of the project's scope, budget, and duration.

Visual elements for engagement: Uses visual elements like icons and graphics to enhance the appeal and readability of the proposal.

How to design a consulting proposal?

Designing a consulting proposal is about much more than just putting words on a page. It's about creating an engaging, informative, and visually appealing document that captures the essence of your services and persuades the client.

A well-designed proposal can set you apart in a crowded field, showcasing your professionalism and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve that.

7 consulting proposal design tips:

1) Use scrollytelling to boost engagement

Narrated design , or the practice of telling a story through a scrolling web page, can be a game-changer for digital consulting proposals.

This approach allows you to guide the reader through your proposal in a narrative, interactive manner. Use a mix of text, images, and animations that unfold as the reader scrolls, creating a dynamic and memorable experience.

Here's an example of scrollytelling:

2) Ensure responsive design for accessibility

In today's mobile-first world, your proposal must look great on any device. A responsive design ensures that your proposal adapts to different screen sizes, from desktops to smartphones.

This not only improves readability but also shows your tech-savviness and consideration for the client’s convenience.

Here's an example of a mobile-responsive deck:

3) Incorporate interactive elements

Interactivity can transform a static proposal into an engaging experience. Include elements like clickable tabs, expandable sections, and interactive timelines.

This not only makes the proposal more engaging but also allows clients to explore the information at their own pace, focusing on what interests them the most.

Here's a great example of an interactive slide:

4) Visualize your data

Data visualization is a powerful tool in a consulting proposal. Use charts, graphs, and infographics to present complex data in an easily digestible format.

This not only helps to convey your points more clearly but also adds a visual appeal to your proposal, making it more likely to be remembered and understood.

Here's a great example of a data visualization slide:

5) Pay attention to branding and aesthetics

Your proposal should reflect your brand's identity and values. Use your brand colors, fonts, and logo consistently throughout the document. A well-branded proposal not only looks professional but also helps in building brand recognition and trust with the client.

Alternatively, you can plug in your client’s website to automatically extract their branding information into your deck for more advanced personalization.

Here's an example of a branded deck:

6) Keep it clean and organized

A cluttered proposal can be overwhelming and hard to follow. Use a clean layout with plenty of white space.

Organize the content logically, with clear headings and subheadings, bullet points, and short paragraphs. This makes the proposal easier to scan and understand at a glance.

7) Show, don’t tell

Embrace the principle of "show, don't tell" in your proposal design. Instead of just stating your capabilities, demonstrate them through the proposal itself.

Use elements like interactive graphs to showcase your analytical skills or embed a short, well-produced video that illustrates your past projects.

This approach not only tells but shows the client your expertise and the quality of work they can expect, making your proposal a reflection of your professional standards.

Here's a slide that uses a video to introduce the agency:

Interactive consulting proposal templates

Crafting a consulting proposal that ticks all the boxes requires time, design skills, and a deep understanding of what makes content compelling.

Interactive consulting proposal templates provide a structured, visually appealing foundation that you can easily customize to suit your specific needs and brand identity.

With these templates, you're not starting from a blank page; you're building on a professionally designed, interactive framework that's already optimized for engagement and impact.

Grab one and see for yourself.

Hi, I'm Dominika, Content Specialist at Storydoc. As a creative professional with experience in fashion, I'm here to show you how to amplify your brand message through the power of storytelling and eye-catching visuals.

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The WINNING Consulting Proposal Template (& 7 Proposal Writing Tips)

Wondering how to write a consulting proposal? Want to use a consulting proposal template that increases your chance of winning the business?

Here’s what most consultants — especially newer ones — don’t know…

The consulting proposal is misunderstood. Consultants believe they understand what a proposal ‘should’ be…yet their idea of one is ineffective and results in losing the business they’re after.

Watch the video below to learn about the 2 BIGGEST mistakes consultants make with their proposals:

To help bridge this gap, I’ve provided our winning consulting proposal template to make your consulting proposals more effective. Additionally, I’ve included 7 key-tops to leverage and use this template to win more consulting business.

You don’t need dozens of consulting proposal templates — you just need one that works.

The Consulting Proposal Template Used By 6 & 7-Figure Consultants

This simple structure and approach have been proven year after year to work with consultants in all industries all around the world.

Here’s a Google doc containing the consulting proposal template .

(Learn how consultants like Tony Ruffine , Sam Schutte , and Mike Gammarino have increased their consulting revenues by 60% or more on our Consulting Case Studies page )

Below, I’ll teach you how to write it — with some examples and best practices.

Information & Title

At the top of your consulting proposal template, write…

• The date you’re sending the proposal
• The client’s name, their company name, and their address
• “Dear {Client Name}:”
• The title of your consulting agreement

Project Overview

In this section, give a high-level overview of the project. Summarize the challenge and opportunity your client faces. Set the stage as a recap of your prior conversations and the project you’ve discussed with them.

In this section, write a list of 5-7 bullets which describe your client’s goals from the project. You should learn about their goals in your value-based, meaningful conversation .

Example: Decrease cost-per-lead while maintaining lead quality.

Success Metrics

In this section, write the result achieving these goals will create for their organization.

Example: Your sales team will be able to spend 10 minutes a day updating the sales database as opposed to 45 minutes.

Return on Investment

In this section, write the predicated ROI for the client as a result of the project.

Example: The number of new leads will increase and will provide you with $830K in new business within the next 12-18 months.

In this section, write out 3 options for your client to deliver their desired results.

Responsibilities

In this section, list what you and your company are responsible for during the engagement, and what your client and their company are responsible for.

In this section, write your guarantee for the project and/or results.

In this section, write the project’s start and completion date. Include your payment terms.

In this section, write the date that you’re sending the proposal. Then, include the name of your company, your name, and your role at your company. Include a space for you to sign. Insert the same information for your client — and include a space for them to sign it as well.

Did you know that over 50% of consultants win less than 60% of their proposals ?

What % Of Proposals Do Consultants Win:

At the very least, you should be winning 60%+ of your proposals.

Now, I’ll provide 7 extra proposal writing tips to boost your win rate.

You’ll learn how to write a consulting proposal that gets your client to respond fast and close the deal.

1. Don’t Count On Your Consulting Proposal

The consulting proposal isn’t meant to win the business. The business should have already been won before sending the proposal.

Remember that. It’s an important distinction.

Now, before you want to shoot the messenger, let’s be clear. Until the buyer signs an agreement (or proposal) you haven’t won the business. But the role of your proposal isn’t to close the deal.

You should only be sending a proposal to a buyer once you’ve engaged in a sales conversation with them and they’ve given you the go-ahead. They’ve agreed that they do have an issue or opportunity that they’d like your help with.

Before sending them a proposal and once it’s clear that you can add significant value to the buyer you simply ask…

“Great, since we agree on TOPIC, why don’t I put together a proposal for you with some options of how we can work together and I’ll send it over for you to review on X day. Does that work for you?”

If they say “No” or hesitate, you need to dig deeper into the problem or opportunity until they are ready to move forward. Only after they’ve given you this verbal agreement should offer to write a proposal and send it.

Many consultants jump at the chance to send a proposal to a buyer that isn’t sold on hiring them. They wonder why they ‘lose’ so many opportunities. It’s because they never reached a verbal agreement before sending the proposal. The opportunity they thought they had simply didn’t exist.

2. Focus On The Buyer, Not Your Business

Resist the urge to tell the buyer about your company in the proposal. This isn’t the place for it. They should already know about your company from prior conversations.

Your consulting proposal is about your buyer and their business, not yours. Don’t tell them how long you’ve been in business and that you have this and that.

Instead, use the opening of your proposal to re-establish the opportunity and challenge that you previously discussed with the buyer. This opening (think executive summary) confirms for the buyer that you understand their business and situation — and that you know how to get them from where they are now to where they want to be.

3. Keep Your Proposal Short

A proposal is not an RFP . I don’t know any buyer that wants to receive a 30+ page proposal when they can simply get a 2-3 page one.

If your proposals are over three pages, take a close look at what you’re including in them.

You want to get a signed proposal in the shortest time possible. Keep your language clear and simple in a short proposal.

I’ve won $100,000+ projects with a two-page proposal. Most consultants I work with and coach in the Clarity Coaching Program do the same.

Learn More About Clarity

Longer proposals provide no extra value. They tend to talk more about YOU than they do about the buyer.

And remember, the proposal isn’t meant to win the business. You should have already achieved a verbal agreement from the client before submitting the proposal.

The only reason you’d need to go much beyond 2-3 pages is that you’re trying to provide new information and to ‘win’ the project. If that’s you, stop. It’s unlikely to offer any great benefit to your business.

4. Don’t Include New Information

Confusion leads to inaction.

If your buyer is confused and if anything is unclear they won’t sign your proposal. That’s why you don’t want to introduce any new information in the proposal. Keep the content focused on the discussion that you had with the buyer.

Anytime you want to add information that wasn’t discussed previously, stop and ask yourself: “Is there value for my buyer to see this in the proposal now? ” and “Is this really necessary to include?”

If not, cut it.

Should you choose to include new information make sure it is positive.

For example: listing all the benefits they should expect as a result of implementing your recommendations. They should have learned this during your sales conversations — but it’s a good practice to repeat this during your proposal.

5. Include The ROI At The Front

Want to make your consulting proposal so compelling that your buyer signs it ASAP?

Then give them a compelling reason to.

One of the best ways to do that is to show them how their investment will provide them with a significant return.

Demonstrating value and ROI in your proposal is critical.

The other day I was speaking with a consultant in the Clarity Coaching Program, and she was going to submit a proposal to a client for $60,000. She felt confident she’d win the business.

She asked for my feedback — and after reviewing her situation I uncovered that she was creating significantly more value than she thought. She could establish her fee at $200,000 to $250,000 and still give her client an extraordinary return.

The ROI you provide should be so great that your buyer has no qualms over your fee.

6. In Vs Out: Show What They’ll Get, Not What You’ll Do

As I wrote about in Clients Want “Out”, Not “In” , clients don’t want to hear all about what you’re going to do (inputs). They want to know what the end result will be (outputs).

If you’re spending too much time in your proposal talking about everything you’re going to do (or worse: how you’re going to do it) you’re missing the point.

Use your proposal to show what your client is going to get out of the engagement.

• What can they expect?
• What will the results be?
• How will it benefit their business?

These are the types of questions your buyer will ask themselves. Take this chance to answer those questions for them again in the proposal. Do that, and they’ll be confident they are making the right decision.

7. Consulting Proposals Aren’t For Lawyers

“The company hereby employs the consultant to perform the following services in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth…”

Seriously, that’s not how you talk…right?

That’s not how most buyers talk either. Unless your goal is to confuse your client with jargon and legalese, keep the legal terms and lawyer-talk out of your proposal.

It doesn’t add anything except make your buyer feel like they should send your proposal to their lawyer for feedback before they sign it.

That’s not what you want.

If your goal is to receive a signed proposal in the shortest time possible, keep your language clear and simple.

Don’t be lured into using some online legal form as a template for your proposal. Using any copy-and-paste “consulting proposal” is very different from writing an effective consulting proposal.

The latter works. The former will only create more issues.

Get Expert Help With Your Consulting Proposals (Triple Your Win-Rate)

Looking for more detailed training to master the consulting proposal? Check out Momentum — where you’ll get more guidance and examples of six-figure consulting proposals.

Are you looking for personal help with your proposals? As part of the Clarity Coaching Program for Consultants , we work with you and help you create and position winning consulting proposal. This includes how to structure them, position your services, price effectively to earn higher fees , have a conversation that allows you to communicate value to the buyer — and win more business.

Ask yourself this — if you were to win a BIG proposal, how much revenue would you earn?

With just one win, both of our programs will net you a massive return on your investment.

You won’t just win one big project — you’ll win many of them (at higher fees).

“Before I met Michael and Sam, I was a consultant with deep expertise in my field but often found myself struggling mightily with how to package my services. I charged high fees by the hour and thought it was smart.

Two brief conversations with Michael changed that. Thanks to Consulting Success®, I realized I was in fact limiting my ability to grow and potentially work with bigger corporate clients.

As a result, a whole new world of possibilities opened up to me and led me on a journey that’s helped me grow both personally and professionally. Structuring proposals in a way that reduces my workload while enabling me to charge significantly more is now the new normal.

If you’re a serious consultant looking to grow your practice, working with Consulting Success® is a no-brainer. Do it.”

—Amir A Nasr, Founder at AsstertiveU Media Inc.

Learn more about the Clarity Coaching Program — and how you can take your consulting business to the next level.

31 thoughts on “ The WINNING Consulting Proposal Template (& 7 Proposal Writing Tips) ”

Excellent points, Michael. Clients are interested in solutions, not processes that will be used to fix their problems and challenges. Everything is about them and their situations, not about us as consultants.

Glad you found the post of value. Thanks for the comment.

Valuable inputs, Michael, for a newbie to the consulting industry

Welcome Raja – glad you found it valuable.

A thought-provoking article Michael, thank you. As a business coach, I’m moving towards eliminating content from my proposals altogether. Sounds unusual, but I have found the proposal itself to be an incredibly valuable piece of work – outlining in detail the solution…for free. Doing so typically pits my proposal against 2 to 3 others, so I may have a 1-in-4 chance of winning. I believe a a better way is to become the unsurpassed expert in a particular niche, so there’s really nobody else viable for the client to go to. Sounds tough, and it is – so very much still a work in progress for my practice. But once that hard work of trust-building, positioning and brand development is established up front, along with the effective sales conversation you described, a portion of buyers will always only ever pick #1. And yes, then the proposal becomes much more of an afterthought confirming what has already been agreed to.

Glad I found this article. It is very helpful as a new consultant.

Thank you Michael for being part of the community here.

Michael, excellent article! Very helpful. Thank you.

You are very welcome Steve! I’m glad it is helpful.

Wow, i love this, the points are so accurate. This was extremely helpful to me. Am thankful Michael.

Thanks for letting me know it was helpful Dominic!

Youve just prevented me from whining all over 8 pages of my proposal. Thanks

You are welcome Chichi!

I just stripped an 8 page proposal down to 3 . I also have a 5-page spreadsheet of costs, and a one-page flyer that summarizes explains my work. Would you recommend bringing that to the presentation of the proposal for the decision makers to review if they have more questions?

Thank you for the thoughtful comment and question Chuck. You can certainly bring along those materials to the meeting. Keep in mind that it’s the conversation you’ve had with the buyer that will win the business, not the proposal. Focus on identifying and communicating the value that the buyer cares most about.

Michael, I followed your tips and reduced my 25 page proposal to 3 pages and when I submitted, the secretary was looking at me as thinking ” are you a serious consultant” but I won the contract. You are right it is not volume and how well you can explain your competence but the benefits your client can see in the proposal.. Thank you for sharing these wonderful tips.

Abba congratulations! Thank you for sharing and wish you continued success.

Very helpful tips Michael. I actually dislike all that preamble when clients just want solutions. Thanks.

Glad that you found it helpful Maisie! Getting the point is typically appreciated most.

Yeah Useful for me.

It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog. Nice one Michael.

Thanks, Michael, for these helpful tips. I was going to write 6-8 page proposal, dwelling more on my capability and what I will do. You have saved me that possible miss and embarrassment as a result of a poorly structured proposal!

You’re very welcome Yoro. Glad it helps.

HI Mike, thanks for your article. found it extremely helpful especially the bit about keeping the proposal short and the structure !

Glad you found it helpful Lelsie!

Great article for anyone just starting out… Thank you

You’re very welcome Juanita and here’s to your success in consulting!

An enlightening article and really useful thoughts. Thank you Michael. Rawya Jordan

So glad you found it helpful and useful Rawya!

In “Writing tips” section, you suggest to “include the ROI at the front”, but in the actual template you suggest to offer up options for the client to deliver their results. Which is which? Should the ROI be for the preferred solution?

Hi Guennael, great question. It depends on how specific you want to be with your ROI.

If your ROI is more of an estimate or intangible, then I like to have it before the “Options” section.

If your ROI is very specific and tangible (and dependent on the client’s level of investment) then you can have it below your “Options” — and write the ROI for each option.

You’ll have to use your judgment based on the project, your service, and the client. We encourage consultants to take the template and make it work for YOUR unique business.

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Every consultant needs a go-to consulting proposal template because proposals are an expected and essential part of the client acquisition process. Whether you’re crafting a proposal for a specific project or looking to land a long-term client , the process of drafting a proposal can seem rather daunting, especially if you don’t have a consulting proposal sample that you can reference.

That’s exactly why we’re going to run you through everything you need to submit a proposal with confidence. We’ll explore the key components of writing proposals, navigating the process with your prospective clients, tools that will help you gain an edge on the competition, and provide you with a consulting proposal template.

Table of Contents

What Is a Consulting Proposal?

How to use a consulting proposal template, what to do before you create a consulting proposal, how to write a consulting proposal, consulting proposal template, the best consulting proposal tools, good consulting proposal examples, top tips to help you draft that winning proposal, consulting proposal template faqs.

A consulting proposal is a document that outlines everything that you, as a consultant, would deliver for a potential project or client, while also working double duty as a marketing proposal that showcases why your experiences and skills would make you the right consultant for the job.

An external consulting proposal template, like the one included in this guide, can help you get started in the proposal process. It’s always easier to have a clear vision of your endgame when you have examples you can reference.

Once you have your first proposal created, you’ll want to save a version as your own template. This pared-down version will already have the elements of your proposal that stay the same from client to client. That way you’ll be able to easily and quickly spin up a new proposal anytime you need one, increasing the ROI on the time and energy you spend creating proposals for prospective clients.

Don’t Skip: How to Get a Consulting Job in 6 Steps

The consulting proposal comes towards the end of the client acquisition process. To successfully turn a potential client into a new client, you want to follow these steps before you pull out your consulting proposal template.

1. Get Them on the Phone or Meet in Person First

You should do your best to get your prospect on the phone, or even better, meet them in person before you even talk about submitting a proposal. Hearing your voice or seeing your face will do wonders for building trust with your prospective client.

Timing is key. Only send a consulting proposal after you’ve had a successful initial phone call or meeting with the prospect. If someone’s asking you to submit proposals without having spoken to you first, the chances of wowing them are very low. While a consulting proposal can be a powerful tool for winning clients, it’s not the only one, or the first one you should reach for.

Note: There are times when a company will put out a Request for Proposals (RFP) during which anyone can submit a proposal without any contact with the company beforehand. Obviously, in these cases, competition is fiercer and your chances of winning are lower.

2. Ensure You Fully Understand Your Potential Client’s Problem, Wants, and Needs

You need to understand your prospect’s true desires. It’s not just about what they tell you they want (a new website). You need to dig deeper to find the motivation behind the project (a new website for them to showcase and sell their artwork more efficiently).

Take notes so that you can reference your client’s problem and their desires in the proposal. This shows you were listening to them and that you understand what’s necessary in order for the work to be successful. Doing so may also help you benefit from a psychological phenomenon known as the chameleon effect , where one person mimics the other to gain empathy. It occurs in social situations where people are trying to build rapport and, interestingly enough, is the reason some people pick up the accents of the places they travel to or live in.

3. Create a Value Proposition That’s as Specific as Possible

If you haven’t already, take some time to develop your unique value. The perfect proposal will include a clear, specific, and actionable value proposition. Don’t make the mistake of stuffing your proposals with accolades and fluffy jargon that make your work sound important.

At the end of the day, the client wants to know what you’ll do for them. So instead of saying, “Using my patent-pending business streamlining formula, I will conduct a business analysis that generates your optimal productivity and organization workflow,” try, “After thoroughly reviewing your business, I will create a strategy document that will save you 20 hours a month in lost productivity.”

4. Properly Evaluate the Project Scope/Timeline and the Value You Provide

Clearly outlined expectations will set you up for a productive client relationship and help you avoid project scope creep. It will also help you to accurately provide estimates on your consulting fees. You can gain a proper understanding of the scope of a project by first sending a questionnaire that addresses an overview of your potential client’s needs. Once you’ve developed a broad understanding of what the project entails, the next step is to ensure you schedule a phone call to gain a more nuanced understanding of what is needed and expected.

5. Be Open to Making Mistakes

If you’re new to consulting or freelancing, you probably will make mistakes when it comes to evaluating scope and timeline. That’s a natural part of the consulting learning curve. As you get your project reps, you’ll develop the experience necessary to accurately estimate how long the work will take you.

The same goes for the proposal creation process. As you write more proposals and gather more data about your workflow, it’ll get faster and more accurate each time. Be open to making mistakes; you’ll learn quickly from them.

A consulting proposal can make or break your budding relationship with a potential client. As you build your consulting business, you can benefit from creating a consulting proposal template that you can update and adjust for each prospective client.

Every great consulting proposal should have the following elements:

• Executive summary
• Project outline/scope of work
• Fees, billing, and payment Terms
• Client requirements
• Expiration date
• Third-Party Cost Disclaimer

Contract Terms

Indemnities.

A cover page is exactly that, a cover for your proposal that displays your company’s brand, the client’s name, project, and date for reference.

Executive Summary

An executive summary provides a one-page overview of the entire project. The executive summary should broadly highlight the client’s issues and challenges, and how you plan on tackling or addressing them. Think of it as a distillation of the most important information, a “too long, didn’t read” summary for executives who might not have the time or inclination to read the full proposal.

Project Outline/Scope of Work

The project outline states what you will (and will not) do for the proposed fee. Clearly describe the scope of work, including the scope and quantity of deliverables, time frames, and any other necessary expectations for the work. You want to be ultra-specific because if you encounter scope creep, you’ll have this document for reference.

If you’re being hired to write for a client’s blog, be sure to outline how many words you will write, how many revisions are included, etc. If you’re being hired as a life coach, specify how many coaching calls are included, how long each call will be, if there will be any email support allowed, etc. You don’t want to leave any room for confusion here or you might lose out on time and money.

Deliverables

You might also find it necessary to outline deliverables. Deliverables are the identifiable end products you will be “delivering” to the client.

While there can be a lot of overlap between “deliverables” and “project outline/scope of work,” the difference between the scope of work and deliverables might be best explained with an example.

Let’s say you’re a freelance copywriter being hired to write an ebook to generate leads for a company. Your scope of work section might include things like learning more about the company’s brand, researching competitors, writing the ebook, and revising it.

Your deliverable, however, might be a 10,000-word ebook, fully formatted and delivered via Google Docs.

A good consulting proposal manages expectations so no unwanted surprises pop up. Part of that requires outlining when you expect to complete the project.

In your timeline section, answer the following questions:

• When does the project begin?
• When does the project end?
• Are there any milestones in between?

With long projects, it can be helpful to have checkpoints for completed work. This can help you manage your time and build confidence in the client that things are going as planned.

You can also use milestones to release partial payment of funds. Just be sure not to pin yourself down with too many milestones, to allow some flexibility in your workflow.

Fees, Billing, and Payment Terms

Make it clear what your fees are and what they include. Also, specify due dates, accepted payment methods, and payment terms. For example, if you require a 50 percent initial payment, make sure you clearly state that you will not begin work until the client has submitted the first payment.

In a schedule/addendum to the contract, it is advisable to always include:

• Billing milestones, due dates, and amounts
• Billing methods
• Late fee policy and collection costs associated with having to pursue late payments
• An outline of your pricing structure, any volume discounts, periodic rebates, and agreed rate cards under the contract

Learn More: Consulting Fees: How Much Should You Charge as a Consultant?

Client Requirements

Many times, when there are delays on consulting projects, the bottleneck lies with the client. For example, every web developer knows the pain of being stalled on a build because they’re waiting on assets from the client. If any part of your job could be stalled due to client delays, make sure to list it in the client requirements.

Expiration Date

Putting an expiration date on the proposal protects you from having a prospective client come to you three months later wanting to accept your proposal. By that time, you might be fully booked or your prices might be higher. A client can’t reasonably expect you to drop everything and fulfill the project in your proposal if they don’t act quickly. That’s why it’s strongly recommended that you provide the client with a proposal expiration date.

Third Party Cost Disclaimer

You may often find yourself in situations where you prescribe third party tools for the client that your team uses to manage certain aspects of their digital ecosystem such as google ads, marketing automation, etc.

You don’t want to get stung with having to be the license holder for their data, so it is advised you have a clause to ensure the client is paying for these services directly, and that you are not liable if the third party service fails.

In your third party disclaimer make it clear that:

• The client is responsible for the payment of third party costs
• The client will not be able to terminate the contract if you did not deliver because the client failed to pay third party costs
• The client’s prior approval is required of the tools you propose and put forward.

Some consultants will send over a proposal for the client to sign and approve first, then will send over a separate contract for the client to sign. Having your proposal work as a contract, too, can save you time and energy—two essential commodities for any entrepreneur.

If you choose to make yours a proposal-contract combination, add any terms and conditions here. Common terms include cancellation, payment terms, and an independent contractor clause. If you need help, use a proposal template from any of the services mentioned above.

We’ve created this handy jargon-buster, which outlines some of the most common terms that you may encounter when negotiating an agency contract with your customers and is presented in alphabetical order.

Download it here .

Protection is a two way street, and ensuring the indemnities are not skewed to one party is critical. Indemnities protect one party from a contract from suffering financial loss in relation to certain eventualities. Indemnity clauses are found in a wide variety of legal agreements, and this is one area that parties often spend a great deal of time negotiating.

An indemnity clause is often the cause for disputes and compromises of two key elements:

• The trigger: a description of the specific event or set of circumstances triggering the indemnity.
• Payment and a description of the types of loss which the indemnifying party should be liable for.

So, make sure you:

• Undertake a risk assessment to fully understand the risks you would be assuming.
• Understand what you are expected to do.
• Understand the consequences of breaching the indemnities you agree to.
• Check for any liabilities not covered by your insurance provider. Contact your broker or insurer directly to double check.

Follow this template to quickly draft your first consulting proposal.

Whether you’re drafting a sample proposal, proposal letter, or just researching proposal software, these tools can help.

Every proposal needs a signature and Eversign makes it easy to get your documents e-signed. You can either type, draw, or upload your signature to the service and then “stamp” your signature onto any document.

If you use the free version, you can sign up to five documents for signing every month. That limit is lifted with their Basic plan which costs $9.99 a month, or $7.99 if billed annually.

AND.CO allows you to draft proposals and contracts (it has free templates for both), which you can then email to your client via its platform. As a bonus, you’ll get email notifications when your proposal is viewed, and your client can e-sign and pay you online.

AND.CO offers a free plan which supports 1 client and their branding watermarked on your documents. Their PRO plan lifts the client limit, removes watermarking, and allows you to edit their contract templates for $18 a month.

Honeybook is a paid service that lets you create proposals and contracts, send them for e-sign, get notifications when they’ve been viewed, and accept payments online. It’s a little more pricey at $40 per month or $400 annually, but it really is an all-in-one solution.

Bonsai is another paid all-in-one suite of services with proposals, invoicing capabilities, contract signing, and client CRM features that are similar to Honeybook. With Bonsai, you can create proposals, email them to be signed, receive notifications when they’re viewed, and get paid online. Their freelance service proposal templates are beautifully designed, and there are a variety of choices.

Bonsai’s basic “Workflow” plan costs $19 a month and offers everything you need to get going.

Better Proposals

Simple yet powerful, Better Proposals is a paid proposal writing software that’s popular for its trackable proposals and beautiful, modern consulting template design. You’ll get notifications when your proposal is viewed and e-signed, and you can get paid online.

Their Starter plan allows for 10 proposals a month at just $19/mo. That limit is increased to 50 proposals in their Premium plan for $50 a month.

Any Word Processor

If you want to keep it low-cost and no-frills, you can simply fire up Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or any other word processor, and type up your consulting proposal. Google Docs actually offers a few really great project proposal templates in their Template Gallery.

From there, simply export it as a PDF and sign it in Eversign.

Now that we’ve gone over the steps to creating a consulting proposal that’s stellar, it’ll be helpful to see real-life examples. Review these good consulting proposal examples to discover what makes each of them special.

PR Consulting Proposal Example

This public relations proposal template from PandaDoc showcases a strong cover page. It starts with addressing the client and their needs, outlines the PR consultant’s unique experience and how that will help the client, and then closes with expressing confidence in the consultant’s abilities. Get the full PR proposal template here .

Interior Design Consulting Proposal Example

This interior design proposal from PandaDoc combines the Scope of Work and Timeline into one easy-to-read table. Get the full template here .

Web Design Consulting Proposal Example

This web design proposal template from Proposable displays the difference between the Scope of Work section (here, called “Project Details”) and the deliverables section.

While the scope of work will include things such as determining the site hierarchy, creating page mock-ups, and coding the site, the deliverables are a fully functional website and a WordPress feature that allows the client to add blog posts.

You can get the free web design proposal template here .

SEO Consulting Proposal Example

This SEO consulting proposal includes a contract at the end, whereupon signing binds the client to pay and sets terms for termination. You can get the free SEO proposal template here .

Content Marketing Consulting Proposal Example

This is an excerpt from a free template from Proposify. I like how they broke down the fees in the “Your Investment” section and clearly outlined the terms of payment (“A deposit of $2,000 is due upon signing”). You can find the free content marketing proposal template here .

Now that you’ve learned the elements of a winning proposal and seen some examples, you might still have a few hesitations as you begin drafting your consulting proposal. If you take nothing else, keep these parting words of advice:

• When in doubt, keep it simple: Many of the examples in this guide include colorful, high-design proposals. If that’s too overwhelming, keep it simple with a word processor. While design can certainly be eye-catching, this is a business proposal first and foremost. The content of your proposal is the most important element.
• Expect negotiation and requests for edits: It’s extremely common for a client to want to ask questions about the proposal or even edit it. That’s okay! Be open to negotiation, and don’t worry if the proposal needs to go through a couple of rounds of edits.
• Follow up, no matter what: If you send the proposal and hear crickets, don’t panic! Follow up in an email to the client and ask if they have any questions or would like to hop on a call. Often, a client will need to carefully review the proposal, share it with colleagues, and discuss its contents, so it might take some time. That’s why, as we mentioned before, you should put an expiration date on your proposal so things don’t drag on for too long.

Keep Learning: Want to Become a Marketing Consultant? Here’s How to Do It

How long should a consulting proposal be?

There's no hard and fast rule about the length of a consulting proposal. However, it needs to include a cover page, executive summary, scope of work, deliverables, timeline, fees and payment terms, client requirements, and expiration date. We suggest creating a proposal that reflects your brand and, simultaneously, is customized for a client. For example, if you're helping consult with a business owner you've worked with before, the proposal can be simple. Whereas if you're pitching a corporation for the first time, you might want to add some extra details.

What should I do if the client has questions or concerns about my consulting proposal?

Most likely, they will, and that's a good thing. The more you can clarify your relationship before starting the work, the less likely you will have mishaps during a consultancy. Be open, honest, and clear about what you can deliver. If the potential client isn't satisfied, you might be better off moving on.

How should I present my budget in a consulting proposal?

As clear as you possibly can. Nobody likes working with a consultant that sends an invoice with an unexpected fee. Include due dates, payment methods, and terms. It's helpful to include case studies of previous work, so your potential client sees the total cost of your value. For example, for a similar-sized business, I spent three months and helped 10x their advertising program. The total amount of that consultancy was 30 hours at x dollars per hour.

Build Your Consulting Agency

When drafting your proposal, consider where your client is now and where they want to be. Think of your proposal as the plan that outlines how you’ll get them there. Do this, and you’re one step closer to landing your next consulting client. To learn how to start and grow your digital agency or consulting business, watch our training on foundr+ for $1.

About Mary Kate Miller

Mary Kate Miller writes about small business, real estate, and finance. In addition to writing for Foundr, her work has been published by The Washington Post, Teen Vogue, Bustle, and more. She lives in Chicago.

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How To Write Consulting Proposals in 10 Easy Steps (+ Free Template!)

This is a guest post by Victor Eduoh , a SaaS content strategy consultant and copywriter. He helps early- and growth-stage SaaS companies drive growth, using the SaaS content topic clusters strategy and Product-Led Storytelling, two concepts he developed.

“And, after all, winning business is what writing proposals is all about.” Tom Sant, in his bestselling book, Persuasive Business Proposals , continued:

“Although a great proposal by itself seldom wins a deal, a bad proposal will definitely lose one. “

Tom is right.

Writing a consulting proposal isn’t a silver bullet to land your next client. But fail to craft an excellent, professional one and you won’t close any deal.

Since you found your way to this post, you don’t want that, right? We don’t want it either.

So, in this Process Street article, you’ll find ten practical steps to make your next consulting proposal excellent (i.e., worthy of closing deals).

Here’s what we’ll cover:

What is a consulting proposal?

How do i write a consulting proposal, what should you include in a consulting proposal, how do you format a consulting proposal.

• My proposal winning superpowers

Sound good? Read on for a free checklist to get started.

Consulting Proposal Checklist

Already know all the steps and what to include in your next consulting proposal?Then, bring it to life with our consulting proposal checklist below. (Humblebrag: Thousands of consultants and business owners like you use it )

Fancy a detailed guide, showing you what to include and steps to make the most of the consulting proposal template above?

Let’s dive in!

A consulting proposal defines and outlines the working relationship between you (the consultant ) and your prospective client . It’s a formal document that aligns you and a prospect to understand and manage each other’s expectations.

As a formal document, yours needs to be professional, and I’ll tell you why.

In a story shared by Consulting Success , a consultant got a client to pay them 2X the price offered by a big-name competitor.

Asked how they did it, they said: “Their proposal was more professional.”

But what does the phrase, “more professional” mean in this case?

It means your proposal must provide detailed information your prospect can relate with and value. The result of doing this?

On the one hand, your proposal creates a feeling of confidence in your clients. On the other, it powers you to compete on knowledge, your unique expertise, and not price.

In other words, prospects see you as the boss:

I’m also a consultant (I create topic clusters strategies for SaaS brands). Hence, I know that boss feeling when I get positive feedback from a prospect on my proposals:

So, what follows isn’t some boring theoretical advice. I’ll show how I create professional consulting proposals that win deals.

And as a bonus, if you read to the end, I’ll also expose my two proposal success superpowers!

If you found this post with that question in mind, you’re not alone.

I asked this same question the first time a prospect asked me for a proposal . So, if you’re about creating your first (or looking to get something better than you have), you’re luckier than I was.

I say that because back then, I couldn’t find the three concise answers detailed below, which will give you a headstart.

Step #1: Talk to your prospect

Whether on the phone, a one on one meeting, or video call, make sure you speak with your prospects before you start writing your proposal.

Called discovery calls , this lets you know if you’re even a good fit.

Doing these discovery calls became my rule of thumb after I never had success with proposals sent to prospects after a few email exchanges. The same is true of Request For Proposals (RFP) put out by companies where anyone can apply. I’ve never had success with them, and believe it’s because I never talked to a representative of the company.

So, based on my experience, talking to your prospect has its unique way of building trust. It sets the ground to understand them better. And you’ll get to hear hidden details about their business and goals not possible without a direct, live conversation.

Ultimately, such conversations yield a client brief to get you started.

And in Process Street’s consulting proposal checklist , you can upload this brief, as one of your pre-proposal writing tasks:

Step #2: Communicate your client’s desires and goals

All my successful consulting proposals have one thing in common. They articulated and expanded on what a client told me over our discovery conversation.

Yours should be no different.

Writing a successful proposal starts with two things—an articulation of your client’s desires and a detailed expansion of their goals.

Take me, for example. Most clients who come to me desiring a topic clusters strategy always have underlying goals. They want to build topical authority (or create a new category), leveraging the same to drive more organic traffic , leads, and sales.

How do I know this?

I listen attentively to them over our discovery call, and you should do the same. Allow your prospect to talk about their desires and goals. Only interrupt to ask relevant questions.

When you do this, writing your consulting proposal becomes an answer to the prospects’ needs. It articulates their desires and expands on how you’ll help them to achieve their business goals .

The result?

First, listening makes you likable . This, in turn, boosts your chances of closing the deal.

Step #3: Make it value-specific

Knowingly or unknowingly, we all do things for the acronym, WIIFM – “ What’s In It For Me .”

You opened (and are still reading) this post because it promised to show you how to craft successful consulting proposals, right?

Your prospects will do no different.

They open your proposal looking to find how you’ll help them. And the only reason they’ll read it to the end and go on to sign the contract is if it shows them what’s in it for them.

But, to get to that signing-of-the-contract finish line, your proposal must be specific about the value you will deliver.

Don’t write your consulting proposal giving a client a puzzle to solve, making verbose claims, or showing off your accolades. Be very specific about the value you’ll deliver and when they can expect to start seeing them.

What happens when your consulting proposal is value-specific?

According to a report by Pipedrive :

“[It] sets you apart from the competition, secures long-term customers, and brings distinct meaning to your brand and your solution.”

Only include what’s relevant in your consulting proposal. And what’s relevant depends on the client, the problem you’ll be solving for them, and the requirements for executing the project.

In other words, there’s no one-size-fits-all list of what you should include in your consulting proposal.

However, the steps that follow highlight what gets included (and doesn’t) in winning consulting proposals.

Step #4: Only include relevant information

You’re very confident and feel the need to show it off. You also want the prospect to see how you go above and beyond for your clients. No doubt, these things have their place.

But don’t allow them to deceive you into including new information in your consulting proposal. They’ll do you more harm than good.

New information is anything not relevant to what your prospect mentioned during the discovery call. If you didn’t capture it in your client brief, it’s probably new information.

They end up confusing your prospects. And not only will confusion lead to decision paralysis, but they also lead to inaction.

The result? Prospects who go through your proposal and don’t know what to do next.

Want to avoid this?

Then, in your consulting proposal, only include information relevant to what you captured in the discovery call and the client brief you created.

But how do you ensure you’re not deviating from this?

It’s simple. Equip yourself with a checklist while writing your consulting proposal.

And for this, Process Street is to the rescue.

Just click on the “Edit Checklist” button below to record essential info you need to include (and exclude) in your proposal.

Step #5: Include your process, scope, & timeline

What’s the unique process you’ll take to achieve your client’s goals?

At the very least, include a logical summary of it in a way that resonates with your client.

Yes, you shouldn’t give out all your trade secrets. But failure to include a sneak peek of your process leaves your client with trust issues on how you’ll deliver them value.

Showing your process is essential . Next to it is the scope of value you promise to deliver and the expected timeline .

These are all critical inclusions in any winning consulting proposal.

On the one hand, they help you to manage expectations by outlining what you’ll be delivering. On the other, doing this is necessary should things go south with lawsuits.

It’s not unusual for clients to make claims with legal actions when you’re deep into a contract with them.

So, be clear about the scope and timeline to achieve the value promised in your proposal.

In my case, not only do I include these in my proposals to protect me from lawsuits. I also do it to prevent a client from making demands for things not covered when signing the contract.

Step #6: Include a relevant & relatable case study

Seeing is believing.

You can talk about the value you’ll deliver, articulate your processes, and be specific about timelines.

But nothing will move a prospect into action than seeing how you applied these to achieve real results for a similar client.

A relevant case study shows that you’ve walked the talk and boosts conversion .

Early in my consulting career, what denied me my first deals was a lack of case studies.

Prospects loved my process. They acknowledged my expertise. Still, they wanted proof I had practical experience in what I promised them.

To land my first deal, I included how I applied my SaaS content marketing process to rank my website in my proposal. I supported it with reviews experts left of my work to close my first client.

Why I’m I telling you this?

If you’re just starting, it’s normal not to have a case study. In such a case, share any real results you’ve achieved.

Don’t expect a prospect to sign your consulting proposal and part with their hard-earned money based on your theories.

What next after knowing how to write a consulting proposal and what to include or exclude from it?

Formatting.

Again, there’s no one-size-fits-all way to format consulting proposals. What you’ll include should guide your formatting decisions.

However, keeping to my promise, I’ll share how I format mine to close deals. As an overview, it looks like this:

Let’s explore how you can format yours with the next consulting proposal writing steps.

Step #7: Proposal introduction

Start your consulting proposal with a strong, relevant introduction. Aim to give your prospect a reason to keep reading.

Follow this with brief paragraphs, which:

• Thank the prospect for considering your services.
• States the subject and purpose of the proposal.
• Reinstates your experience and confidence in delivering value.
• Reminds them of the proposal’s purpose and what to expect.

Keep this in mind. Your introduction and the entire proposal is your way of welcoming a prospect you’ve talked with to explore what they’ll get working with you.

So, flex your copywriting skills and personalize it for them as much as possible. Let them feel like you’re directly responding to everything they told you they want to achieve.

However, your introduction shouldn’t define the problem, so keep it brief as much as possible. Aim to interest enough to continue exploring.

Step #8: Define their problem(s)

Here, you want to show the prospect that you’ve done your research, diagnosed their problems, and are on the same page.

Again, you do this with another set of paragraphs. One or two for each, these paragraphs should capture:

• A summarized diagnosis of their problem.
• The negative toll the problem is having on them and their business.
• What their life (and business) could look like if they solved this problem.

In my successful consulting proposals, I use this section to make prospects despise their problems. Doing this makes them eager to start solving them immediately.

Step #9: Specify your solution(s)

If you succeed in bringing prospects this far, you’ve demonstrated that you understood them and their problems.

At this point, you want to show them how you’ll solve those problems and make their life better. Things to include here are:

• A relevant definition of your solution.
• Your brief, step-by-step plan of action.
• A list of target goals, milestones, and what you’ll deliver.
• Expected timelines to hit these goals and milestones.
• The benefits and outcomes they can expect.
• What you’ll need from them (log in details, passwords, etc.)
• Your team, recommendations, and a related case study.

Most prospects jump straight to this section upon opening your consulting proposal. But whether they do this or read from the very beginning, you want them to finish this section exclaiming:

Yes, this is just what I wanted!

Step #10: Conclusion – Estimates, costs, and CTA

Everything in life must come to an end, including consulting proposals.

Keep this section concise and straight to the point. If you’ve followed all the steps above, your prospect is ready to buy. So, summarize and show them how to do so.

In your summary, include:

• A reiteration of the proposal’s purpose and main points.
• Your estimates and cost to deliver your solution.
• A summary of the benefits their investment will bring to them.
• Specify the next steps they should take (your call-to-action ).
• Thank them in advance for working with you.
• Your contact information should they need some clarification.

I remember the first time a client went straight to signing my contract after going through my project proposal .

It was a liberating feeling. One that didn’t only validate my skill set, but also proved I was worth my price.

Clients will also move straight to signing your contracts if you follow all the steps I shared.

Because, as they did to me, following these steps does two critical things. First, it transforms your consulting proposals into a document proposing value to prospects. It also demonstrates your expertise to deliver this value.

The result is a prospect hurrying to work with you the moment they go through your proposal.

But before you go, hold on because I kept the best for last.

Finally (my proposal winning superpowers)

Data doesn’t lie. I followed this one, and it works for me. So give it a try.

Second, a world-renowned productivity coach, Brian Tracy, whom I respect so much, taught me something I’ve carried on for years.

In his words, “ the checklist is one of the most high-powered productivity tools ever discovered.”

This quote led me to reexamine the importance of having a checklist . I’ve found them extremely useful. And I always keep one when executing critical business-deciding tasks.

For writing my consulting proposals, Process Street provides me with this checklist superpower.

Their consulting proposal checklist template makes it super easy to keep track of everything when writing my consulting proposals.

But not only that.

I can create , assign , and manage recurring tasks , procedures, and workflows with teammates.

Furthermore, I can connect it to thousands of Apps through Zapier and automate essential workflows.

The best part?

It’s free to sign up and use this checklist (it only takes a couple minutes!).

Just click on the “Edit Checklist” button below, and you’re ready to start writing consulting proposals that close deals .

Do you have any tips that help you write successful consulting proposals that we neglected to mention? Let us know in the comments below!

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Oliver Peterson

Oliver Peterson is a content writer for Process Street with an interest in systems and processes, attempting to use them as tools for taking apart problems and gaining insight into building robust, lasting solutions.

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How to Write a Winning Consulting Proposal [+ Templates]

Written by: Olujinmi Oluwatoni

To succeed as a consultant, you need to attract clients and seal more consulting deals.

But the thing is, translating your consulting expertise into winning contracts can be a real challenge—especially if you're not versed in creating impactful consulting proposals.

A consulting proposal speaks volumes about your expertise and the value you can deliver to your clients. When done right, it can give you a competitive edge and help you seal deals confidently.

So how do you write a compelling consulting proposal that piques your client’s interest and proves to them that you’re capable of delivering the job?

In this article, we’ll show you how to write a winning consulting proposal. We've also included some consulting proposal templates so you can get started on creating consulting proposals quickly with our online proposal maker.

Table of Contents

What is a consulting proposal, benefits of using a consulting proposal, what to include in a consulting proposal.

• 12 Consulting Proposal Templates

How to Write a Consulting Proposal

5 consulting proposal tools, consulting proposal faqs.

• A consulting proposal serves as a pitch document detailing a consultant's services for a potential project or client. It acts as a tool that spotlights the consultant's skills and demonstrates why they're suited for the task.
• A consulting proposal establishes clear expectations, showcases professionalism and expertise, defines roles and responsibilities and serves as a legal agreement.
• The key elements of a consulting proposal include a cover page, an executive summary, project scope, deliverables, timeline, fees and pricing, terms and conditions and the next steps.
• Follow these steps to create a winning consulting proposal: Communicate with the client, use a proposal template, write the content, pay attention to the design and share your proposal.
• Visme provides a wide range of features, tools and templates that’ll help you create impactful consulting proposals seamlessly. Sign up on Visme to get started.

A consulting proposal is a comprehensive pitch outlining a consultant's offerings for a potential project or client. Additionally, it serves as a marketing tool, showcasing the consultant’s expertise and why they are the best fit for the job.

An impactful consulting proposal not only showcases an understanding of the client's objectives and obstacles but also presents a clear and compelling strategy to achieve their needs.

Here are some benefits of creating a consulting proposal:

Establishes Clear Expectations

A consulting proposal outlines the scope of work, timelines, deliverables and costs involved in a consulting project.

It sets clear expectations, ensuring that you and the client have an agreement on what will be delivered, how it will be done and the anticipated outcomes. This clarity minimizes misunderstandings and aligns goals right from the start.

Showcases Professionalism and Expertise

A well-crafted consulting proposal speaks volumes about your professionalism and expertise.

It reflects your understanding of the client's needs, your ability to craft solutions and to create a structured plan to address those needs. A detailed and polished consultant proposal also reflects a high standard of professionalism that can help you gain the client's trust.

Defines Roles and Responsibilities

Your proposal should clearly describe your roles and the client’s responsibilities. This helps establish who is accountable for what tasks and ensures everyone involved understands their contributions to the project.

Serves as a Legal Agreement

The beauty of a consultant proposal is its ability to serve as a legal agreement between consultants and clients. By specifying terms, conditions and responsibilities, your proposal forms the basis for negotiation and agreement. This provides a structured document to refer back to if disputes arise.

A winning consulting proposal should include the following elements:

The cover page is the first page your client sees when they pick up your proposal to read it. It should be informative, attention-grabbing and serve as a good introduction to your brand.

The cover page should include your company’s name, your logo, your contact details, the client’s name, the project name and the date of submission, among other relevant information.

Executive Summary

The executive summary offers an overview of the consulting proposal. It should summarize your client’s challenge, your proposed solutions and what the client stands to gain by hiring your services.

Your cover page invites your client to read the proposal but it is the executive summary that hooks them in. Be sure to keep it short—only about one or two paragraphs.

Project Scope

The client needs to know the procedures you will take to bring the project to life.

This is the section where you write how you'll execute the project in detail. List the specific tasks you will carry out, how you will implement them and what the desired outcomes will be.

You should be specific and outline what you will do to avoid scope creep.

A visual breakdown of the project scope can come in handy here and help your client envision the path to success. You can utilize Visme’s data visualization tools to present the project path to your client.

Gantt charts , timelines, flowcharts , and Kanban boards are tools that can be used to represent project paths in an easy-to-understand manner.

Deliverables

This section outlines the specific outcomes, products, or services that you’ll provide to your client. You should paint a vivid picture of the value you intend to deliver in this section.

For instance, the deliverables of a social media consultant can include profile optimization, a consistent content calendar, a 20% increase in engagement and more.

A well-crafted timeline not only sets clear expectations for both the consultant and the client but also demonstrates a structured and organized approach to the project.

Be sure to break the project timeline into successive stages. Your project scope should be broken down into milestones, from the start to the completion.

It is also important to incorporate regular checkpoints in the timeline and specify points where the client has to be involved. You can utilize a GANTT chart to highlight the timeline of the project in a concise way.

Here’s an infographic GANTT chart you can customize:

Check out Visme’s library for more options.

Fees and Pricing

After describing the project scope and potential, the next step is to list the fees associated with the project. If you need a full payment before starting, explain the reasons.

Add a breakdown of your fees using tables, charts or graphs so your client knows exactly how much to budget and what the money will be used for.

Terms and Conditions

Always be sure to include the terms and conditions of a project before submitting it.

Consenting to the terms and conditions will ensure that you’ve reached an agreement with the client before the project commences.

Conclusion/Call To Action

The conclusion is where you should recap the key points of your proposal, reinforce your value proposition and leave a compelling call to action.

It takes a certain flair for writing copy to come up with a persuasive and compelling call to action. Visme’s AI Writer can provide you with a high-quality first draft for your proposal’s call-to-action. Be sure to use the right prompts and keep your brand tone of voice in mind.

RELATED : 15 Tips for a Great Business Proposal Presentation

12 Proposal Consulting Templates

With Visme’s consulting proposal templates in your toolbox, writing a great consulting proposal should be a walk in the park.

Hear what one of our customers has to say about their experience with Visme:

Digital Marketing Specialist

Here are a few templates that you can customize right away:

1. IT Consulting Proposal Template

Looking to win over clients and secure successful deals in the tech space. This IT consulting proposal template is the key to presenting your offerings with clarity and professionalism.

The template offers a structured framework to articulate your goals and objectives, expertise, services, recommendations and project specifics.

With bursts of vibrant purple hues, high-quality vector icons and subtle imagery, this IT consulting proposal template ensures a great impression with potential clients. You can easily customize your colors, fonts and other elements to align perfectly with your brand using Visme's user-friendly editor.

And the best part? You don't have to manually import your brand assets. Visme's brand wizard allows you to do this effortlessly. Simply input your URL and watch as the tool automatically pulls in your brand assets and securely stores them in your brand kit.

2. Business Consulting Proposal Template

Showcase your expertise and win prospective clients' trust with this modern business consulting proposal template.

The template features a striking color palette blending shades of grey and black against a clean white canvas, ensuring an eye-catching appeal. It is also filled with captivating visuals, elegant fonts, sleek design elements and dynamic layouts that will make your proposal stand out.

From introducing your services and outlining your comprehensive analysis to detailing actionable strategies, this template allows you to present a compelling narrative.

To customize this template for multiple clients, utilize Visme's dynamic fields feature. This tool eliminates the need to manually add custom client information.

Just create custom fields like company name, address, contact information, and other relevant data once. Then you can easily populate information across your document with one click.

3. Consulting Proposal Template

Whether you're into management, IT, business, or any other consultancy, this template will help you present your offerings with clarity and professionalism. With a vibrant combination of green, black and white color themes, it delivers a visually striking appeal.

You can utilize the sections to break down your company overview, proposal details, pricing structures and lots more.

One thing that sets this template apart is how it utilizes Visme’s high-quality stock photos and vector icons to elevate the document’s appeal. If you need more image options, you can explore Visme's extensive library of stock photos , icons , graphics and design elements.

And if the specific visual you need is not available in the library, you can leverage Visme's AI image generator . This innovative tool allows you to create unique photos, paintings, pencil drawings, 3D graphics, icons, abstract art and more.

Additionally, if your image appears small or slightly blurred, you can use the upscale or unblur tools in Visme’s AI editing tool to give it a professional look.

Simply type in your prompts into the wizard and you’ll generate your results in seconds.

4. HR Consulting Proposal

Ace your consultancy game and showcase your HR prowess with this sleek HR consulting proposal template.

The template boasts an elegant design with its vibrant bursts of blue, shades of purple and a clean white backdrop that spans across every page.

You can utilize its organized sections to spotlight essential segments of your proposal, including the executive summary, value proposition, scope of work, timeline, project costs and more.

With Visme's collaboration feature , team members can contribute to and review this consulting proposal individually or in real time.

Moreover, the Workflow tool enhances task management among team members. You can assign tasks, set deadlines, track progress and facilitate corrections—all on a single platform.

5. Marketing Consulting Proposal

Seeking to gain a competitive edge and seal deals confidently for your marketing agency? This consulting proposal template is your go-to solution.

The fusion of vibrant color themes, interactive icons and sophisticated design layouts is sure to capture your client's attention. It covers various aspects, from the executive summary, why choose us section, scope of the project, deliverables, timeline, budget and lots more.

You can leverage Visme's data visualizations , such as charts, tables, or widgets, to present the timelines or budgets section in an engaging way.

To share this proposal with your recipient, you can download it in multiple formats, including PDF, HTML, video, or image. Alternatively, generate a shareable link for seamless distribution.

6. Restaurant Consulting Proposal

Stand out before potential clients with a detailed blueprint for culinary success with this restaurant consulting proposal template. The delightful fusion of vivid colors and icons—along with exciting menu photos—makes the template truly captivating.

You can utilize the template to detail crucial sections such as the problem analysis, proposed solution, customer experience improvements, cost breakdown and lots more.

Spice this proposal up with animations and interactive elements . You can animate your text and graphics and add hotspots, pop-ups and hover effects to reveal additional information.

7. Social Media Consulting Proposal

Attract prospective clients by presenting a detailed strategy to enhance their brand's social media presence using this sophisticated template.

The professional blend of blue and white, along with well-structured layouts and interactive icons, brings a stylish touch to the template.

Leverage the different sections to spotlight the scope of your project, potential challenges, proposed solutions, cost breakdown, timeline and subsequent steps.

When you share the live link, Visme's analytics tool enables you to monitor engagement metrics such as unique visits, average viewing time, duration, IP addresses and other analytics. These insights offer a way to track the performance of your consulting proposal.

8. Finance Consultancy Partnership Proposal

Reach out to partners for your consultancy in style with this finance consultancy proposal template. It’s modern, clean and professional, and easily adaptable to any industry.

Introduce yourself in the about us section, highlight your achievements, present partnership benefits, explain next steps and even answer FAQs in this tailored proposal template.

Customize the design of this partnership proposal with a few clicks. Swap the images with your own, drag and drop stock photos from Visme’s built-in library, or simply create one from your imagination using the AI Image Generator.

9. Marketing Consulting Proposal Presentation

Present your company, its values, the amazing work you’ve delivered in the past and its impact using this marketing consulting proposal template.

It features a modern layout that’s brought to life with professional colors and eye-catching images, icons and fonts. There’s also plenty of whitespace in the consultant proposal template that enhances its readability and visual appeal.

10. Technology Consulting Proposal Presentation

Demonstrate your IT expertise with this tech consulting proposal presentation. This template comes with important sections like digital trends, challenges, about us and more that you can customize according to your own needs.

There’s also a horizontal bar chart in one of the slides that you can add your own data to or swap with another type of chart from our built-in library. Personalize this consulting proposal example by applying your own branding with a few clicks.

11. TED Consulting Proposal Presentation

This versatile consulting proposal template is excellent for all types of professional services. Whether you’re a finance, IT, HR or real estate consultancy, you can adapt this template to your own industry or content with a few clicks.

Some key sections in this template include an about us slide, features, services and even a contact page. There are also plenty of CTAs sprinkled throughout the presentation that you can easily turn into clickable buttons in Visme. This interactivity is especially useful when you’re sharing your proposals online with clients.

12. Sales Consulting Proposal Presentation

With a creative, modern design, this sales consulting presentation template can put your innovative services and expertise in the spotlight. Keep the colors or change them to better fit your visual brand style.

This consulting template is not exactly a proposal, but you can easily change it into one. The pre-designed slides are fully editable in Visme’s drag-and-drop presentation software. Swap the headings, change the content and even replace the icons.

RELATED: 15 Best Consulting Presentation Template Examples

Here are the steps involved in writing a persuasive and effective consulting business proposal:

Step 1: Communicate with the Client

A good consulting business proposal should be tailored to meet the client's expectations.

Therefore, it's necessary to communicate with clients before writing a business proposal.

This will help you understand their pain points, goals and expectations. Understanding your client’s expectations beforehand will ensure that the projections and deliverables listed in your proposal are based on their actual needs.

While email works, the best way to get to know your client and their needs is to get them on a call or have a physical meeting to discuss the project.

During the meeting, jot down important points. This information will give you a foundation to build upon and provide a basis for the items to include in the consulting proposal.

Step 2: Select a Proposal Template

You can easily access professional consultant proposals from Visme's collection of proposal templates. We’ve highlighted some of these templates above.

Simply sign up for free, choose a template, and start editing.

Step 3: Write Your Proposal Content

After choosing your desired template, input your content into the template. Follow these tips when writing your proposal content:

Create a Killer Introduction

Your cover page should properly reflect your brand image and values. It should be highly appealing and incorporate high-quality visuals.

Be sure to include a table of contents after the cover page to make the proposal easy to navigate.

The executive summary should come after to highlight key benefits and outcomes the client stands to gain.

Define Scope and Objectives

Next, you should describe the steps you need to take and how they will contribute to the overarching goals of the project. A visual timeline or flowchart can help illustrate the different stages of your project, from start to finish.

Highlight Your Successes

Be sure to describe successful and related projects you and your team have executed in the past. Use your testimonials and case studies to highlight your team’s expertise and to build credibility.

How to Create an Impressive Case Study One Pager [Including Templates]

List Deliverables and Milestones

Your deliverables should be based on your preliminary conversations with your client and grounded in their needs and pain points. The specifics are important here, from the duration of the project to the measurable outputs. For instance, this is where you would describe:

The training sessions you plan to carry out

• Quality assurance and testing
• Proposed documentation for improved processes
• A change management plan for the company

Talk about Costs in Detail

Other payment details, such as installment arrangements and fee deposits, should be stated in the proposal. Ensure that your client understands the value they are getting in return for their investment.

Wrap up With Next Steps/Conclusion

This is where you cap it all off with a compelling call to action and provide your contact information for further discussions. You should include a list of the next steps your client can take to get started on the project with you.

Struggling to create a first draft? You can leverage Visme’s AI writer . This versatile tool not only creates high-quality content but also functions as a thorough proofreader, ensuring flawless writing.

It has a summarizing feature that is adept at finding the crucial parts of a text and removing what doesn’t matter. Just input your prompts and within seconds, you'll have your desired result.

Step 4: Pay Attention to Design and Branding

Visme offers a diverse range of design features to customize your content's look and feel. You can access thousands of fonts, colors, shapes, and design elements to craft visually captivating content. Our brand tool also helps you to easily integrate your brand assets into your proposal.

In addition, you can explore advanced design features like animation, transitions, and interactivity to make your proposal engaging. Here are some of the interactive features available in the Visme editor.

• Link slides, pages or content blocks to objects
• Add interactive pop-ups, hover effects and hotspots.
• Embed videos, audio and other interactive content
• Incorporate animated icons, illustrations and special effects
• Add animated enter and exit effects to texts and your design elements.

Step 5: Share and Publish

After polishing and fine-tuning the first draft of your proposal, you can proceed to share it with your client.

You can download your proposal in various formats, like PDF, HTML, video, or image. Better yet, create a shareable link for easy sharing with your recipient. This allows your prospect to collaborate and experience interactive features.

Be sure to request feedback from the client to understand the areas where the proposal is lacking and identify any necessary changes.

Using the right tools can take your proposals from good to great and boost your chances of landing clients. Here are 5 consulting proposal tools to help you streamline your workflow:

Bonsai is an all-in-one proposal platform for consultants and agencies to manage their workflow from initial proposals to project completion and payment. While it offers customizable proposal templates, its functionality extends far beyond just creating proposals.

• Contract creation and e-signing
• Time tracking and project management
• Invoicing and payment processing
• Expense tracking
• Client CRM functionality
• Reporting and analytics
• Mobile app for on-the-go proposal management

2. Zoho Invoice

Zoho Invoice is a powerful billing and invoicing software designed specifically for service-based businesses, including consultants and professionals who charge clients by the hour.

• Time tracking with project and client allocation
• Automatic invoice generation from tracked hours
• Recurring billing options
• Multi-currency support
• Client portal for payment and communication
• Mobile app for on-the-go invoicing

Next on our list of proposal software for consultants is ClickUp—a versatile project management software that helps consultants organize and execute complex projects efficiently.

• Customizable workflows and spaces
• Task management with subtasks and dependencies
• Document sharing and collaboration tools
• Multiple view options (lists, boards, calendars, Gantt charts)
• Mobile and desktop apps for seamless access
• Integration with 1,000+ apps

4. SurveyMonkey

SurveyMonkey is a popular online survey tool that consultants can use to gather valuable client feedback and conduct market research. It offers a wide range of question types and customizable templates, which makes it easy to create professional surveys.

• Customizable survey templates
• Multi-channel survey distribution
• Skip logic and question piping for personalized survey experiences
• Team collaboration on survey projects
• Real-time results and data analysis
• Mobile app for on-the-go survey creation
• Integration with Visme for enhanced data visualization and reporting

5. Calendly

Calendly is a scheduling platform that simplifies the process of booking client calls and meetings for consultants. It’s an excellent tool for automating some of the repetitive tasks that come with scheduling calls, such as figuring out a time slot that works for both parties, adding calls to Google Calendar or sharing meeting links via email.

Top Features

• Customizable availability settings
• Automatic time zone detection
• Team scheduling options
• Automated email and SMS reminders
• Analytics on scheduling activity and trends

Q. What Is the Objective of a Consulting Proposal?

The primary objective of a consultant proposal is to effectively communicate the consultant's understanding of the client's needs and propose a tailored solution. It also doubles as a marketing tool, allowing the consultant to highlight their strengths, unique approach and previous successes.

Q. How Many Pages Should a Consulting Proposal Be?

There’s no rigid number of pages a consulting proposal template should contain. A consulting proposal can be 10 pages or more, depending on the amount of information you need to fit in.

However, be sure to focus on quality rather than quantity. The aim is to find a balance between selling your service and proposing to solve the client’s challenges in the proposal.

Q. What Are the 4C’s in Proposal?

The 4 Cs refer to the elements that must be in check when writing a proposal. They stand for clarity, concise, comprehensive and compelling.

Here’s a brief description of the 4C’s:

When writing a proposal, make it crystal clear and understandable. Avoid using technical or buzzwords that may confuse the client.

You should also structure the content logically so that the reader can follow the proposal's ideas and intentions without confusion.

Your proposal should capture the reader's attention, highlight the unique selling points and create a sense of urgency or importance.

Customer Focused

You need to conduct research of the client's specific needs and tailor the proposal accordingly. This not only shows a deep understanding of their situation but also positions you as the best consultant to solve them.

Competitive

The proposal should showcase how your service stands out compared to alternatives. This includes demonstrating advantages such as pricing, quality, or unique features to position it favorably against competitors.

Q. What Are the Five Major Phases of a Consulting Engagement?

The five major phases of a consulting engagement include the following:

1. Entry and Contracting: This phase involves establishing relationships, clarifying roles and defining the scope of work. It's about understanding the client's needs and expectations while setting boundaries for the consulting process.

2. Discovery and Dialogue : Here, consultants gather information through active listening, asking probing questions and engaging in open dialogue. The focus is on comprehensively understanding the client's situation, challenges and goals.

3. Feedback and Decision to Act: At this stage, consultants provide feedback based on their analysis and discussions. They collaborate with the client to generate possible solutions, enabling the client to make informed decisions about potential actions.

4. Engagement and Implementation: Once decisions are made, the consulting team collaborates closely with the client to implement the agreed-upon solutions. This involves detailed planning, resource allocation and execution strategies.

5. Extension, Recycle, or Termination: This phase involves reflecting on the consulting process, evaluating outcomes and deciding whether to extend the engagement, recycle or terminate the consulting relationship.

Q. What Is the Executive Summary of a Consulting Proposal?

The executive summary of a consulting proposal is a concise overview that encapsulates the key points of the entire proposal. It acts as an elevator pitch and gives a snapshot of the proposal's contents.

This section can also serve as a quick reference for busy decision-makers who may not have the time to read the entire proposal in detail.

Easily Create & Share Proposals & Reports with Visme

Knowing how to create excellent consultant proposals is vital to demonstrating your expertise and building authority in your field of consulting. By following the strategies in this article, you can create the perfect consultant proposal for your next client.

With Visme’s proposal maker , you can easily create professional and impactful proposals that will land you more deals. From drafting, writing and designing your consultant proposal, Visme’s templates and features will make your creation process seamless.

If you're pressed for time and require a swift proposal, Visme's AI document generator can assist you. Simply outline your document using a text prompt, select a design style and watch the tool take over. The wizard will craft all necessary text, images and extra design components in a flash.

Sign up on Visme today to start creating winning proposals.

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How to Write a Consulting Proposal

Benjamin Reimann

Business proposals, consulting proposal | proposal writing | writing consulting proposal, may 30, 2024.

10 Min Read

Writing a consulting proposal is an essential part of the consulting process.

It serves as a formal document that outlines the details of the consulting project, including the services to be provided, the timeline, and the cost.

This article will guide you through the process of creating an effective consulting proposal that will impress your clients and increase your chances of winning the project.

• Understanding the Basics of a Consulting Proposal

Photo credit: Freepik

A consulting proposal is a document that outlines the scope, objectives, and deliverables of a consulting project.

It is typically submitted to a potential client as part of the bidding process.

The proposal serves as a communication tool between the consultant and the client, enabling both parties to align their expectations and establish a clear plan for the project.

There are several key elements that should be included in a consulting proposal:

Defining a Consulting Proposal

A consulting proposal is a written document that outlines the details of a consulting project.

It includes information such as the scope of work, the expected deliverables, and the timeline for completion.

The proposal serves as a contract between the consultant and the client, providing a clear framework for the project.

Importance of a Consulting Proposal

A consulting proposal is a crucial tool for consultants to win new projects.

It helps to establish credibility and trust with the client by demonstrating your understanding of their needs and your ability to provide valuable solutions.

A well-written proposal can differentiate you from your competitors and increase your chances of winning the project.

Furthermore, a consulting proposal also serves as a roadmap for the project, outlining the specific tasks and milestones that will be achieved throughout the consulting engagement.

By clearly defining the scope of work and deliverables in the proposal, both the consultant and the client can track progress and ensure that the project stays on schedule.

Additionally, a well-crafted consulting proposal can help manage client expectations by outlining the limitations of the project and any potential risks involved.

This transparency can build trust with the client and prevent misunderstandings or disputes down the line.

It is essential for consultants to be thorough and detailed in their proposals to set the right tone for a successful consulting relationship.

• Key Elements of a Successful Consulting Proposal

When writing a consulting proposal, there are several key elements that should be included to ensure its success:

Executive Summary

The executive summary is a brief overview of the entire proposal.

It should highlight the key points and objectives of the project, as well as any unique selling points that differentiate your proposal from others.

The executive summary should be concise and compelling, capturing the client’s attention and setting the stage for the rest of the proposal.

Problem Statement

The problem statement is an essential part of the consulting proposal.

It should clearly state the client’s current challenges or pain points that they are seeking assistance with.

By addressing the client’s specific problems, you can demonstrate your understanding of their needs and position yourself as the ideal solution provider.

Proposed Solution

After identifying the client’s problems, you need to present your proposed solution.

This section should outline the steps you will take to address the client’s challenges and achieve their objectives.

Clearly articulate the benefits and outcomes that the client can expect from your solution, and provide evidence or case studies to support your claims.

Pricing and Payment Terms

The pricing and payment terms section of the proposal should clearly state the cost of your services and the payment schedule.

Be transparent about your fees and expenses, and explain any additional costs that may arise during the project.

It is also essential to specify the payment terms and methods to avoid any misunderstandings or disputes later on.

However, a successful consulting proposal goes beyond these key elements.

It is important to consider additional factors that can make your proposal stand out and increase your chances of winning the project.

One such factor is the inclusion of a detailed timeline.

Providing a clear and realistic timeline for the project demonstrates your organization and planning skills.

It shows the client that you have carefully considered the necessary steps and the time required to complete the project successfully.

A well-structured timeline can instill confidence in the client and give them peace of mind knowing that their project will be executed efficiently and within the agreed-upon timeframe.

Another important aspect to consider is the inclusion of a comprehensive team profile.

Clients want to know who will be working on their project and what expertise they bring to the table.

By providing detailed profiles of your team members, including their qualifications, relevant experience, and past successes, you can showcase the strength and capabilities of your team.

This helps build trust and credibility with the client, as they can see that you have assembled a skilled and knowledgeable team that is capable of delivering results.

In conclusion, while the key elements mentioned earlier are crucial for a successful consulting proposal, it is beneficial to go the extra mile by including a detailed timeline and comprehensive team profiles.

By doing so, you can demonstrate your professionalism, organization, and expertise, setting yourself apart from the competition and increasing your chances of winning the project.

• Structuring Your Consulting Proposal

The structure and organization of your consulting proposal can significantly impact its effectiveness.

A well-structured proposal is easier to read and understand, making it more compelling and persuasive.

Consider the following tips when structuring your proposal:

When structuring your consulting proposal, it’s crucial to not only focus on the content but also pay attention to the overall layout and design.

A visually appealing proposal can leave a lasting impression on the client and showcase your professionalism.

Including visual elements such as graphs, charts, and images can help illustrate key points and break up large blocks of text.

Organizing the Content

Break down the proposal into sections and subsections, each focusing on a specific aspect of the project.

This will make it easier for the client to navigate and find the information they need.

Start with an introduction that provides an overview of the project, followed by the key sections mentioned above.

Use headings and subheadings to clearly delineate each section.

Furthermore, consider including a table of contents at the beginning of your proposal to provide a quick reference guide for the client.

This will allow them to easily jump to different sections of the proposal based on their interests or needs.

Additionally, including a brief executive summary can give the client a snapshot of the proposal’s key points before delving into the details.

Formatting the Proposal

Pay attention to the formatting of your proposal to ensure it is visually appealing and easy to read.

Use consistent fonts, sizes, and colors throughout the document.

Incorporate bullet points, numbered lists, and tables to present information in a clear and organized manner.

Break up long paragraphs into shorter ones to improve readability.

Moreover, consider using call-out boxes or sidebars to highlight important information or key statistics.

This can draw the client’s attention to critical points and make them stand out amidst the rest of the content.

Remember, a well-formatted proposal not only conveys professionalism but also enhances the overall user experience for the client.

• Writing an Effective Consulting Proposal

Writing an effective consulting proposal requires skills in persuasive language and effective communication.

The following tips will help you make your proposal more compelling and persuasive:

Consulting proposals are not just about presenting information; they are about persuading clients to choose your services over others.

To achieve this, it is crucial to understand the power of persuasive language.

Choose your words carefully and use persuasive language to convey your message.

Emphasize the benefits and value of your proposed solution, focusing on how it can help the client achieve their goals.

By framing your proposal in a way that resonates with the client’s needs and desires, you can significantly increase your chances of winning the project.

Using Persuasive Language

Use strong action verbs and avoid jargon or technical terms that may confuse the client.

Furthermore, when crafting your consulting proposal, consider the emotional impact of your words.

Appeal to the client’s emotions by highlighting how your solution can alleviate their pain points and improve their business outcomes.

By tapping into the client’s emotions, you can create a stronger connection and sense of urgency, compelling them to choose your services.

Highlighting Your Expertise

Showcase your expertise and experience in the industry to build trust and credibility with the client.

Highlight relevant case studies, client testimonials, and success stories that demonstrate your ability to deliver results.

Provide examples of similar projects you have successfully completed to show that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle the client’s project.

In addition to showcasing your expertise, it is essential to personalize your proposal to the client’s specific needs.

Tailor your examples and case studies to align with the client’s industry, challenges, and goals.

This level of customization demonstrates your understanding of the client’s unique situation and increases the perceived value of your proposal.

Addressing Potential Concerns

Anticipate the client’s potential concerns or objections and address them proactively.

This will show that you have carefully considered their needs and concerns and have developed a solution that addresses them.

Be transparent about any potential limitations or challenges and explain how you plan to mitigate them.

Moreover, when addressing potential concerns in your consulting proposal, provide concrete solutions and strategies to alleviate the client’s worries.

By demonstrating your proactive approach to problem-solving, you can instill confidence in the client and position yourself as a reliable and trustworthy partner.

Remember, addressing concerns upfront can help preempt any hesitations the client may have and pave the way for a successful collaboration.

• Reviewing and Revising Your Consulting Proposal

Before finalizing your consulting proposal, it is crucial to review and revise it to ensure accuracy and clarity.

The following steps will help you create a polished and professional proposal:

When reviewing your consulting proposal, it is not only important to focus on grammar and spelling, but also to pay attention to the overall structure and flow of the document.

Ensure that the sections are logically organized and that the content is presented in a coherent manner.

A well-structured proposal not only looks more professional but also makes it easier for the client to understand your ideas and recommendations.

Importance of Proofreading

Proofread your proposal carefully to eliminate any grammatical errors, typos, or inconsistencies.

Poor grammar and spelling mistakes can create a negative impression and undermine your professionalism.

Read through your proposal multiple times or ask a colleague to review it for you.

Additionally, pay close attention to the tone of your proposal .

Make sure it is consistent throughout and aligns with the image you want to project to your potential client.

A friendly and professional tone can help build rapport and trust with the reader, increasing the chances of your proposal being well-received.

Seeking Feedback

Seek feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors to get a fresh perspective on your proposal.

They can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvements that you may have overlooked.

Consider their feedback and make necessary revisions to strengthen your proposal further.

Making Necessary Revisions

Based on the feedback you receive, make any necessary revisions to your proposal.

Ensure that the language is clear and concise, and the information is presented in a logical and compelling manner.

Double-check all the details, such as pricing and timelines, to ensure accuracy.

Remember, a well-crafted consulting proposal not only showcases your expertise and capabilities but also demonstrates your attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work.

Taking the time to review, revise, and seek feedback on your proposal can significantly increase your chances of winning new business and building successful client relationships.

• Finalizing and Submitting Your Consulting Proposal

Once you have reviewed and revised your proposal, it is time to finalize and submit it to the client.

Follow these steps to ensure a smooth submission process:

Packaging Your Proposal

Create a professional-looking package for your proposal. Use a cover page that includes your company’s logo and contact information.

This will not only give your proposal a polished look but also help establish your brand identity.

Additionally, include a table of contents to help the client navigate the document easily.

By providing a clear roadmap of your proposal, you make it easier for the client to find specific sections or information they may be interested in.

To add an extra touch of professionalism, consider binding the proposal securely.

You can use a customized folder or envelope to present it professionally, leaving a lasting impression on the client.

Submission Methods

Consider the client’s preferred method of submission and follow their instructions.

Some clients may prefer a printed copy, while others may prefer a digital version.

If submitting a digital copy, ensure that the document is properly formatted, and all attachments are included and labeled correctly.

Take the time to review the document on different devices and platforms to ensure that it looks consistent and professional.

Pay attention to the file size as well, as large files may be difficult to send or receive.

Compressing the document or using a file-sharing service can help make the submission process smoother.

Following Up After Submission

After submitting your proposal, it is essential to follow up with the client.

This demonstrates your commitment and interest in the project and gives you an opportunity to address any questions or concerns they may have.

Send a polite follow-up email or make a phone call to inquire about the status of the proposal.

Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the project and offer any additional information or clarification that may be needed.

By staying proactive and responsive, you show the client that you are dedicated to delivering exceptional service.

By following these steps, you can write a compelling and effective consulting proposal that sets you apart from your competitors.

Remember to tailor your proposal to the specific needs and preferences of each client and use it as an opportunity to showcase your skills and expertise.

With a well-written proposal, you can increase your chances of winning consulting projects and growing your business.

However, it is important to note that the proposal is just the beginning of the consulting process.

Once the client approves your proposal, the real work begins.

From conducting in-depth research and analysis to developing comprehensive strategies and recommendations, you will be responsible for delivering tangible results.

As a consultant, it is crucial to maintain open lines of communication with the client throughout the project, providing regular updates and seeking their input and feedback.

By fostering a collaborative and transparent relationship, you can ensure that your consulting engagement is successful and mutually beneficial.

Struggling to streamline your proposal process?

Deals die in limbo. Don’t let your deals die.

We can help you cut proposal prep times in 1/2 and boost close rates by up to 20%!

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How to write a consulting proposal (template)

Why you need a consulting proposal

What does a strong consulting proposal include, what is the format of writing a proposal, consulting proposal example and template.

• tools to help you create proposals

Conclusion: Mastering the art of proposal writing

When I first started my consulting business, I had no idea what a proposal was.

My first client was a friend of mine, so there was just a verbal agreement on how we would work together. But, by the time it came to sign my second client, I was asked to send a proposal.

Now the journey began… how to write a consulting proposal that will convince a potential client to work with me?

In this article, I’ll walk you through why a proposal is so important for your image and brand as a consultant, what to include in your first consulting proposal, and also a consulting proposal template you can use to quickly make your own proposal.

Alright, let’s get into it.

A consulting proposal isn't just another document, it's your golden ticket to securing new projects. It helps you set clear expectations and define the scope of work for your clients.

The magic behind a successful proposal

You may ask, "What makes a consulting proposal crucial?" Well, think about it as if you're cooking up an exotic dish. You need the right ingredients in precise quantities to make sure that it tastes perfect. Similarly, crafting an effective consulting proposal requires key elements like understanding client needs and proposing fitting solutions.

But there's more to this than meets the eye. A good consultant understands that their expertise is not just about providing solutions but also being able to communicate them effectively through proposals. The ability to do so sets successful consultants apart from others who may be equally skilled but less articulate or organized.

Making your mark with proposals

Your proposals are not only representations of your potential services , they can also become branding tools when done correctly. They reflect how well you understand customer problems and portray how efficiently you can solve them — essentially making each one a mini-portrait of what doing business with you would look like.

If done correctly, they have the power to persuade prospective clients, proving that choosing you over competitors would be beneficial for them because of X, Y, Z reasons unique to your approach or offerings.

Bridging gaps with clear communication

An outstanding feature of high-quality proposals is clarity in communication between parties involved — consultant and client alike — and getting everyone on board before kick-starting any specific project reduces misunderstandings later down the line. So we see, a well-drafted proposal isn't just an agreement, it's the foundation of a successful project.

Imagine a game of charades where all players are in sync and understand the objectives. It’s fun right? That's how clear communication should feel.

A consulting proposal lays down this clarity, ensuring both parties are on the same page about objectives, timelines, deliverables and terms from get-go.

So why wait?

Understanding the importance of your proposals is key. It's all about recognizing their value and potential impact.

A compelling consulting proposal isn't just about fancy words and professional language. It's the foundation of your future project, setting the stage for success.

Executive Summary: What should be included in an executive summary

Your Executive Summary is like the trailer to your favorite movie. You need to make it exciting, engaging, but most importantly - brief. This section should provide a concise synopsis of your proposal, including who you are and what solutions you offer that can address the customer's issues or needs.

Incorporate key elements such as who you are, what solutions you offer, and how these can address the client’s needs or problems. Remember to keep it concise.

Client's problem and your understanding

The heart of every good proposal lies in understanding your client’s problem deeply enough that they feel heard and valued. Highlighting their issues not only shows empathy but also proves that you have done due diligence before proposing a solution.

Proposed solution

This is where things get real. Outline exactly how your services will solve their issue — think strategy over tactics here though; don’t drown them in details yet. Be clear on expected outcomes so there's no room left for misunderstanding.

Deliverables & timeline

You've painted a great picture with proposed solutions – now let’s add some structure around it with concrete deliverables along with timelines associated with each task or phase. Be clear while leaving room for flexibility if needed.

Pricing & terms

In pricing terms, the cost question always lurks at the back of everyone’s mind so better address this head-on. Make sure everything from costs related to individual tasks down to payment schedules is well articulated.

About us/your team

Here's your chance to shine. Introduce your team, highlight past successes and areas of expertise. The goal here is not just about proving competence but also showing how well you fit with their company culture.

Testimonials or case studies

Remember, it's always better to show rather than tell. If you've had satisfied customers in the past, let their stories do the talking.

A successful consulting proposal has its roots in understanding, and then speaking to, your client's needs. This begins with research.

Tone and style

Maintaining a professional yet persuasive tone can be like walking on a tightrope. But don't worry. Here are some tips to help you balance both:

• Stay Confident: Your expertise got you this far, let it shine through your words.
• Show Empathy: Let them know that their problems matter to you because they do.

If we think about proposals as conversations rather than transactions, achieving the right tone becomes easier. Remember: People prefer working with humans over robots.

Personalization

The most effective proposals feel less like business pitches and more like personalized solutions designed for one specific client’s unique challenges.

• Dive Deep: Understand what makes your potential clients tick—what they value most from service providers, where their pain points lie—and speak directly to those aspects in your proposal.

Your goal here isn’t just providing an off-the-shelf solution but designing something tailored specifically for them. So take time researching about the company culture or any recent news related to them before starting with the writing process.

Clarity and conciseness

We often associate sophistication with complexity when simplicity works best sometimes. It's essential not only how well our proposed solutions meet our client’s needs but also how effectively we communicate these plans.

• Say More With Less: Cut the jargon. Use simple, straightforward language to convey your message.
• Make It Easy: Break down complex ideas into digestible parts. By utilizing clear and concise language, you can make it easier for clients to comprehend the value of your offer and thus increase their likelihood of accepting.

This doesn’t mean oversimplifying things but presenting them in a way that’s easy for anyone (not just industry insiders) to understand.

Don't forget, your consulting proposal isn't just a piece of paper. It's a crucial device that could either facilitate or impede your arrangement with would-be customers.

Creating a good consulting proposal template is essential for streamlining your workflow and presenting a cohesive and professional image to your potential clients. Here's a sample consulting proposal you can use to guide you through crafting a persuasive and comprehensive proposal:

[Your Logo or Company Name]

Consulting Proposal for [Client's Company Name]

Date: [Insert Date]

Executive Summary

[Introduction]

Start with a brief introduction about your consulting firm, including your experience and expertise. Explain how your skills align with the client's needs.

[Client's Problem]

Summarize the client's main challenge or need that your consulting services will address.

[Your Solution]

Outline your proposed solution, highlighting how it will effectively resolve the client's problem.

[Company Background]

Provide a short background of your consulting business, including your mission, vision, and core values.

[Team Introduction]

Introduce key team members who will be involved in the project, detailing their qualifications and relevant experience.

Project Details

[Scope of Services]

Clearly define the scope of services you are offering. List specific tasks, project objectives, deliverables, and milestones.

[Methodology]

Describe your approach or methodology in addressing the client's problem.

Provide a projected timeline for the project, including key milestones and deadlines.

[Fees and Pricing]

Detail your pricing structure, whether it's a fixed fee, hourly rate, or retainer. Include any additional costs or expenses.

[Payment Terms]

Specify payment terms, including payment schedule, accepted methods of payment, and any late payment policies.

Terms and Conditions

[Contractual Information]

Include essential terms and conditions, such as confidentiality clauses, termination terms, and legal considerations relevant to the project.

Client Testimonials / Case Studies

[Success Stories]

Showcase brief testimonials or case studies from past clients to demonstrate your track record of success and expertise.

Conclusion and Call to Action

[Closing Remarks]

Conclude with a persuasive statement that reiterates the value you bring to the client.

[Next Steps]

Clearly state the next steps, such as scheduling a follow-up meeting, signing the proposal, or any other call to action.

Contact Information

[Your Contact Details: Phone, Email, Address]

[Optional: Attachments or Appendices]

This template is a starting point and can be customized to better fit the specific needs and branding of your consulting business. Always remember, the key to a successful consulting proposal is not just in the details you provide but also in how well it aligns with the client’s expectations and needs.

3 tools to help you create proposals

When it comes to securing new clients, a well-crafted business proposal is essential. It's not just about listing your services, it's about personalizing each proposal with the client's name, detailing the project scope, and clearly outlining the time frame and consulting fees.

For those in the marketing consulting field, this is even more critical as your proposal needs to showcase your ability to understand and apply metrics effectively. As a consultant, you should leverage consulting software to help you streamline your business.

Here are three tools you can use to create proposals:

Let’s take a look at each one.

Jotform excels in customization and ease of use. It allows you to create a tailored proposal for each potential client, making sure their name and specific needs are front and center. With its intuitive interface, you can quickly outline the project scope and include detailed sections on the time frame and consulting fees. Plus, its analytics features are great for those focusing on metrics in marketing consulting proposals.

2. Proposify

Proposify is the go-to tool for creating sleek, professional business proposals. It offers a range of templates that are perfect for various industries, including marketing consulting. Its robust features enable you to incorporate detailed project summaries and extensively cover all aspects of the project, from the scope to the financials. The tool also makes it easy to include client-specific details, enhancing the personal touch of each proposal.

3. PandaDoc

PandaDoc stands out for its comprehensive feature set. It's particularly effective for managing complex proposals involving detailed project scopes and multiple consulting fees structures. The platform offers excellent templates that can be customized to include every detail, from the client's name to specific time frames. Its tracking capabilities also allow you to see how clients interact with your proposal, giving you valuable insights for future proposals.

Each of these tools offers unique features to help you create proposals that stand out. Whether you're pitching to a new client or presenting a project summary to a long-standing partner, these tools will help you articulate your value and scope effectively.

A great consulting proposal is like crafting a masterpiece — each part works together to tell a compelling story. The cover page makes that critical first impression, reflecting your brand and tailored to the client. The project proposal section clearly outlines objectives, showing you understand the client’s vision and goals.

Payment structures should be fair and transparent, conveying the value you provide. An effective proposal highlights your expertise and proposed solutions, demonstrating comprehension of the client's needs and how your approach will achieve desired outcomes.

Beyond just winning business, well-crafted proposals build long-term client relationships. They showcase professionalism, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to delivering quality results.

In the competitive consulting world, proposals convey your brand and voice. Make them clear, compelling pitches reflecting the excellence of your services. Each one not only bids for a project, but also represents your brand, values, and unique approach to overcoming challenges. Continually refining this skillset unlocks new opportunities and cements your status as an industry leader.

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How to write a consulting proposal

Hanna Stechenko Manager, SEO Management

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An effective consulting proposal can be the difference between securing a contract or losing out on a prospective client, but not everyone recognizes the impact a consulting proposal can have.

What’s the formula for writing a winning consulting proposal? We’re glad you asked!

What is a consulting proposal?

A consulting proposal is a formal document a consultant sends to a new client that outlines the consultant’s roles and responsibilities on a project.

Proposals set the tone for your budding relationship . When done right, your formal request will turn into a new client.

A proposal works similarly to a sales pitch , as it manages the other’s expectations and declares that you can align with your potential client’s needs.

It should include all relevant information regarding the project, like how you’ll address the client’s problems .

While a consulting proposal is typically focused on pitching the proposed project, it can include a contract or scope of work document to fast-track the process and close the deal in a single agreement.

→DOWNLOAD NOW: FREE CONSULTING PROPOSAL TEMPLATE

Business proposal vs. consulting proposal: What’s the difference?

Since consulting proposals are frequently used in business, consulting proposals are often confused with business proposals.

The two documents are not worlds apart, but there are some differences.

A business proposal persuades an organization to buy a product or service . You would also write a business proposal a little bit differently.

For example, if you were writing a business proposal, you most likely would include similar information to what you would put in a bid, estimate, or quote in a more formal fashion.

A consulting proposal, on the other hand, is more focused on highlighting your prospect’s problem and positioning you or your business as the solution in the process.

How an effective consulting proposal can increase your revenue by 600%

A consulting proposal is both a pitch and a resume, as it includes extensive information about the project and your experience.

Since consultants are considered experts in their field, prospective clients want to ensure the consultant has what it takes to complete the project.

A consulting business usually creates a single consulting proposal template that helps the consultant outline the project scope, project schedule, payment terms, and final deliverables.

To attract new clients for your consulting business, you need to start writing effective consulting proposals. Here’s why you should use professional consulting proposal templates to get started.

Top-notch consulting proposals help prove you’re an expert

If clients will still hire you without a proposal, what’s the point of writing one? In a formal setting, professionalism takes center stage.

If you show up to your proposal meeting without a written proposal or even a contract, you’re presenting yourself as untrustworthy, unorganized, and worst of all, unprofessional.

Having a proposal to share with the client shows you are prepared to address their business needs and have done all the required research to do so.

Consulting proposals clearly lay everything on the line

The best thing about a project proposal is its ability to summarize the scope of a specific project.

But keep in mind that you have to adjust your consulting proposal template to fit your potential client’s needs.

If it’s too generic, your clients may be confused about your services.

Consulting proposals can get you more clients

Clients expect a proposal to reflect their product or service while also accurately presenting a consultant’s value proposition.

If either of these fails, they’ll reject the proposal as ineffective, an outcome you don’t want after spending all that time preparing it. Instead, what you want is to present a good proposal to seal the deal .

In fact, Consulting Success, an eLearning company that teaches consultants how to create profitable consulting firms, found that a well-written proposal can increase your revenue by 600% .

This number was pulled from the thousands of case studies they collected for their business.

The key elements of a consulting proposal to win a client’s business

You need to know the “must-have” elements of a consulting proposal before you start adding the secret sauce that will take it from a 7 to a 10.

That means you’ll need to get specific.

A great consulting proposal will include the following key elements, from project details to consulting fees to a project summary.

1. Cover page

A cover page is the front page of your proposal. It can make your proposal look professional.

2. Contact information and date

A formal letter or project proposal should include the date, your name, and the company, and the prospective client’s name, role, company name, and company address on the cover.

3. Introductions

An introduction, greeting, or about section will address the client directly. It will act as the cover letter for your document.

Use this space to thank clients for choosing your consulting services.

4. Executive summary

The executive summary will briefly outline the project scope while also serving as a place to show off your proposed solutions.

Your consulting proposal template should include:

• A summary of the problem in one sentence
• The client’s problem and why this problem is present
• A list of solutions the potential client can choose from
• The proposed start date
• The proposed fate of completion
• The total cost of the project

You should also add a disclaimer that the proposal was made with the information the client provided. This will prevent the client from adjusting the project’s scope without your go-ahead.

5. Project objective or outline

Similar to the executive summary, in this section, you’ll go into much more detail.

You’ll also give new clients measurable insights into your end goals. For example, “ improve ROI by 30% .”

6. Deliverables

This section describes the scope of your consulting services and what you’ll deliver to the client. Use this section of your proposal template to describe the end goal of the project.

7. Project fees and timeline

Use this section to break down what the project will cost and how long you expect it to take.

8. Consulting background

Any good consulting proposal will include a section that outlines the consultant’s background, credentials, skills, and experience .

Big-ticket contract clients will typically only work with highly-skilled professionals , so you need to showcase your strengths as you would with a regular resume.

9. Terms and conditions

Some consulting services will create a proposal that includes the project fees and timeline in their terms and conditions, while others will use this space for the legal terms of the agreement.

For example, this SaaS sales proposal template separates the project’s terms and legal terms.

10. Conclusion

All winning proposals end with a conclusion that thanks the potential client.

You should also invite your prospective clients to contact you. Add your number if it isn’t on your cover page.

11. Signature

Unlike a verbal agreement, a written proposal will ensure the project’s terms are clearly outlined and agreed upon once the client signs it.

As soon as both parties sign, you can start the project.

How to write a consulting proposal that stands out in 5 simple steps

The process of writing a winning proposal doesn’t have to be complicated.

In fact, we can create an incredible consulting proposal that your prospective clients are sure to love in 5 simple steps.

Step 1: Talk to your client about the project

You won’t know the extent of your prospective client’s needs if you don’t book them in for a discovery call. Ask your clients about the project’s end goals, listen attentively, and take detailed notes.

Interruptions should be limited except for questions that clarify their business goals. Active listening makes you more likable and will help you create a value-based proposal.

For example, if you know your client wants you to boost their social media traffic significantly, you should show specific, relevant examples from other clients you’ve helped.

Don’t expect prospects to see through fluff or decode a secret message. State it plainly.

That advice applies to your process, too. While we don’t recommend giving away your trade secrets, you should show your client your process.

This helps them understand your project’s timeline and builds trust in the relationship.

Key takeaways:

• Practice active listening.
• Take detailed notes.
• Share relevant examples.
• Shed light on your process.

Step 2: Judge a book by its cover

You only have one chance to make a good first impression, so start your consulting proposal off right with an attention-grabbing cover page and other design points .

Besides the essentials like the client’s name, company name, and address, make sure to include other relevant details (like their title), your brand colors, and your logo.

When your prospective client flips the page, they should be met with an introduction that:

• Thanks to the prospective client for considering your services
• Assures that you’ll provide value to the client, thanks to your expertise
• States why you’re writing this proposal (in less than one page)
• Assures the client that they can expect X, Y, and Z from your services

You can adopt a more casual tone in this section because it can establish a down-to-earth image that makes you approachable.

Keep in mind that your introduction shouldn’t define the problem, so keep it brief. Use the space you have to respond to everything the client told you in the initial project meeting.

• Add your brand colors and logo for an eye-catching opening
• Inspire confidence with professional assurances of what the prospective client can expect
• Keep it short and sweet; save the nitty-gritty details for later

Step 3: Define the problem

Your executive summary is where all the magic happens. It’s where you demonstrate to your clients that you’ve done your research and diagnosed the issue correctly.

An effective executive summary pulls the client into your world and solidifies that you’re the best person for the project. This part of your consulting proposal should start succinctly but grow in detail as you get to the project objective or outline page.

A project proposal summary should be placed at the top of the page. Here’s an example:

“ Based on the conversation with (client name), we understand that (client company) is experiencing difficulty with online traffic conversion .”

This was pulled straight from our marketing consulting proposal template . This consulting proposal example is effective because it’s short, sweet, and right to the point (you can also use it for free if you’d like!).

Once you’ve defined the problem, you can start being more specific. For example:

• Say what they’re doing right to inject confidence in their business strategy (i.e., they’re attracting an audience with traditional ad spending, but not the right one).
• Say what you discovered when you investigated the problem (i.e., the client is using the wrong keywords and is thus attracting the wrong market).
• Say why their tactics aren’t working (i.e., these keywords would attract buyers in a similar niche, but not the exact niche the client is selling to).

Now that you’ve described the problem in-depth, we can move on to a potential solution .

• Demonstrate your research by identifying their problem
• Give clear examples of what’s working, what’s not working, and why it’s not working

Step 4: Give a specific solution

At this point, your clients should agree that you’ve represented their problems perfectly and feel confident in your familiarity with the situation.

Now, they’re more aware than ever that they need to come up with a plan to solve their businesses’ pain points.

Your consulting proposal should list detailed steps that you’ll use to reach your client’s goals. However, you shouldn’t go overboard here.

Suggesting a course of action with 3 to 5 steps can make your proposal less intimidating.

Here’s an example of what the solution section in your executive summary may look like:

To solve (clients name) traffic conversion dilemma, we’ve come up with the following solutions:

• Conduct a review of (client name) analytics and look at the potential market gap
• Commence a content audit on (client name)’s social media and website
• Rework (client name)’s SEO strategy, so it attracts the right audience
• Develop a content strategy that blends content marketing with SEO
• Incorporate branding throughout (client name)’s products and services

Now, you have to help your clients imagine what their business will look like with your help .

For example, you could say that based on the data you’ve collected from previous clients, your services will generate up to 200% more visitors by the next quarter.

Finally, state what your deliverables are (exactly what you’ll give to the client over the course of the project) and outline the proposed start date, date of completion, and total costs.

If your project is more detailed, you can create a project objective or outline page that talks specifics. While you won’t need this page for most small projects, large projects that take months or even years to complete will require an in-depth project proposal template, like this one from PandaDoc .

• Suggest a 3-5 step action plan that will solve the problem
• Demonstrate the value this action plan will generate with data if possible
• Clearly state important items like deliverables, start and end date, and total costs

Step 5: Draw them in and knock them out

If you followed the steps above, your proposal has done its job, and your prospects should be ready to sign on the dotted line. But, there’s no harm in giving your clients one last little push.

The final section should include your consulting background, relevant skills, credentials, and experience. It should state why the members of your consulting firm are the best people for the job.

All of this should help drive the point home that your client would be losing out if they don’t choose you !

These last few pages might include a pricing table, project milestones, and a scope of your work if you didn’t already add this information to your executive summary or your project objective page.

You should set up your terms and conditions section like a contract. For example, state what governing law will apply during a dispute or what will happen during a minor dispute.

Finally, end your proposal with a conclusion and a call to action. State clearly what steps your prospective client should take to reach you if they need more information.

Make sure that all parties sign the proposal or a separate contract before formally starting the project.

• Sell, sell, sell yourself with your history of results, special skills, and credentials
• Wrap up with any necessary information you haven’t already added like pricing or terms
• End strong with a clear call to action that drives the prospect to make a decision

3 Best consulting proposal templates that are free to use

If you want to start generating leads and closing deals right away, we suggest using one of our templates as a shortcut to a surefire consulting proposal.

The following examples are just what your prospective clients are looking for.

Template 1: Consulting proposal template

Writing a winning proposal is a lot of work, but this sample consulting proposal example can help you get to the finish line faster.

This formal document can protect you and your business in case of a dispute.

Consulting Agreement Template

Used 13088 times

4.3 rating (15 reviews)

Reviewed by Cory Smith

Freelancers and outsourcers of all kinds can take advantage of this legal, generic consulting agreement template. Customize this template to suit your industry and to highlight your experience.

In this simple consulting proposal template, you’ll be able to outline your consulting projects and your proposed solutions in a clear, logical structure.

If you’re a consultant that isn’t in a specific niche and you need to write something up quickly, use this free consulting proposal template.

Template 2: Marketing consulting proposal template

Marketing agencies can write the perfect consulting proposal with this template.

If you want to learn how to write the perfect marketing proposal , start by looking at this optimized template.

Marketing Consulting Proposal Template

Used 6915 times

Reviewed by Yauhen Zaremba

In this sample, you can fill out a summary, outline the client’s problem, and come up with a proposed solution.

This can show clients you’ve done your research . Whether you’re a web developer, SEO expert, or marketer of any kind, use this entire document for your next proposal.

Template 3: Recruitment proposal template

Our last sample consulting proposal template is perfect for government agencies, startups, and nonprofits looking to use a recruitment agency to find talented employees .

Recruitment Proposal Template

Used 8682 times

4.3 rating (18 reviews)

Reviewed by Ulyana Stepanovskaya

With this proposal, you can write a brief overview of your company and show clients a complete list of your services.

You’ll also find information like payment structures, payment terms, and pricing samples all on the same page, which makes your services easier to understand.

Final thoughts

Whether you’re looking to attract more prospective clients or develop a stronger working relationship with a potential client, a strong consulting proposal can take your results to the next level.

Successful consultants need an arsenal of the right tools to build trust in their clients.

As far as consulting proposal tools go, you can’t go wrong with our document management software.

Not only can you complete 87% more documents every month, but you can also send and receive signed proposals instantly from our ESIGN and UETA-compliant platform.

But don’t just take our word for it. Sign up for a free 14-day trial and see for yourself!

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How To Write a Consulting Proposal (With Template and Example)

• Write your executive summary. …
• Describe why they should choose you. …
• Write your need/problem statement. …
• Confirm your consultancy solution. …
• Include your experience. …
• Confirm the budget. …
• Ask for feedback. …
• Clarify your terms & conditions.

How to Write Consulting Proposals – What You Need to Include

What is a consulting proposal used for?

Before starting to work together on a project, consultants and clients use consulting proposals to help them reach an agreement. In order to ensure that the client is aware of the project’s specifics, the consultant’s role, the consultant’s rate of pay, and other relevant information, consulting proposals frequently include a wealth of information about the project. The benefits of hiring a consultant for a project can be demonstrated in a consulting proposal for potential clients.

What is a consulting proposal?

A consulting proposal is a letter a consultant sends to a potential client outlining how the two of them might collaborate on a project. A consultant typically drafts a consulting proposal after speaking with a potential client about the project. The consultant’s interest in the project and the conditions they want to work under are then described in the consulting proposal.

How to write a consulting proposal

You can use the following four steps to write a consulting proposal:

1. Talk to your potential client about the project

Speaking with your potential client beforehand to go over the specifics of the project is the first step in writing a consulting proposal. You can arrange a meeting or phone call with your client to discuss their objectives and expectations before writing your proposal. Take note of the client’s expectations and project goals as you listen to what they have to say. This can assist you in deciding what details to include in your consulting proposal.

2. Outline your proposal

Outline the crucial details you want to include in your proposal after speaking with your potential client about the project. Include all of the necessary elements of a consulting proposal in your outline, such as:

To make sure that your consulting proposal meets your client’s expectations, review your meeting notes and highlight the specific information that they mentioned.

3. Write a clear and concise proposal

Write your consulting proposal once you have decided what details you want to include. You can create your proposal from scratch or follow the structure provided by a template. Make sure to write your proposal in clear, concise language that your client can understand.

Additionally, you can try to keep your proposal brief. Consulting proposals typically only contain pertinent information and are only a few pages long. This could help them remain attentive and involved as they read your proposal.

4. Send your proposal to your client

Send your completed proposal to your prospective client after writing it and proofreading it. Make sure to be accessible to respond to any inquiries your client may have regarding the proposal. Start working on the project on the start date after your client signs the proposal.

Elements of a consulting proposal

A great consulting proposal typically contains a few key elements:

Contact information and date

You can include the name, role, and company of your client in the heading of your consulting proposal. Its also important to include the date of the proposal.

You can add a brief salutation to your consulting proposal as well. You can introduce yourself, thank the client for their consideration, and indicate your interest in working with the client in this section.

Summary of project

A project summary is a crucial element of a consulting proposal. Try to give a brief description of the project in this section and give the client an overview. Include the project’s main tenets, such as the issue it seeks to solve and its objectives.

Project objective

The primary project objective of your client may also be included in your consulting proposal. The project objective should be clear and measurable. For instance, “To develop a project management software system that increases productivity by 10%” would be a good project objective. “.

Deliverables

You can list your project deliverables in this section of your consulting proposal as the consultant. You can ensure that the client is aware of what to anticipate from a contract with you and reduce the possibility of responsibility disputes by including deliverables in your proposal. You could, for instance, create a resource management report for the client or a technology training program for the client’s staff as deliverables.

Your consulting background and credentials

A great way to convince potential clients that you are the best consultant for their project is to include a section with your credentials. You can briefly describe your background in consulting, your abilities, and your experiences in this section to demonstrate your suitability for the client project. This may increase the likelihood that the client will continue to collaborate with you on the project.

Project terms and conditions

The conditions of your project can also be covered in a section of your consulting proposal. This section can include your consulting fee as well as the project’s timeline, including the start and end dates. By doing this, you can help make sure that your client accepts the crucial conditions of working with you.

To cement your relationship with your potential client, you can also include a cordial conclusion and thank them once more. You can also encourage the client to get in touch with you if they have any inquiries about the project’s specifics or the consulting proposal.

Make sure to leave room for both you and your client to sign the consulting proposal at the end. You can start the project after you both have signed the document.

Consulting proposal template

Here is a sample consulting proposal that you can use as a guide when writing your own proposal:

[ Client name ] [ Client role ] [ Client company ] [ Date of proposal ]

Greeting [ This section includes a brief greeting and introduction. ]

Brief summary of the project’s main points is provided in this section. ].

Project Objective [ This section includes a specific and measurable project objective. ]

Background [In this section, you should give a brief overview of your training and experience as a consultant. ].

[ Conclusion ]

[ Signatures ]

Consulting proposal example

Here is an example of a completed consulting proposal:

Dear Alexis, Thank you for the opportunity to consult with Elba Marketing Solutions on the social media marketing campaign management system project. Alexis ValdezManagerElba Marketing SolutionsJuly 24, 2021 I hope to contribute my consulting expertise to this project.

*Project Summary By developing a thorough system that manages campaign details, including scheduling, content, and other elements, this project seeks to address issues Elba Marketing Solutions is having with planning and executing social media marketing campaigns. *.

Project Goal: 10% more productive social media marketing teams at Elba Marketing Solutions.

BackgroundI consider myself to be the ideal consultant for this project given my work experience in project management and marketing. In the course of my career, I have also served as a consultant for numerous marketing agencies on a variety of projects and managed a number of marketing campaigns. I now possess the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful as I develop a social media marketing campaign management system for Elba Marketing Solutions. *.

Thank you for your time, and if you have any questions about the campaign management system project, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.

Sincerely, Loretta Perry Independent Consultant [email protected]

How do you end a consulting proposal?

Conclusion. To cement your relationship with your potential client, you can also include a cordial conclusion and thank them once more. You can also encourage the client to get in touch with you if they have any inquiries about the project’s specifics or the consulting proposal.

How do I create a consulting project?

• Step 1) Define Problem:
• Step 2) Structure the Problem:
• Step 3) Prioritize Issues:
• Step 4) Analysis Plan and Work Plan:
• Step 5) Conduct Analysis:
• Step 6) Synthesize Findings:
• Step 7) Develop Recommendations.

How do I write an independent contractor proposal?

• Demonstrate that you thoroughly understand the client’s project and goals.
• Include realistic timelines, deliverables, and quotes.
• Ensure that your proposal is polished and complete.
• Proofread your proposal before submitting it to a client.

How do you structure a consulting contract?

• Full names and positions of those you do business with Be sure they’re all spelled correctly.
• Project objectives. …
• Detailed description of the project. …
• List of responsibilities. …
• Fees. …
• Timeline. …
• Page numbers.

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• RASCI: What It Is and How To Use It for Project Management
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Resources >

How to write a consulting proposal, the consulting proposal is a cornerstone of an independent consultant’s business. this resource will guide you through how to write a consulting proposal for your client projects, with tips and examples., should you even write a proposal.

• Context Discussion with the client
• Additional questions to ask

Ask the client to write the proposal (essentially)

• Contents of a good proposal
• Proposal template download
• Customer experience during the proposal phase

SPIN selling

• What comes next — after the proposal is submitted

Resources for proposal writing

Examples of consultant proposals

Request the proposal template here

When thinking about how to write a consulting proposal, the first question to ask is: should you even submit a proposal for this particular client or project?

Umbrex member Mary Kate Scott says there are five factors she considers when deciding whether to submit a proposal for the project:

• Is the work interesting and challenging?
• Am I going to work with great people?
• What’s the working environment going to be like?
• Are the rewards worth it?
• Is it going to build my business?

Scott’s rule-of-thumb is to invest two hours for every $10,000 in fees the project will bring. For example, if the project will result in $50,000 of fees, she would spend no more than 10 hours on the proposal.

She talks more about the decision-making process for evaluating potential projects, including if you even want to submit a proposal, in Episode 142 of Unleashed .

Hold a Context Discussion with the potential client

Now that you’ve decided to create a proposal to submit for the potential project, there’s an important first step before you sit down to actually write it up.

First, you should have a Context Discussion with the client if at all possible. The term “Context Discussion” was created by David A. Fields — you can read about the concept in chapters 18 and 19 of his book, The Irresistible Consultant’s Guide to Winning Clients .

The elements of such a Context Discussion are covered in the video below. A context discussion should cover the following six topics, as covered by Umbrex Managing Partner Will Bachman in an Umbrex Events Video:

1. Why is the prospective client looking for assistance?

What has changed in their company or situation that they need your help, and why now? This will help you uncover any important events that have happened. What is going on now that is different? Did the CEO or the board ask for this assistance? Has a competitor made a move? Is an acquisition on the table?

2. What are the desired outcomes?

Go beyond the immediate target to ask the client what the ultimate outcome is that they’re hoping from this initiative.

3. What are the client’s indicators of success?

How will we know if the project is successful? What would some leading indicators be? How would we know that we’re on the right track during the project?

4. What are the perceived risks and concerns?

Here you want to unmask the prospects apprehensions and have an awareness of the possible objections. This prepares you to design a perfect approach to allay the concerns of the prospect. Most consultants avoid asking about risks, because they don’t want to raise objections. But if you put this on the table from the beginning, it will differentiate you and build trust with the potential client.

This question also gives the client a chance to show some vulnerability, which creates intimacy to help build your relationship. You don’t want to argue with the risks — you want to acknowledge them, and understand them.

5. What’s the actual business value in dollars and cents?

How will this project increase revenues, or reduce costs, for the client? In terms of revenues, try to determine how much it’s going to increase — attempt to quantify the value to the bottom line.

For example, let’s say that you’re working to increase the conversion rate, in which case you want to estimate how much your project will actually increase the conversion rate of the website traffic. Let’s say you decide it’s going to go from 2% to 2.5%. You do the math, and you see that translates to an increase of $10 million in annual revenue. Now, let’s say that the gross margin on that revenue is 20%. So your project would lead to an increase of 20% on $10 million in revenue. That’s $2 million in gross profit for the client — presumably, that would be an ongoing annual figure.

Or perhaps the project will lead to reduce costs, in which can you could run a similar “back of the envelope” formula. You are transforming the broader objective into a specific quantified dollars and cents figure. Avoiding losses can be a strong motivator, and the client may not have done this math. This process helps quantify the value of your proposal and anchor your fees for the project by putting them in context of the overall value to the business.

6. What are the parameters in terms of people, time, money, and possibly geography?

Are there people issues you and the client need to keep in mind? Are there timing issues? Is there some big meeting coming up or board deadlines to keep in mind? Ask about money and cost issues. Who has signing authority on this?

You should also ask about budget. As Fields writes in his book, sometimes the client won’t have a specific budget. If not, you can frame it as, “What sort of number would give you a heart attack.” That figure can give you an upper boundary — a general rule-of-thumb is to divide that number in half, and that’s probably pretty close to what their budget is.

Fields talks more about this in Episode 1 of Unleashed.

How to write a consulting proposal: Additional questions to ask

In addition to the Context Discussion, some other questions are helpful to pose to the potential client:

• What have you already done internally to work on this problem?
• Why aren’t using internal resources — why are you thinking about going outside the organization for help on this?
• How are you thinking that we’d be able to help? The client must think you may have something to add.
• What’s your mental model of what our support would look like? I never like to assume that I know the answer to that question, and it’s a whole lot easier to sell a solution that the customer already wants to buy.
• How do you envision your team being involved in this effort?

Bachman advises letting the client tell you exactly what kind of help they need.

“Often the answer is not what I would have guessed. And if they struggle with the general question about the mental model of support, I get more specific. I say, ‘Well, there are a variety of ways we could approach this. There’s always different levels of detail that we could go, and different levels of involvement from your firm’.”

There could be a range from one expert providing light touch advice, one day a week, to a team with a project lead and two direct reports working full time for three months. Try to get more specifics on where on that spectrum the client feels their project will land.

Bachman also likes to see if the prospective client has a specific idea on the approach.

“I might say, there’s a number of ways of getting at these consumer insights. We could do a big consumer survey, we could do some intercept interviews as customers leave stores, or we could interview consumers one-on-one on a Zoom call and record those. What sort of approach if any of these did you have in mind?”

A great proposal addresses all of the exact needs and requirements of the client — so what better way to create a winning one than to essentially let the client write it for you?

What this means is letting the client tell you exactly they want from the project and in the proposal. The client may have already given you detailed parameters or a Request For Proposal (RFP), but delving deeper with certain questions can elicit details that will enable you to craft the exact solution the client is looking for:

• What is your mental model of how the project should go?
• What do you see as the right approach?
• What should the team look like?
• What activities will we be doing?
• How long should the project last?

“I let them educate me,” Bachman says.

How to write a consulting proposal: Contents of a good proposal

After this depth of discussion, in some cases the client may already be convinced of your value and services and won’t even require a formal proposal.

If they do want a proposal, the next step is crafting it. The typical options are to create a vertical document in Microsoft Word or Google Docs, or a horizontal proposal in PowerPoint. A vertical document is usually the easiest to put together, and the easiest for a client to digest and approve. A horizontal deck proposal, on the other hand, may be best if there are a lot of visuals.

Please note that this proposal template doesn’t have all the terms and conditions. For that, go visit our resource page on Consulting Contracts .

A good proposal includes the following:

• Introduction
• Project context
• Expected client support
• Professional arrangements
• Use of this proposal
• Contact info

“USE OF THIS PROPOSAL This proposal is provided for the exclusive use of CLIENT and its Executive Team. This document cannot be shared with any other organization or person outside CLIENT. This proposal does not represent a contract between CLIENT and Umbrex.  We retain the right to modify or withdraw this proposal prior to a signed contract.”

Bachman goes through each of these components in more detail in this Umbrex Events Video:

An optional component of the proposal is to include a few sanitized examples of work product. It’s always far more powerful to show than to tell. Sharing such work samples from a similar past product gives a potential client a lot of confidence that you know what you’re doing.

Additional tips and resources:

• Unleashed Episode 260 : How to Write a Consulting Proposal.
• Unleashed Episode 121: Portfolios of sanitized work.
• Agree on a timeline. Establish the date you will submit the written proposal by, and schedule a call on your calendars to review the proposal.
• You might consider sending a draft proposal first and ask for the client’s feedback, rather than polishing to get it perfect without such feedback.
• Send the proposal well before the due date as a draft, asking the client for a scheduled time to go through the proposal for feedback. That way, you can iterate and resubmit the proposal if needed.
• If there was an RFP, or a list of things the client specifically wants you to address in the proposal, consider structuring your proposal in the same order as that list. This makes it clear you’ve met all the requirements. You might even include that list of requirements on the first page, and show the page number of your proposal on which that item is addressed.
• Your proposal should be formatted nicely with the branding of your firm. This can be incorporated in the above template, or other templates you might use from online services.
• Include a sentence at the end that says this proposal is your intellectual property, and may not be shared outside the client firm, and specifically not with other professional services firms without your written consent. You’ve put hard work into the proposal, and a client respects a provider who politely assert her rights.

Offer a great customer experience during the proposal phase

User experience is an important aspect of any business transaction. There are a number of practices you can adopt to improve your potential client’s experience during the proposal stage.

• Treat this period as phase zero of the project. Don’t try to win the work, but rather try to actually get real work done. If the client feels that they’ve actually made progress towards a solution before they’ve even hired you for the job, that is far more powerful than impressing them with case studies.
• Over-prepare, but be indifferent to the results . This means researching the client and situation more than is reasonable, but once in the room focus on what is best for the client — which may be an introduction to someone else. Put yourself on their side of the table.
• Enhance your LinkedIn profile. First impressions count, the potential client will probably check your LinkedIn profile before meeting with you. So do a tough review of your own profile, and improve it if necessary.
• Make sure your website and email address/signature reflect your brand. Do they clearly communicate who you are and what services you provide and what clients you serve? Your email should be a professional domain name address (not Gmail or other generic email), and your email signature should include your cell phone number and a link to book time on your calendar.
• Be responsive. Always respond within eight hours — two is even better. In the proposal phase, you’re signaling how responsive you’ll be during the project itself. And your client will assume that this is the most responsive you’ll ever be as you’re trying to get hired.
• Send a follow-up after every interaction. After the context discussion, and after every discussion with the client, send a follow-up note that summarizes the interaction, including the action items you and the client have agreed to, and the due dates discussed.

To delve even more deeply into the customer experience, check out our six-part podcast miniseries, Client Experience , in which Will Bachman shares suggestions for how to improve the client experience during the four phases of a project lifecycle:

• The proposal phase
• Onboarding / kickoff phase
• Project execution
• Post-project

While the previous approaches are based largely on David A. Fields book, The Irresistible Consultant’s Guide to Winning Clients , there is another approach based on another book with valuable insights for independent consultants.

SPIN Selling by Neil Rackham is a classic for marketing and selling. This model is based on a four-step process:

• Situation:  Establish the client’s current situation.
• Problem:  Identify problems the client faces that your solution solves.
• Implication:  Explore the causes and effects of those problems.
• Need/Payoff:  Show why your service and solution is worth it.

Ask the client, “How do you think I can be helpful to you?” Bachman explains. “And then let the client sell themselves on why they think [you] might be the right solution.”

What next? After submitting your proposal

Once you’ve submitted the proposal, there’s a possibility that some follow-up will be required.

In Unleashed Episode 254 , Will Bachman discusses some tips for following up after the proposal, and what to do if the prospective client goes silent on you.

“The client doesn’t exist to give us feedback. We exist to serve the client,” he says.

Thoughtfully consider the various scenarios that might be going on from the client’s side. Perhaps something else came up to delay the project, the project got cancelled, they hired someone else, or perhaps have not even yet reviewed your proposal.

Whatever the case may be, Bachman’s advice is to be “pleasantly persistent.”

Perhaps follow up every two or three days, depending on how urgent the project seemed — and mix up your communication methods. Perhaps send an email, and then later a LinkedIn message, perhaps a text another time. You can ask if they have any questions about the proposal or when they would be available to touch base and discuss it.

Another good strategy is to consider what the project was about and the client’s needs, and follow up with some thoughts on how your proposal will address those. You can even share some news or current events that are directly relevant to the client’s business or the proposed project.

• Watch the Video : One-hour video workshop on How to Write a Consulting Proposal from Will Bachman.
• PowerPoint templates : Our PPT deck of 180+ slide templates and examples
• Proposal Template : Our Word template for proposals.
• The Irresistible Consultant’s Guide to Winning Clients  by David A. Fields.
• The Consulting Bible : How to Launch and Grow a Seven-Figure Consulting Business  by Alan Weiss.
• SPIN Selling by Neil Rackham.
• Getting More : How You Can Negotiate to Succeed in Work and Life by Stuart Diamond.
• Episode 1 of the Umbrex Unleashed podcast: Winning clients.
• Episode 128 of Unleashed : Improving the client experience.
• Episode 174 of Unleashed : Setting fees.
• Episode 254 of  Unleashed: What to do if a client ghosts you
• Episode 260 of Unleashed : How to write a consulting proposal.

Michael de la Maza’s Agile Certification Course and Coaching Proposal includes sections on Situation Assessment, Course Options, Payment Terms, Risks & Assumptions, and Next Steps:

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Blog Graphic Design 19 Consulting Proposal Templates to Close Deals

19 Consulting Proposal Templates to Close Deals

Written by: Bronwyn Kienapple Jan 16, 2024

As a consultant, you excel in your area of expertise. But, closing deals with new clients? Perhaps that ’s something you’re still trying to figure out. Especially if you haven’t been able to connect in person or companies are more hesitant to shell out for consulting fees.

A well-organized and designed consulting proposal template may be just what you need to help turn lukewarm leads into big ticket contracts.

In this guide, we’ll deliver design tips and unique consulting proposal templates  so you can get started on building winning proposals right away. Our simple online  proposal maker  tool will help you customize them to your liking.

Click to jump ahead:

• What is a consulting proposal?

How to write a consulting proposal?

What should be included in a consulting proposal, 19 consulting proposal examples [with templates], the takeaway: top consulting proposal design tips, what is a consulting proposal.

A consulting  proposal is a document sent to a potential client that acts as a sales pitch . It outlines how the consultant would handle a specific project. A consulting proposal is also a marketing document that shows why the consultant’s experience and skills make him or her the best fit for the job.

A consultant may submit a proposal after being briefed by a prospective client on project requirements. Or the submission may be in response to a formal Request for Proposals (RFP).

The proposal should be persuasive, visually impactful and customized for the client’s unique needs.

Are you a consultant looking to win over clients and secure lucrative projects? One of the most critical tools in your arsenal is a well-crafted consulting proposal.

A compelling proposal not only showcases your expertise and understanding of the client’s needs but also demonstrates your professionalism and commitment to delivering value.

Here’s a guide on how to write a consulting proposal that stands out and maximizes your chances of success.

• Start with a cover page that lists your name, the prospective client’s name and the date of submission. Add your branding, such as your brand colors and logo.
• Write an executive summary that covers the client’s challenges, how you plan to solve them and what metrics or benchmarks you’ll use to gauge your success.
• Outline the project scope : what you will (and won’t) work on. Be specific. Will you optimize a website for SEO but not rewrite copy?
• List deliverables . These are the end results of your work such as a report, software product, prototype or process map.
• Create a timeline . Add deadlines for milestones and final deliverables, considering consultant time tracking to ensure accurate monitoring of project progress.
• Outline costs . Be clear from the outset how much you’ll charge. Also include any payment structures, like a deposit or payment installments, and how you want to be paid.

Keep reading to discover eye-catching consulting proposal templates and presentations that will help you tell a story, unlock conversations and ultimately, win the job.

A consulting proposal usually has the following sections:

• Executive summary
• Client problems and goals
• Project proposal outline
• Solutions and project deliverables
• Pricing and terms and conditions

Simple consulting proposals

Sometimes a clean, simple consulting proposal without too many frills is all you need, whether you’re pitching a traditional corporate client or simply want something easy to fill out. 

After all, juggling your current workload and  finding new clients  (and then   pitching these leads is tough. A well-designed sample consulting proposal will make your life a lot easier. Plus, clients  hiring a consultant  may even be more likely appreciate a simple, straight-forward proposal that they can understand than one that needs lots of explaining. 

Success tip: Focus on value and ROI in your proposal

Be upfront about how significant the potential return will be for the client’s investment. A significant return is incredibly compelling for a potential client and will make a client much more likely to sign you on.

Alex Williams, a web consultant from  Hosting Data UK recommends anchoring your consulting fees to the value your client will receive. A high ROI means the client will be much less likely to bat an eye at your (hopefully substantial) fee.

Simple B2C consulting proposal

It’s still possible to add quick custom touches to a simple consulting proposal.

Success tip: Include the client’s logo on the proposal cover page

Include personal branding , like your logo, as well as the client’s logo on the cover page using our My Brand Kit feature. Or swap in real images of the client’s office or retail space with our photo upload feature.

Simple business consulting proposal

This conservative sample consulting proposal is perfect for pitching a corporate client. It includes a table of contents and your contact information in a footer on each page. Copy the last page to add an appendix.

Design pro tip: Get help. Collaborate with your team.

Don’t go it alone! Venngage has team features to make collaborating on and sharing your consulting proposal template much easier.

Add team members to your account and decide who can see or edit your proposal. When you’re done, hit “share” to invite team members to collaborate and edit the design. Or copy the private link to send it via Slack or wherever else.

Want to kick things up a notch? Turn on our real-time collaboration feature (Business plan only) to collaborate on your proposals in real time with your team so you can work together anytime, anywhere.

You can also download your proposal to your hard drive as a PDF if you’d like to print it (Business and Premium plans only).

B2C client consulting proposal

Simple but powerful, this consulting proposal template clearly communicates key proposed growth strategies.

Let’s say you and the client have already hashed out many of the project details, either in conversation or during a formal presentation. This consulting proposal template works well if you simply want to reiterate a few key points you’ve already discussed.

Design pro tip: Visualize concepts with icons

Swap in different icons from our library of thousands of modern icons. Use this strategy to illustrate your specific deliverables or customize the cover page to reflect your client’s industry.

For example, if the client is in the healthcare industry, you could add medical symbols .

You can also use icons to create an icon story . Icons are a quick way to communicate concepts and visuals. Use a cluster of icons to decorate your proposal or to explain an idea.

Direct the reader’s gaze to certain parts of a page with icons. Add a circle or square background to your icons, make them oversize or change them to a bright color to make sure they capture the reader’s attention.

Business growth client consulting proposal

This business proposal template has more formal colors to suit traditional clients.

Design pro tip: Pick the right colors

Picking the right colors for a project depends a lot on color psychology and color meanings .

• Cool colors = trust, loyalty, stability
• Warm colors = energy, excitement, positivity

For example, say your potential client’s in banking, a typically conservative industry. Use a cool color (like blue) in your proposal. The logos below highlight this trend.

Our post about picking and using brand colors has even more examples.

Here’s another tip: use the executive summary section in the template below to show that you thoroughly understand the client’s business and current situation. And that you understand exactly how to get them from point A to point B–their desired result.

Highlight current challenges and opportunities using the two columns in the consulting  proposal example below: problem and solution.

Design pro tip: Add your brand colors

Add your potential client’s brand colors to your consulting proposal template. Venngage’s My Brand Kit feature pulls colors, fonts and logos from your client’s website so you can apply them to your proposal with one click.

Vibrant B2C consulting proposal

Your prospective client makes their living selling directly to consumers and using emotional marketing strategies to persuade them.

Your job is to acknowledge these tactics, while using a tried-and-true B2B selling strategy : focusing on the client’s bottom line .

Use the consulting proposal template below to highlight your client’s current situation in the “Problem” section. And then use the “Budget” section to outline the value and ROI you’ll provide the client for your services.

Design pro tip: Use gradients to spice up your designs

Gradients are one of the biggest graphic design trends . So this template is perfect for forward-thinking companies, especially those in marketing and design. Change up the gradient quickly in Venngage by clicking “background” and selecting a different color scheme.

Geometric consulting proposal example

This bold proposal makes use of a geometric background and illustrations to help it stand out from the pack. Change the text and the illustrations–thanks to our in-editor icon library. It’s easy to customize for your industry.

Contrasting colors business proposal template

This sample consulting proposal is best for consultants who want to express their ideas with text.

That said, don’t be afraid to add visuals. Visuals make your content more memorable and engaging and they can also make it easier to understand.

Here are some ways to summarize information from your proposal:

• Icons : illustrate a list
• Pie charts : show market share
• Timelines : illustrate project milestones
• Mind map : show a product launch strategy

The above project proposal template also has plenty of room to highlight your experience, past clients and unique skills.

A project summary is complimented by key deliverables, with a concrete project timeline laid out on the last page. Drag and drop in visuals, as you please.

The table of contents on page two will help the client quickly refer to key sections. You can even hyperlink to sections throughout the proposal, directly from the table of contents. 

Gradient business consulting proposal

A terms and conditions, or Accountabilities, section of your consulting proposal is where you can outline what you (and what the client) are responsible for in the project.

That said, this is a consulting proposal, not a legal document. Don’t confuse your client with jargon and legalese. Keep your words clear and simple.  You can check out this project proposal post for more tips on writing up a proposal.

If the client can easily understand the terms and conditions, they’ll be much quicker to sign off on the project.

Again, visuals can be an incredibly helpful way to simplify information. You might even consider making an infographic to present data.

This project proposal example uses icons as bullet points to help explain its deliverables:

Construction consultant proposal template

To get the job, construction consultants need to demonstrate that they can provide real, cost-effective solutions to their prospective clients’ challenges. They need to demonstrate that they understand the client’s requirements and that they have a solid vision from initial concept to project closeout.

This construction proposal template provides a clear and concise breakdown of your unique vision and can be branded with your business colors and logo using our online tool:

Social media marketing consulting proposal examples

A great social media marketing proposal lays out a consultant’s plans, sets client expectations and highlights just how amazing you are in the social sphere. You can also mention your knowledge of digital marketing trends .

Solid research on the client’s stats, audience and competition is the backbone of any great social media marketing proposal. What platforms are they strongest on? Have they had any successful campaigns?

Your social media plan should show that your recommendations are based on a thorough understanding of the client’s current situation, challenges and opportunities.

Success tip: Use the SMART framework

Follow the SMART framework when laying down social media goals for your client. As in: all goals must be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely.

Green modern marketing proposal template

This short and sweet marketing proposal template addresses all the major points in one page. Copy any of the pages to add more pages and information.

There are several template examples that you can look at and draw inspiration from to make the most of your resources and promote your business. This blog post on 5 marketing proposal examples that’ll help elevate your business is a great guide that I will advise.

Vintage social media project proposal example

This project proposal example has a “project background” section where you can address the client’s needs and any problems. Be as specific as possible. Use point form, if it helps organize your thoughts.

Bold social media consulting proposal

This bright and cheerful social media consulting proposal is definitely eye catching. Use the timeframe section to provide a timetable.

But, don’t overload the schedule with details. The client should be able to get a complete grasp of the project schedule in a glance. You can always add an appendix with a more detailed breakdown, if you need to.

This project proposal example has a simple schedule; copy the slide if you want to add more details:

Design pro tip: Use a color scheme that reflects your goals

Pick a design motif that reflects your high-level goals.

For example, the color scheme could support the mood of your mission. Color psychology usually relates green with “growth,” blue with “loyalty” and “trust” and orange with “playfulness” and “creativity.”

Make sure your design is consistent. You should use the same couple of fonts, the same style of icons and the same palette of brand colors. Thankfully, all our consulting proposal examples have consistent styles you can apply to new pages or slides.

Content strategy consulting proposal examples

A content strategy plan should outline:

• What kind of content you’ll create (and/or curate)
• What types of content will go on what platform
• When and how often content will be posted
• Tone and style of content

Ask your client for any style guides or brand colors before you start your content strategy plan.

Don’t miss our post and free eBook on repurposing content . Your client will probably be excited to learn of all the ways they can maximize their existing content and create exciting infographics , presentation slide decks , white papers and more.

Include visual content marketing statistics to support your argument.

Content strategy consulting proposal sample

This clean, modern content strategy plan includes space both for text and bold graphics.

It also already has every section you need to create a comprehensive proposal. Let the template be your guide–a competitor analysis, user persona examples and customer feedback are all key aspects you’ll want to research and fill out.

Consulting RFP template

It can be tough to stand out among a sea of Request for Proposal (RFP) responses. A well-organized, dynamic consulting RFP template will set you apart.

Success tip: Break up text with visuals

Long paragraphs of text are sure to send your potential client to sleep. Use graphics, charts and other visuals to make your point instead.

Above all, avoid marketing jargon. Write clean and clear copy. Scour the RFP itself for key phrases, buzzwords and acronyms that you can apply to your proposal. This will show you know how to speak your client’s language and understand their world.

Corporate business consulting proposal

This professional corporate business consulting proposal will work well when pitching large companies, non-profits or government agencies. It’s clean, clear and formal without being stuffy.

Organizational consultant proposal templates

Need help making your strategic vision look as professional as possible? Organizational consultants can use a proposal template to showcase their analytical ability and forward thinking.

Abstract consulting proposal template

This text-based consulting proposal is brought to life through an abstract design motif.

Gradient organizational consulting proposal template

This consulting proposal example uses a fresh gradient background and bold icons to achieve a modern look. You can always swap out the icons and background using our simple online editor:

Minimalist organizational consulting proposal template

Looking for a slightly more conservative design? This sample consulting proposal has the same format as the above–but swaps out the background and fonts for a slightly more muted look:

HR consultant proposal template

H R outsourcing is expected to reach US$ 48858.42 million by 2031 , according to the 360 Market Updates. With this kind of opportunity at stake, you want a thorough proposal that’s professional and easy to digest.

HR consultants can use this project proposal outline to detail key deliverables and costs, your team’s expertise and your unique competitive edge:

Here are some important proposal design tips to keep in mind:

• Visualize concepts with icons
• Copy slides to reuse formatting
• Add your brand colors
• Use gradients to spice up your designs
• Unsplash has the best free stock photos
• Add charts to illustrate supporting information
• Use a color scheme that reflects your goals
• Use pops of color to highlight an idea
• Get help. Collaborate with your team.

What are your tips for writing an effective consulting proposal? What’s worked for you in the past? What hasn’t worked? Tell us in the comments below.

Further Reading:

• How to Design an Engaging LinkedIn Presentation
• 10+ New Leadership Infographic Examples
• Crisis Communication Plan Templates for Leaders

More Consulting Guides:

• 25+ Consulting Report Templates Every Consultant Needs
• 13 Essential Consulting Templates For Marketing, Planning and Branding
• 30+ Project Plan Examples to Visualize Your Strategy (2024)

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Consulting Proposal Template

Highlight the problems your prospects are facing and position yourself as the solution with this Consulting Proposal Template.

About the Consulting Proposal Template 

A Consulting Proposal Template allows you to craft the perfect presentation for your upcoming proposal. Using ready-made slides (that you can edit), you’ll show prospects what you can do to improve their business and make their lives easier. 

When done well, the presentation can signify the start of a productive working relationship. 

What is a consulting proposal? 

A consulting proposal (sometimes known as a project proposal or a business proposal) outlines the scope and timeline of a consulting project. Think of it like a sales pitch. It highlights the pain points that your prospective clients face and shows how you can solve these challenges. 

Usually, the prospective client will submit a ‘request for proposal’ after meeting you for the first time. If you hit it off at the first meeting, they’ll ask you to create a proposal. It’s your chance to sell yourself and your consulting services and show potential clients why they should work with you. 

What should an effective consulting proposal include? 

The specifics of your consulting proposal will be unique to you and your business. However, there are some common topics that you’ll cover. These include: 

An introduction/salutation

A summary of the potential clients’ challenges and pain points 

An action plan of how you’ll solve those problems

The results you’ll achieve for the business

Case studies from your past clients 

An estimated time frame for the work

Contractual information (such as consulting fees and your consulting agreement)

How to use the Consulting Proposal Template 

Miro’s digital workspace is the perfect virtual notepad to jot down notes, share ideas, and gather resources. When you’re ready to create your presentation, start by selecting our interactive Consulting Proposal Template. Then, follow these steps to plan your next consulting proposal with our free template. 

Step 1: Customize the presentation. Now that you’re set up with the template, you can start to customize it. Here are the pre-made slides you’ll have access to:

Introduction

Executive summary

Options and key deliverables

Case Studies

All of these slides have placeholder text, but they’re easy to edit. You can simply select the slide, choose the piece of text you want to change, and start editing. You can also change the order of the slides, so it’s better suited to your specific presentation. Not to mention, you can change the color and logo of the slides so that they align with your company branding. 

Step 2: Add your content . When you’ve created the perfect presentation structure, you can start to develop the project details. Add customer challenges, outline how you’ll solve the problem, and create clear goals and objectives for your prospects. 

Step 3: Get feedback from colleagues and stakeholders. Before you deliver the presentation, it’s a good idea to get feedback from your team members. With Miro, you can easily share your presentation , and colleagues can add their feedback directly to the presentation. 

Step 4: Deliver the proposal to your prospective clients. To deliver your consulting proposal with Miro, simply select presentation mode . This will automatically set your presentation to full screen, and you can move through the presentation using your arrow keys. 

Tips for presenting a successful proposal 

How you deliver your consulting proposal can make or break your potential partnership. Fail to hit the nail on the head, and your prospect might use another consultant. To give yourself a better chance of success, here are some best practices: 

Rehearse with a real audience

This is a great way to see if your presentation flows well and if you’ve covered everything you need. It could be a colleague, a manager, or even a friend or family member. It’s also a good idea to track how long the presentation takes to make sure you stay on schedule. 

Keep the audience engaged

Your entire proposal presentation needs to be engaging. If it’s not, your prospect might lose interest. To hold their focus, make sure your presentation only covers relevant information. It shouldn't be in the presentation if it’s not helpful for them to know. 

Create a professional presentation

Think about how your presentation looks and the perception it’ll give to your prospects. You want to give a good impression with a professional and well-designed presentation, which is why using Miro’s template is helpful. With our template, the design work is pretty much done for you. You don’t have to start from scratch — you can simply edit the existing slides. You can also add charts and visuals to support the key information. 

Address prospects' problems from the get-go

Don’t start the presentation talking about what you do and how much your services cost. Instead, show your prospects that you understand their challenges right from the start and position yourself as the solution later. This will put them in a better headspace when you talk about payment terms. 

How do you write a successful consulting proposal?

The exact process varies depending on what you do and what your clients are looking for. Using Miro’s template, it’s easy to create a structure that works for you and your prospects. You can simply follow the existing layout or customize it to suit your needs.

How long should a consulting proposal presentation be?

A physical proposal (such as a document) should be no longer than two pages. If you’re delivering a presentation, keep it under 30 minutes, but allow time to answer questions at the end.

What happens before you write the consulting proposal?

Before you start writing your project proposal, you’ll meet with the client to discuss their needs. If you’re all on the same page and the client is interested in working with you, you’ll create a proposal. After delivering the presentation, the prospect will let you know if they want to form a working relationship.

Get started with this template right now.

Project Presentation Template

Works best for:.

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Use our Project Presentation Template to provide an overview of your upcoming project. Get buy-in from investors, keep stakeholders in the loop, and show colleagues your plan of action.

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Use this template to finalize the design phase of a project. Keep all team members on the same page and ensure that your team’s technical efforts are on track.

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Out with the old, in with the new! Showcase your brand’s newly revised strategy with this dynamic Rebranding Presentation Template.

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Presentations, Marketing

The Marketing Proposal Template is a simple outline you can use to quickly and easily structure your next bid for a project.

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Presenting your strategies is the best way to allow people to understand what the business will be focusing on in the future. Use this Strategy Presentation Template to communicate your strategic thinking and encourage collaboration.

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Presentations, Meetings

Use Miro’s QBR Presentation Template to give clients an overview of their business performance and show where you can add more value. Review your successes over the past 90 days and create a plan of action for the next quarter.

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10 real consulting proposals, free to download.

Table of contents

Mckinsey proposals.

• BCG Proposals 

Bain Proposals

Deloitte proposals.

Consulting proposals from top-tier consultancies like McKinsey, Bain, and BCG are typically closely guarded secrets. However, now and then, an RfP response finds its way into the public domain. Most are for government projects, disclosed under transparency requirements.

For your convenience, we've rounded them up here, along with short summaries of each document.

Please note: Many of the proposals here are responses to government RfPs, and as a result often long text-heavy documents structured according to the specifications of the RfP. These proposals are quite different from typical consulting proposals that tend to be shorter, more visual, and often delivered as a slide deck. 

Proposal guide & template See our  consulting proposal guide  to learn how to structure and write a winning commercial proposal. Or download our best-selling  Consulting Proposal Template for PowerPoint  to get recent real-life consulting proposal slides used with corporate clients.

McKinsey proposal on COVID-19 response to the State of New Jersey (2020)

At the State of New Jersey's request, McKinsey submitted this 16-page proposal in April 2020 on how it could assist the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management in navigating the pandemic.

Great inspiration for: How to divide a project into work streams with clear objectives, activities, and key deliverables. This proposal shows how McKinsey breaks up their fee according to work streams, team size, and project duration. 

Download the proposal here

BCG Proposals  

Roadmap for a low carbon energy system, mercury, genesis energy, and contact energy - bcg proposal (2022).

A short written proposal prepared for a consortium of New Zealand energy companies. The aim of the project was a report that " creates a whole-of-electricity-sector view to enable the bringing together of an independent view of the best pathway to a low carbon energy system ".  The document only includes the core of the proposal (context & problem, proposed solution, timeline, objectives, and scope). Proposal specifics like the proposed project delivery approach, fees, and next steps are not included. 

Great inspiration for: How to structure and write a clear and short proposal.  Download the proposal here

BdB new payment system - BCG Proposal (2012) 

A 121-slide BCG proposal (in German) from 2012. The proposal, created for The Association of German Private Banks (BdB), was aimed at developing a new payment system for the German market

Great inspiration for: How to structure and design a large slide-based proposal. It's interesting to note that more than half of the proposal is slides on the situation and challenges. 

Operational Excellence, The University of California, Berkeley - Bain proposal (2009)

An older but very effective Operational Excellence proposal developed by Bain. The project aims to identify options to reduce the University's addressable operating cost structure by as much as $100 million through more efficient operations. 

Great inspiration for: How to structure a proposal utilizing the  SCR framework  and the  Pyramid Principle . The result is a proposal that is easy to understand despite its complexity. 

State of Iowa, Efficiency and Transformation Review - Deloitte Consulting proposal (2014) 

A very detailed 185-page proposal submitted as a response to an RfP created by the Board of Regents at the State of Iowa. The Board seeks management consulting support to perform a comprehensive, system-wide review of Iowa’s public universities. This proposed review includes identifying opportunities to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and increase revenue for Iowa’s State System of Higher Education.

Great inspiration for: What it takes, in terms of details and pre-work, to win a large government consulting project. 

Georgia Medicaid Program RfP - Proposals from Deloitte, Accenture, and EY (2019)

Six consulting firms (Accenture, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, KPMG, McKinsey, and Public Consulting Group) got invited to submit detailed proposals for helping the Georgia Department of Community Health develop two waiver applications to send to the federal government, seeking to expand Georgia's Medicaid program and offer a private health insurance marketplace through an alternative to the Affordable Care Act.

All but McKinsey submitted proposals. Based on the detailed proposals received, Deloitte, EY, and Accenture were shortlisted and invited to make a short pitch. The three pitches can be found here:

• Deloitte proposal pitch (winner)
• EY proposal pitch
• Accenture proposal pitch

The state ultimately picked the proposal from Deloitte Consulting. While the three decks' overall quality and design could be much better, Deloitte's deck is at least clear and concise. 

More Inspiration  

When creating a new presentation or project report it can be helpful to see how others have done it in the past. We have collected a number of real McKinsey decks , BCG decks , and Bain Decks from around the internet for you to review, analyze, and learn from. 

Download our most popular templates

High-end PowerPoint templates and toolkits created by ex-McKinsey, BCG, and Bain consultants

Create a best-practice proposal incl. solution design, team, project timeline, KPIs, pricing etc.

Consulting toolkit and template

A comprehensive library of slide layouts, templates, and typical consulting tools and frameworks.

Create a full business case incl. strategy, roadmap, financials and more.

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How to Create a Consulting Proposal

Last Updated: March 22, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Sarah Evans . Sarah Evans is a Public Relations & Social Media Expert based in Las Vegas, Nevada. With over 14 years of industry experience, Sarah is the Founder & CEO of Sevans PR. Her team offers strategic communications services to help clients across industries including tech, finance, medical, real estate, law, and startups. The agency is renowned for its development of the "reputation+" methodology, a data-driven and AI-powered approach designed to elevate brand credibility, trust, awareness, and authority in a competitive marketplace. Sarah’s thought leadership has led to regular appearances on The Doctors TV show, CBS Las Vegas Now, and as an Adobe influencer. She is a respected contributor at Entrepreneur magazine, Hackernoon, Grit Daily, and KLAS Las Vegas. Sarah has been featured in PR Daily and PR Newswire and is a member of the Forbes Agency Council. She received her B.A. in Communications and Public Relations from Millikin University. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article has 19 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 570,080 times.

A consulting proposal is a document sent from a consultant to a prospective client describing a job they wish to take on and the conditions under which they will do so. Consulting service proposals are usually written only after you and your potential client have discussed the job at length. Knowing how to write a clear, effective proposal can help land new clients for your practice, so it's an essential skill for all independent consultants.

Before Writing the Proposal

• The best and most direct is simply to meet with the client and discuss the proposed job. Take careful notes and ask lots of specific questions so you understand precisely what the work entails.
• After this, you can follow up with phone calls and emails to clarify any lingering questions.
• As you write the proposal (see below), it may be useful to do a little independent research as. For example, if you're trying to prove why your services will help your client succeed, finding business surveys that support your point is a good idea.

• Your precise duties and the result the client hopes to achieve
• The time frame for your work
• Specific milestones that need to be reached by certain dates
• Sometimes, you may need to speak to multiple people. For example, if you are hoping to consult about a dispute between management and employees, it would be wise to speak to representatives of both parties as well as the hiring client.

• In addition to the fee for your services, you also want to come to an agreement with the client about secondary costs that you may have while working (e.g., gasoline, supplies, travel, etc.). It's in your best interest to get the client to agree to compensate you for these things.
• Do not write a consulting proposal if the client seems uncertain about how much you will be paid (or when ).

Writing the Proposal

• Mention the client by name. If you're on friendly names, first names are fine. Otherwise, use "Mr." or "Mrs." You're trying to show the client that this proposal is specifically tailored to him or her.
• See our sample documents below for specific examples of what's needed in each proposal.

• Be specific about the job here, but don't dwell on precise details like money, hours, and so on - you'll get to this later.

• Remember that you may be in competition with other consultants. Try to paint a picture of how you will provide a measurable benefit to the client in terms of money or time saved. This way, you can give yourself an edge over a competitor with similar or better qualifications who doesn't articulate this as well.

• To avoid problems later, it's also wise to describe what you expect from the client during your work with regards to personnel, access to work sites, and equipment. For example, name people that you expect to work with full-time, list the sectors that you will have access to, etc. [5] X Research source

• A good way to present this is in a bulleted list — this makes it very hard for the client to miss the relevant information.

• You will also want to describe any extra costs, such as meals, hotel rooms, transportation, etc., that the prospective client will have to pay for you. Having an approval process in place is a good idea (for example, you may specify that you will present your receipts at the end of every month). This makes it harder for the client to refuse paying you with the reasoning that "they never agreed to pay this much."

• When you're finished, sign and date the proposal, leaving a space for the client's signature.

Making a More Effective Proposal

• For most jobs, two pages is a fine proposal length. If you refer to lengthy datasets in your proposal, attach them in appendices to keep the length of the actual proposal down.

• Avoid lengthy discussions of your work history (or your firm's, if you're not an independent consultant).

• Examples of buzzwords include things like "best practices," "synergy," "disruptive," "optimized," and more — each industry has its own. These words have effectively lost any power they once had from overuse and vague application.

• After you finish your proposal, be sure to go over it a second time, editing for grammar and fluency. If you have time, let a friend or family member edit it as well — they're more likely to see mistakes you've missed since they weren't actually involved in writing it.

Consulting Proposal Help

Expert Q&A

• Your proposal should be as much of a confirmation letter than a prospectus. In other words, you and the client should already know each other, have discussed the job at length, and reached some sort of understanding with regards to cost. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Never begin creating a consulting proposal without full knowledge of the job at hand. You are less likely to land a job the less you know about it, and, more seriously, you are likely to encounter cost overruns and client disputes in the event that you do enter into a job where you are unfamiliar with the considerations. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about business writing, check out our in-depth interview with Sarah Evans .

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About this article

Before creating a consulting proposal, learn everything you can about the project by meeting with the client and asking lots of questions. When you write the proposal, begin by opening it as you would a letter, with a warm greeting and a summary of the job. Include a paragraph describing the job, one explaining your qualifications, and finally one outlining the work you’d do. Include your price, then close the proposal with your signature and the date. To learn about phrases and buzzwords to avoid using in your proposal, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Assess Consulting Proposals? A 4-Step Guide

Helene laffitte, april 9, 2022.

Table of Contents

Has the process to assess consulting proposals ever seemed to you somewhat akin to dating? Some catch your eye immediately, while others… well, let’s just say you’d swipe left.

Just like finding the perfect match isn’t about the flashiest car or the most charming pick-up line, choosing the right consulting firm isn’t about the glossiest proposal or the fanciest jargon.

Before you say ‘I do’ to a consulting partner, you’ll want to make sure there’s more than just surface-level allure. Dive into our 4-step guide on how to assess consulting proposals, where we’ll help you distinguish the consulting soulmates from the mere summer flings.

Let’s embark on this romantic (okay, professional) journey to find ‘The One’ for your project!

Step #1: Create the Right Process to Assess Consulting Proposals

Choosing the right consulting proposal can be the difference between a project’s success or stagnation. To navigate the sea of proposals and pinpoint the ideal fit for your organization, a structured approach is imperative.

Funneling the Proposals: From Excellent to Off-tracks

On a large project, your shortlist may still matter. So, if you want to devote enough time to each possibility, funnel it down to the top choices, and set aside the rest of the work, think of it as a funnel that loads with all of the proposals.

You should start with the most promising bids. At the absolute minimum, these fulfill all of your RFP’s requirements. The proposals are convincing, and you have a clear picture of how the project would progress.

Above the top-of-funnel are projects that have fallen slightly off track but may still be salvaged. Perhaps they have a solid rationale, but they’ve overlooked an insignificant step. You don’t want to prematurely eliminate a potential treasure in the process.

Off-topic or overly general proposals appear at the top of the funnel. Do not immediately eliminate all of the other ideas; they are still very important.

Take the Time to Make Your Decisions

Don’t get too far ahead of yourself. Once you’ve chosen a firm and have agreed on a fee, the process isn’t finished until you’ve signed a contract with them. Don’t be hasty in rejecting the second runner.

Don’t overlook a unique consulting firm’s proposal with a fantastic concept but subpar writing/presentation abilities. There may be a way to implement at least part of the solution in your company.

When you send a response to potential consulting vendors with rejected proposals, regardless of how you feel about their most recent bid, don’t be hasty to cut ties. Here’s why: these consultants may transform into excellent partners or future suppliers in a world of fast transformation.

Build the Right Team to Assess the Proposals

You’ve received the bids in hand that, at first look, appear to fulfill your eligibility criteria and other key factors. It’s time to get down to business and choose your evaluation team.

Who is likely to be on your team of reviewers ? Procurement experts, naturally, and the person in charge of the consulting budget, if any. You should also include the main stakeholders, such as the project leader and representatives from the impacted functions.

Perhaps a senior executive or two who has worked with consulting before. Ideally, the panel of assessors should be composed of people who were involved in creating the RFP.

Input from a variety of stakeholders aids in making the evaluation procedure seem impartial and more likely to result in the best proposal for your project.

Consider including a competent and experienced consultant on the team to assist you in developing a procurement process that will bring you the greatest possible benefit for your business.

Set the Ground Rules for the Evaluation

It’s critical to have all of your evaluators on the same page when it comes to a few fundamental principles:

• Your project’s goals must be answered in the winning proposal.
• The chosen method will further the project’s overall goal.
• The consultants must have the required skills.
• You must choose qualified consulting providers who are a good fit for your company culture.

Agree on the most appropriate approach based on the project’s context and culture. You may want to use a unique, creative, breakthrough, or transformative technique in your firm’s strategy. Alternatively, you could prefer a tried-and-true approach.

Encourage the team to evaluate the proposed solutions in terms of problem resolution, clarity, internal consistency, and ease of implementation, as well as outside-the-box thinking.

Step #2: Make Sure the Consulting Firm Is Eligible

There are certain requirements to work with your firm. And a preliminary examination may immediately eliminate a consulting service and save you some time.

Are They Qualified and Compliant?

Many businesses have stringent registration restrictions, which include extensive checks. Check to see whether your consulting business is already registered or if your project qualifies for an exceptional procedure.

It may seem formal, but the fact that they’ve already taken the time to register with your company will give you an indication of their dedication and capacity to meet your demands.

If a consultant submits a proposal too late, incomplete, or not in accordance with the format, it is because he or she has misunderstood your requirements or does not want to adapt to your methods. In either case, there is an issue.

Are You Compatible?

Hiring the wrong consulting company might harm your reputation both inside and outside the organization. Make sure that your supplier’s ethics are in line with yours.

Consultants frequently deal with a variety of businesses in the same sector and/or geographic location. Even if they establish Chinese walls to safeguard your privacy, you might want to double-check for a potential conflict of interest.

Finally, with the globalization of consulting projects, an increasing number of clients are seeking outside sources. It’s not unusual for a European consulting firm to be chosen for a project by a U.S. client.

When you are working with a company that will fly their consultants to your premises, ensure they have adequate work authorizations for your country and your industry.

Step #3: Check If the Proposal Answers Your Needs

You’re bringing the consulting firm to help you achieve a specific objective, of course. You want them to understand your goals and assist you in finding and implementing a solution.

Is the Proposal Answering Your RFP?

A proposal that doesn’t thoroughly describe your needs implies a limited knowledge of your company, a rushed or generic offer, or some combination thereof. On this point, you must be firm.

You want to be sure the consultant responds to your queries and contributes something beyond simply repeating your RFP. The offer may include elements that don’t appear to be connected. Several causes might explain this pattern.

The first alternative is that you are dealing with a “cookie-cutter” problem. The consultant is copying and pasting a previous proposal for your project. The second alternative is for the consultants to have seen an objective that you had overlooked in your RFP.

In each case, you must demand that the consultant double-check the fit with your needs. You must buy only what you need, and nothing more.

Do the Deliverables Completely Satisfy You?

Once you’ve confirmed that the consultants have comprehended your goals, you should review the deliverables they proposed in the bid to seeing whether they will truly answer your queries.

It’s critical to ensure that the consultants have addressed all key elements of the scope and that you may compare the proposals’ core.

Return to your RFP and check one by one for any unanticipated deliverables. Determine what’s outside the scope of the bid. Sometimes consultants take the initiative to rearrange and regroup the deliverables on their own. Make sure all of your intended outputs are still in place.

In other situations, the consultants provide items that were not mentioned in the RFP. Examine how they fit into your key goals. It may be a nice addition or simply an attempt by the consultant to broaden the scope (and price). If the product is relevant, consider if it’s a must-have or a nice-to-have.

Are the Proposed Timeline and the Phasing Aligned with Your Expectations?

Is the timeline consistent with your company’s goals? Is it a significant problem if it isn’t? Have the experts explained why they shortened the schedule.

Consultants adore chopping a project up into numerous phases. When comparing the various bids, make sure each phase has the same amount of work and items. It’s not unusual for a consulting firm to descope or underprice the initial phase in order to win the contract and accumulate greater expenses in later phases.

For very large projects (i.e., screening, acquisition, integration), we recommend including phasing and committing only to the first phase in the RFP.

The following phases will be handled through a second RFP. It will put the winner of the initial project under considerable strain, requiring him to perform well during each phase of the project.

Is the Project Organized and Staffed Properly?

Sometimes it’s due to the different responsibilities (and thus workload) of consultants vs. your staff that one offer is more expensive than another.

How will the project’s management be structured? How is the project led at the steering level? What type of assistance do you anticipate from your teams at each phase of the process?

When compared with the workload of the project, does the team appear to be enough? And on the other side, is it possible that the crew is too big?

Step #4: Do You Want to Work with This Consulting Firm?

Before finalizing any proposal, it’s crucial to evaluate not only the written content but also the dynamics of the partnership. The ultimate goal is to ensure a harmonious and effective collaboration.

Do You Like This Approach?

Don’t accept a proposal just because it looks good on paper. You have to feel comfortable with the approach and be willing to work with them.

Examine the approach suggested by the consultant. Is it what you wanted? Is it sensible? Is it appropriate for your requirements?

Check if there are potential limitations of the approach that the consultant is suggesting. Will this approach support a proper buy-in?

Do You See Yourself Working with the Consultant?

Look at who are the members of the consulting team and how you interacted with them. Do you think they will get along with your staff and be a good fit?

Last but not least, you need to check the leadership of the project team and its credibility with your teams. What is the level of seniority of the partner in charge?

Is he taking responsibility for the project or delegating that to someone more junior? What is the level of experience of the project team? Will this work with your teams?

A Quick Round-up

It is crucial to assess consulting proposals with a discerning eye. And this examination involves a lot more than just sifting through pages; it’s about ensuring the success and value of your upcoming project.

Adopting a systematic approach to evaluate these proposals not only makes the overall consulting procurement process more objective but also elevates the outcome.

Yes, the expertise in the proposal is paramount, but let’s not forget: consulting revolves around human connection as much as it does around knowledge.

The synergy you feel with the consulting team can be the defining factor in the project’s success.

And here’s a little insider tip: Use the proposal assessment phase as an opportunity to manage change and engage top leadership, even before the project kicks off.

It’s essentially applying Project Management 101 to your consulting endeavors. In short, be strategic, be thorough, and most importantly, be smart.

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South Sudan

DCA REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR Conflict sensitivity fainal evelauation Consultant

• DanChurchAid

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR Conflict sensitivity fainal evelauation Consultant.

Date of issue:

19 september 2024

Reference no.:

PRF09-24-016 JBA EAT

Contract title:

Consultant services for Conflict Sensitivity Final Evaluation

Closing date:

30-09-2024 @ 15:00 PM CAT.

Contracting Authority:

DanChurchAid Office

Plot No. 573 Block 3-K South

First Class Area, Tongping, Juba NA Bari,

Opposite Nile Fortune Hotel, Lakes Road,

Juba - South Sudan

Danish HQ: Meldahsgade 3, 1613 Kobenhavn V, Denmark

Email: [email protected]; with [email protected]; [email protected] and [email protected] cc.

Contact person: Amoko Godfery

Telephone; +211(0)925771495

DanChurchAid south Sudan program invites service PROVIDIERS TO submit a proposal for Conflict sensitivity fainal evelauation Consultant.

Dear Sir/Madam,

The Service is required for provision of Conflict Sensitivity Final Evaluation Consultant- an intervention supported by various donors. Please find enclosed the following documents which constitute the Request for Proposal:

A – Instructions

B – Draft Contract including annexes

Annex 1: Terms of Reference.

Annex 2 : Proposal Submission Form (to be completed by the Candidate)

Annex 3: General Terms and Conditions for Service Contracts – Ver3 2020

Annex 4: Code of Conduct for Contractors.

If this document is a PDF format, upon request, a complete copy of the above documents can be forwarded in a WORD format for electronic completion. It is forbidden to make alterations to the text.

We would be grateful if you inform us by email of your intention to submit a proposal.

A. Instructions

In submitting a proposal, the Candidate accepts in full and without restriction the special and general conditions including annexes governing this Contract as the sole basis of this procedure, whatever his own conditions of services may be, which the Candidate hereby waives. The Candidates are expected to examine carefully and comply with all instructions, forms, contract provisions and specifications contained in this Request for Proposal.

• Scope of services

The Services required by the Contracting Authority are described in the Terms of Reference in Annex 1.

The Candidate shall offer the totality of the Services described in the Terms of Reference. Candidates offering only part of the required Services will be rejected.

• Cost of proposal

The Candidate shall bear all costs associated with the preparation and submission of his/her proposal and the Contracting Authority is not responsible or liable for these costs, regardless of the conduct or outcome of the process.

• Eligibility and qualification requirements

Candidates are not eligible to participate in this procedure if they are in one of the situations listed in article 33 of the General Terms and Conditions for Service Contracts – Ver3 2020.

Candidates shall in the Proposal Submission Form attest that they meet the above eligibility criteria. If required by the Contracting Authority, the Candidate whose proposal is accepted shall further provide evidence satisfactory to the Contracting Authority of its eligibility.

As a rule, the timely arrival of a proposal with the Contracting Authority is the Candidate’s responsibility. Irrespective of the reason, proposals arriving after the deadline for the submission of proposals, will be considered late and thus rejected.

Candidates are also requested to certify that they comply with the Code of Conduct for Contractors.

• Exclusion from award of contracts

Contracts may not be awarded to Candidates who, during this procedure:

• are subject to conflict of interest
• are guilty of misrepresentation in supplying the information required by the Contracting Authority as a condition of participation in the Contract procedure or fail to supply this information
• Documents comprising the Request for Proposal

The Candidate shall complete and submit the following documents with this proposal:

• Proposal Submission Form (Annex 2) duly completed and signed by the Candidate
• CV. highlighting the Candidate’s experience in the specific field of the Services and his/her specific experience in the country/region where the Services are to be performed.

The proposal and all correspondence and documents related to the Request for Proposal exchanged by the Candidate and the Contracting Authority must be written in the language of the procedure, which is English.

• Financial proposal

The Financial Proposal shall be presented as an amount in USD in the Proposal Submission Form in Annex 3 The remuneration of the Candidate under the Contract shall be determined as follows:

Global price: The Candidate shall indicate in his/her proposal his/her proposed global remuneration for the performance of the Services. The Candidate shall be deemed to have satisfied him/herself as to the sufficiency of his/her proposed global remuneration, to cover both his/her fee rate, including overhead, profit, all his/her obligations, sick leave, overtime and holiday pay, taxes, social charges, etc. and all expenses (such as transport, accommodation, food, office, etc.) to be incurred for the performance of the Contract. The proposed global remuneration shall cover all obligations of the successful Candidate under the Contract (without depending on actual time spent on the assignment) and all matters and things necessary for the proper execution and completion of the Services and the remedying of any deficiencies therein.

Please note, the total Consultancy fee shall be subjected to tax deductions as required by the statuary law of the country.

• Candidate’s proposed personnel

In the Organisation and Methodology Form, Annex 2, the Candidate shall include a detailed description of the role and duties of each of the key experts or other non-key experts, which the Candidate proposes to use for the performance of the Services. The key experts are those whose involvement is considered instrumental in the achievement of the contract objectives. The CV of each key expert shall be provided highlighting his/her experience in the specific field of the Services and his/her specific experience in the country/region where the Services are to be performed. The Candidate whose proposal is accepted shall provide, if so, requested by the Contracting Authority, copies of diplomas and employers’ certificates or references proving the key experts’ education, professional experience and language proficiency.

In the Proposal Submission Form, Annex 2, the Candidate shall provide detailed information about key experts’ actual availability for the performance of the Contract.

If, before the signing of the Contract, a key expert proposed in the proposal is no longer available the Candidate shall inform the Contracting Authority immediately and the proposal will in such case be considered invalid.

Proposals shall remain valid and open for acceptance for 30 days after the closing date.

• Submission of proposals and closing date

Proposals must be received at the address mentioned on the front page one (1) not later than the closing date and time specified on the front page.

• Evaluation of Proposals

The evaluation method will be the quality and cost-based selection. A two-stage procedure shall be utilised in evaluating the Proposals, a technical evaluation and a financial evaluation.

Proposals will be ranked according to their combined technical ( St ) and financial ( Sf ) scores using the weights of 75% for the Technical Proposal; and 25% for the offered price. Each proposal’s overall score shall therefore be St X 75% + Sf X 25%.

Technical evaluation

For the evaluation of the technical proposals, the Contracting Authority shall take the below criteria and weights into consideration.

The Contracting Authority reserves the right to discard offers below a technical score of 100 points.

Maximum Points

Expertise of the Candidate submitting proposal

Availability of quality assurance procedures

Candidate’s relevant academic qualifications

Candidate’s relevant experience in the field of assignment

Candidate’s experience in the region/country e.g. knowledge of local language, culture, administrative system, government etc.

Candidate’s proficiency in English

Previous experience in peacebuilding and conflict analysis

Sub-total Candidate and/or Organisation

Proposed Organisation and Methodology

To what degree does the proposal show understanding of the task?

Have the Terms of Reference been addressed in sufficient detail?

Is the conceptual framework adopted appropriate for the task?

Is the sequence of activities and the planning logical, realistic and promising efficient implementation to the Contract?

Is the work plan adequate in responding to the Terms of Reference

Sub-total Organisation and Methodology

Total Technical Score

The Contracting Authority reserves the right to call to interview the Candidates having submitted proposals determined to be substantially responsive.

Financial evaluation

Each proposal shall be given a financial score. The lowest Financial Proposal (Fm) will be given a financial score (Sf) of 100 points. The formula for determining the financial scores shall be the following:

Sf = 100 x Fm/F, in which

Sf = the financial score

Fm= The lowest price

F = Price of the proposal under evaluation

Negotiations

The Contracting Authority reserves the right to contact the Candidates having submitted proposals determined to be substantially and technically responsive, to propose a negotiation of the terms of such proposals. Negotiations will not entail any substantial deviation to the terms and conditions of the Request for Proposal, but shall have the purpose of obtaining from the Candidates better conditions in terms of technical quality, implementation periods, payment conditions, etc.

Negotiations may however have the purpose of reducing the scope of the services or revising other terms of the Contract to reduce the proposed remuneration when the proposed remunerations exceed the available budget.

A.12. Award criteria

The Contracting Authority will award the Contract to the Candidate whose proposal has been determined to be substantially responsive to the documents of the Request for Proposal and which has obtained the highest overall score.

• Signature and entry into force of the Contract

Prior to the expiration of the period of the validity of the proposal, the Contracting Authority will inform the successful Candidate in writing that its proposal has been accepted and inform the unsuccessful Candidates in writing about the result of the evaluation process.

Within 2 days of receipt of the Contract, not yet signed by the Contracting Authority, the successful Candidate must sign and date the Contract and return it to the Contracting Authority. On signing the Contract, the successful Candidate will become the Contractor, and the Contract will enter into force once signed by the Contracting Authority.

If the successful Candidate fails to sign and return the Contract within the days stipulated, the Contracting Authority may consider the acceptance of the proposal to be cancelled without prejudice to the Contracting Authority's right to claim compensation or pursue any other remedy in respect of such failure, and the successful Candidate will have no claim whatsoever on the Contracting Authority.

• Cancellation for convenience

The Contracting Authority may for its own convenience and without charge or liability cancel the procedure at any stage.

B. Draft Contract (Service)

CONTRACT TITLE: Consultancy Contact for Conflict Sensitivity Final Evaluation.

Instructions to candidates: At this stage of the Request for Proposals this document is for your information and intended to make you aware of the contractual provisions. The information missing in this document will be filled in when a Contractor has been selected, and the “draft” Contract will then become the “final” Contract” between the Contracting Authority and the successful Contractor.

Email: [email protected]

Contact person: Alex Karaba Mathew

Telephone; +211 (0) 922226581

("The Contracting Authority"),

of the one part,

(“The Contractor”)

of the other part,

have agreed as stipulated in the attached document:

The Contract is done in English in 2 originals, 1 original being for the Contracting Authority and one original being for the Contractor.

For the Contractor

For the Contracting Authority

This Contract shall be signed and stamped by the Contractor and returned to the Contracting Authority latest within 2 working days from date of receipt.

Special conditions

The subject of the Contract is Conflict Sensitivity Final Evaluation for DCA Programs, and the “Services” are described in the Terms of Reference.

• Commencement Date

The Contract shall commence after signature of this Contract by both parties.

• Period of implementation

The period of implementation of the services is 60 days from the commencement date.

• Delivery of Services

The Contractor agrees to deliver Services to the Contracting Authority pursuant to the Contract, which shall conform with the Terms of References, Annex 1,

In the event of the Contracting Authority placing a contract, which the Contractor considers it cannot substantially meet because of unavailability of staff or inability to meet the Terms of References, before proceeding to make a partial delivery of the services, the Contractor shall seek further written instructions from the Contracting Authority.

The Contractor shall cover all costs related to the remedy of an unacceptable Service.

The Contractor shall be responsible for providing all the necessary personnel, equipment, materials and supplies and for making all necessary arrangement for the performance of its obligations under this Contract.

• Remuneration

In consideration for his/her services, the Contractor shall receive a global remuneration of < currency> < amount>. This global remuneration covers the Contractor’s fee rate, including overhead, profit, all his/her obligations, leave, sick leave, overtime and holiday pay, taxes, social charges, etc. The global remuneration covers all obligations of the Contractor under the Contract (without depending on actual time spent on the assignment) and all matters and things necessary for the proper execution and completion of the services and the remedying of any deficiencies therein. DCA will cover basic necessary expenses (such as transport, accommodation, food, office expenses, training costs etc) to be incurred for the performance of the Contract.

The Contractor shall submit reports as specified in the Terms of Reference, Annex 1. The Contractor shall keep the Contracting Authority updated on contract progress on a regular basis.

Payments shall be made in USD by bank transfer to the following account:

Account Number:

Name of Bank:

Address of Bank:

Account name:

Swift Code:

Payment will be made in two instalments.

The first instalment of upon signature of the Contract and against receipt of the Contractor’s invoice in one original and two copies.

The second and last instalment of will be paid within 15 days after approval of the final report and issue of the Completion Certificate by the Contracting Authority in accordance with article 25 of the General Terms and Conditions for Service Contracts – Ver3 2020 and receipt of the Contractors final invoice (one original and 2 copies.

• Tax and social contributions

The Contracting Authority will comply with the national law in connection with taxes or levies payable for this Contract in its country of establishment.

• Order of precedence of contract documents

The Contract is made up of the following documents, in order of precedence:

• This Contract
• Terms of Reference (Annex 1)
• Financial Proposal Submission Form (Annex 2)
• General Terms and Conditions for Service Contracts - Ver3 2020 (Annex 3)
• Code of Conduct for Contractors Annex 4

The various documents making up the Contract shall be deemed to be mutually explanatory; in cases of ambiguity or divergence, they should be read in the order in which they appear above.

The language of this Contract, and of all written communications between the Contractor and the Contracting Authority shall be English.

• Entry into force and duration

The Contract shall enter into force and effect after signature by both parties of this Contract. The Contract shall remain into force and effect until the end of the liability period as defined in the General Terms and Conditions for Service Contracts - Ver3 2020.

Any written communication relating to this contract between the Contracting Authority and the Contractor must state the Contract title and Contract number, and must be sent by post, fax, email or by hand to the addresses identified in this Contract.

• (Option: Data Protection)

If DanChurchAid CVR No. 36980214 is recording and processing personal data (such as names, addresses, emails, telephone number and CVs), the data will be processed solely for the purposes of the management and monitoring of the Quotation and the Contract by the Contracting Authority without prejudice to possible transmission to the bodies in charge of monitoring or inspection tasks in application of EU law. In addition, as and when the contract relates to the Contracting Authority’s work outside the EU, transmission of personal data may occur to countries outside of the EU, solely for the purpose of implementing the procurement procedure and the Contract. According to the EU data protection regulation the Candidate has rights related to the information the Contracting Authority processes. Details concerning processing of the Contractor’s personal data and rights are available in the Privacy Policy on https://www.danchurchaid.org/privacy-policy .

Annex 1: DCA Terms of Reference for Conflict Sensitivity Final Evaluation

DCA Emergency Assistance Team has worked in remote areas of South Sudan since 2011 providing humanitarian support to over 1.8 million people affected by conflict. This support has centred on cash transfers, seed distributions, NFI kits, and support for local structures in essential service provision. The underlying objective of the project is to empower local actors to address the needs of their own communities. This is done with the implementation through local partnerships, the support of local initiatives and the strengthening of local capacities.

In the framework of its project Emergency response and resilience building through coordinated humanitarian support to conflict-affected communities , DCA is looking for a consultant to conduct a final evaluation focused on conflict sensitivity.

The consultancy aims to evaluate the quality, efficiency and relevance of the project and its activities, and the extent to which these were gender and conflict sensitive. The consultancy will provide insights and recommendations on how the project can be improved in its next phase, including in enhancing its integration of gender and conflict sensitivity considerations. The analysis should identify the gendered drivers of conflict and cover all groups in the community (e.g. women, men, youth, elders, religious representatives, community groups, businesspeople, local CBOs, and duty bearers) to explore how they are affected by violent conflict.

• Objective of the consultancy

The evaluation will be an assessment of the project achievements and the integration of conflict sensitivity into the project. It will aim to inform future similar activities and to leverage progress made in previous years. The assessment will be based on secondary data provided by DCA (including project reports and other documentation) and primary data collected by the consultant in the project locations.

In the context of this evaluation, the consultant will be expected to achieve the following:

• Assess the project objectives, activities and impacts through the lens of gender and conflict sensitivity.
• Assess the effectiveness, quality and relevance of the emergency assistance activities, in relation to the project’s goals, intended beneficiaries and results.
• Identify the project’s key lessons learned, successes and challenges in relation to activity design, Theory of Change, and implementation to achieve the activities’ expected results.
• Formulate recommendations to improve the project’s activities and its gender and conflict sensitivity, both overall and in relation to sector-specific parameters.

The evaluation is expected to answer the following questions:

• How does the given context impact DCA’s activities? and how DCA activities may impact on the given context?
• To what extent did the project’s activities directly and/or indirectly contribute to addressing conflict issues in the targeted locations?
• Through what strategies and approaches did the project activities minimise its potential to do harm, and maximise its ability to do good?
• How did the project manage the risks of negatively impacting local dynamics and/or exacerbating tensions in its targeted areas, and to what extent did programming have built-in flexibility to respond to contextual evolutions and emerging needs?
• Within the scope of the project, what could be done, in future, to address factors of conflict and strengthen factors of peace?
• What steps can DCA take to ensure enhanced gender and conflict sensitivity in its future programming in the programme area?
• To what extent were project participants implicated in the choice, design, and implementation of the different project activities?
• How satisfied have project participants been with the project activities they directly and indirectly benefitted from?
• What are project participants’ key recommendations for future emergency assistance projects led by DCA and partners?
• To what extent have the activities’ interventions adhered to planned implementation (e.g. schedules, participant targeting, resource transfer composition/quantities, inputs and service delivery, and outputs) and achieved intended goals, purposes and outcomes?
• To what extent did the activities meet the needs of the targeted population, and how were specific needs met, including of vulnerable and/or marginalised groups?
• What social changes—expected and unexpected, positive and negative—did target beneficiaries, community members and other stakeholders associate with the activities’ interventions? What factors appear to facilitate or inhibit these changes?
• What impacts —perceived as intended and/or unintended, positive and/or negative— did direct and indirect project participants observe as a direct result of the project’s activities?
• To what extent did the activities take advantage of other third party funding in the same space to facilitate linkages with complementary services, layering with earlier investments, and implementing an exit strategy to minimize the dependency on external support?
• Beneficiaries, non-beneficiaries, both IDPs and host community (HH who received vegetable seeds/tools, shelter kits, cash, participants of watershed interventions)
• Local partner staff (senior staff, coordinators and officers responsible for agriculture, shelter and cash programming)
• Local Authorities
• Religious and traditional leaders
• Women representatives from women's groups
• Youth representatives
• Other humanitarian agencies working in the region

The evaluation shall make use of mixed data collection methods, such as literature review, focus group discussions, key informants and household interviews. The methods applied shall include participatory techniques and tools like mapping, observation, focus groups and semi-structural in-depth interviews with key informants and the target population. The evaluation must involve directly relevant stakeholders in the interviews and focus group discussions, including:

The main audience for the evaluation and dissemination of the report will be DCA’s local partners in the targeted region, DCA Staff in HQ/South Sudan, and other key implementing partners in the region and back donors.

Ethical guidelines: It is expected that the evaluation adheres to ethical guidelines as outlined in the Code of Conduct for contractors of DCA (which will be shared with the consultancy contract).

• Responsibilities
• DCA will facilitate the coordination between the local partners and the consultant.
• DCA will provide the consultant with references and resources including the project proposal, progress reports, and previous evaluation reports, among others.
• DCA will be responsible for the consultant’ meals, accommodation, flights (if required), and ground transportation.
• DCA will support the printing and transport to the field of training materials designed / to be used by the consultant
• The consultant will be responsible for the entire delivery of the consultancy and the development of the above-mentioned tasks.
• Deliverables
• Before the beginning of the task, the consultant shall share with DCA the evaluation design, including literature review, research plan, data collection tools, sampling strategy and risk analysis and mitigation strategy.
• The final report of the evaluation should contain the findings to answer the aforementioned research questions, as well as the recommendations regarding the achievement of the project targets and activities. (max 25 pages)
• The conflict analysis (profile, causes, triggers, actors, etc) should be a separate file including the ways in which the project activities have intersected with conflict-affected communities and its. (max. 10 pages)
• The final report and the conflict analysis shall address recommendations for future programming regarding conflict sensitivity. Recommendations must be structured towards different levels of responsibility: donors, DCA, local partners and authorities.
• Required qualifications and experience

The team should consist minimum of one team leader and two assistants. The team leader must meet the following Criteria:

• Master’s-level degree or above in development studies, conflict and peace studies, anthropology, sociology, political science.
• Background in East Africa/Central Africa on peacebuilding and conflict analysis via INGOs
• Experience in undertaking field-based research/evaluations
• Willingness to travel to the field (given the specific context)
• Experience liaising with government authorities and other stakeholders.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English is required, fluency in Arabic is desired.
• Experience working in Sudan/South Sudan would be considered an asset but is not exclusionary

6. Duration of Consultancy.

The consultancy should last three months. The consultant's team is expected to deploy to the field for at least 2 weeks. The evaluation is planned to take place around November-December 2024.

7. Supervision and reporting

The successful candidate will be supervised by and report to the DCA programme team. The team is made up by the Head of Programme, Programme Manager and Area Manager). The Area Manager will be the focal point coordinating with the consultant team once deployed to the field.

8. Payment Terms

30% Payment will be made upon signature of the agreement and 70% upon submission of all deliverables. The payment will be subject to local or national tax laws.

9. Application Process

If interested in applying for the aforementioned consultancy, please send your CV along with a written technical and financial proposal, outlining a plan and approach for executing the consultancy in line with the points mentioned in section 2 to [email protected] & [email protected] with [email protected], [email protected] and [email protected] in cc.

The deadline for application is the 27th of September 2024 before 15.00 hrs. The subject of the application letter or e-mail should read Conflict Sensitivity Final Evaluation .

Annex 2: proposal submission form

My financial proposal for my services is as follows:

(Option 1: Global price)

Global price (fees and expenses)

VAT or other tax on services

Total price incl. taxes

Candidate or Company information

Company (legal name)

Street name and no.

Postal code

Director (name)

Name and country of customer

Type of contract

Contact name

Phone/fax and email

Include details of the experience and past performance on contracts of a similar nature within the past five years and information on other contracts in hand and/or future commitments including details of the actual and effective participation in each of such contracts, description of the Candidate’s assignments and periods of engagement. Additional documents can be attached to the above form.

The proposal is valid for a period of 30 days after the closing date in accordance with the article 9 Validity.

After having read the Request for Proposal no.PRF08-24-039 JBA-EAT for Consultant services for (CCCM) dated 22-08-2024 and after having examined the Request for Proposal, I/we hereby offer to execute and complete the services in conformity with all conditions in the Request for Proposal for the sum indicated in our financial proposal.

Further, I/we hereby:

• Accept, without restrictions, all the provisions in the Request for Proposal including the General Terms and Conditions for Service Contracts - Ver3 2020 and the draft Service Contract including all annexes.
• Certify that I/we do not support terrorists or terrorism activities, and do not condone the use of terrorism.
• Provided that a contract is issued by the Contracting Authority I/we hereby commit to perform all services described in the Terms of Reference, Annex 1
• Certify and attest compliance with eligibility criteria of article 33 of the General Terms and Conditions for Service - Ver3 2020.
• Certify and attest compliance with the Code of Conduct for Contractors in Annex 4

The above declarations will become an integrated part of the Contract and misrepresentation will be regarded as grounds for termination.

Signature and stamp:

Date and signed by:

The Candidate

Name of the company

Telephone no.

Name of contact person

1. DEFINITIONS

In these general terms and conditions:

• “contract” is the agreement entered into by the Contracting Authority and the Contractor for the performance of the services described in the terms of reference, to which these general terms and conditions are made applicable; the contract is constituted of the documents listed in the Service Contract.
• The Contracting Authority’s “partners” are the organisations to which the Contracting Authority is associated or linked;
• “personnel” is any person assigned by the Contractor to the performance of the services or any part hereof, whether through employment, sub-contracting or any other agreement; and “key experts” are those members of the personnel whose involvement is considered instrumental in the achievement of the contract objectives;
• “beneficiary country” is the country where the services are to be performed, or where the project to which the services relate is located.

2. RELATIONS BETWEEN THE PARTIES

Nothing contained in the contract shall be construed as establishing a relation of master and servant or of agent and principal as between the Contracting Authority and the Contractor. Except if otherwise provided in the contract, the Contractor shall under no circumstances act as the representative of the Contracting Authority or give the impression that the Contractor has been given such authority. The Contractor has complete charge of the personnel and shall be fully responsible for the services performed by them.

3. SCOPE OF SERVICES

The scope of the services including the methods and means to be used by the Contractor, the results to be achieved by him and the verifiable indicators are specified in the Terms of Reference. The Contractor shall be responsible for everything which is required for the performance of the services in accordance with what is specified in the contract, or which must otherwise be regarded as forming part of the services.

4. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND RESPECT OF TRADITIONS

The Contractor shall respect and abide by all laws and regulations in force in the beneficiary country and shall ensure that its personnel, their dependants, and its local employees also respect and abide by all such laws and regulations. The Contractor shall indemnify the Contracting Authority against any claims and proceedings arising from any infringement by the Contractor, its personnel and their dependants of such laws and regulations.

The Contractor, its personnel and their dependents shall respect human rights and undertake not to offend the political, cultural and religious practices prevailing in the beneficiary country.

5. CODE OF CONDUCT

The Contractor shall at all times act loyally and impartially and as a faithful adviser to the Contracting Authority and shall perform the services with due care, efficiency and diligence, in accordance with the best professional practice.

6. DISCRETION AND CONFIDENTIALITY

The Contractor shall treat all documents and information received in connection with the contract as private and confidential, and shall not, save in so far as may be necessary for the purposes of the performance thereof, publish or disclose any particulars of the contract without the prior consent in writing of the Contracting Authority. It shall, in particular, refrain from making any public statements concerning the project or the services without the prior approval of the Contracting Authority,

7. CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The Contractor shall refrain from engaging in any activity which conflicts with his obligations towards the Contracting Authority under the contract.

The Contractor shall take all necessary measures to prevent or end any situation that could compromise the impartial and objective performance of the Contract. Such conflict of interests could arise in particular as a result of economic interest, political or national affinity, family or emotional ties, or any other relevant connection or shared interest. Any conflict of interests which could arise during performance of the Contract must be notified in writing to the Contracting Authority without delay. The Contractor shall replace, immediately and without compensation from the Contracting Authority, any member of its personnel exposed to such a situation.

8. CORRUPT PRACTICES

The Contractor and the personnel shall refrain from performing, condoning or tolerating any corrupt, fraudulent, collusive or coercive practices, whether such practices are in relation with the performance of the contract or not. “Corrupt practice” means the offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting, directly or indirectly, of anything of value as an inducement or reward for doing or forbearing to do any act in relation to the contract or any other contract with the Contracting Authority, or for showing favour or disfavour to any person in relation to the contract or any other contract with the Contracting Authority.

The payments to the Contractor under the contract shall constitute the only income or benefit it may derive in connection with the contract and neither it nor its personnel shall accept any commission, discount, allowance, indirect payment or other consideration in connection with, or in relation to, or in discharge of, its obligations under the contract.

The execution of the contract shall not give rise to unusual commercial expenses. Unusual commercial expenses are commissions not mentioned in the contract or not stemming from a properly concluded contract referring to the contract, commissions not paid in return for any actual and legitimate service, commissions remitted to a tax haven, commissions paid to a recipient who is not clearly identified or commission paid to a company which has every appearance of being a front company.

The Contractor further warrants that no official of the Contracting Authority and/or their partner has received or will be offered by the Contractor any direct or indirect benefit arising from this Contract.

9. JOINT VENTURE OR CONSORTIUM

If the Contractor is a joint venture or a consortium of two or more legal persons, all such persons shall be jointly and severally bound to fulfil the terms of the contract. The person designated by the joint venture or consortium to act on its behalf for the purposes of this contract shall have the authority to bind the joint venture or consortium.

For the purposes of performance of the contract, the joint venture or consortium shall act as, and be considered, a single person and in particular, shall have bank account opened in its name, shall submit to the Contracting Authority single guarantees if required, and shall submit single invoices and single reports.

The composition of the joint venture or a consortium shall not be altered without the prior written consent of the Contracting Authority.

10. SPECIFICATIONS AND DESIGNS

The Contractor shall prepare all specifications and designs using accepted and generally recognised systems acceptable to the Contracting Authority and taking into account the latest design criteria.

11. INFORMATION

The Contractor shall furnish the Contracting Authority, or any person authorised by the Contracting Authority with any information relating to the services and the project as the Contracting Authority may at any time request.

12. REPORTS

The frequency, deadlines, format and contents of the reports to be drawn up by the Contractor in relation to the performance of the contract shall be described in the Terms of Reference.

13. CONTRACTOR’S PERSONNEL

13.1. The Contractor shall employ and provide such qualified and experienced personnel as are required to carry out the services, and the Contractor shall be responsible for the quality of the personnel.

The names, outputs, duties and CVs of key experts and the titles, job descriptions, minimum qualifications, estimated periods of engagement in the carrying out of the services of each of the personnel and key experts are described in the Organisation and Methodology part of the contract. The Contractor must inform the Contracting Authority of all non-expert personnel it intends to use for the implementation of the contract. The Contracting Authority shall have the right to oppose the Contractor’s choice of personnel.

13.2. No changes shall be made in the personnel without the prior consent of the Contracting Authority. The Contractor shall provide a replacement with at least equivalent qualifications and experience and acceptable to the Contracting Authority if:

a) on account of death, sickness or accident, a member of the Personnel is unable to continue providing his services,

b) any member of the personnel is found by the Contracting Authority to be incompetent in discharging or unsuitable for the performance of his duties under the Contract,

c) for any reasons beyond the control of the Contractor, it becomes necessary to replace any member of the Personnel.

The request for replacement must be made in writing and state the reason therefore. The Contractor shall proceed swiftly with the request and propose a replacement with at least equivalent qualifications and experience. The remuneration to be paid to the replacement cannot exceed that received by the replaced member of the personnel.

Failure by the Contractor to propose a replacement for a key expert satisfactory to the Contracting Authority, shall give the right to the Contracting Authority to terminate the contract.

Additional costs arising out of a replacement shall be borne by the Contractor.

13.3. Working hours

The days and hours of work of the Contractor or/and its personnel in the beneficiary country shall be fixed on the basis of the laws, regulations and customs of the beneficiary country and the requirements of the services.

13.4. Leave entitlement

Any taking of holiday leave by the personnel during the period of implementation of the contract must be at a time approved by the Contracting Authority.

Overtime, sick leave, pay and holidays leave pay are deemed to be covered by the Contractor’s remuneration.

14. SUB-CONTRACTING

Except from the subcontractors listed in the contract, the Consultant shall not subcontract to nor engage another independent contractor to perform any part of the services without the prior written consent of the Contracting Authority. Subcontractors must satisfy the eligibility criteria applicable for the award of the contract.

The Contracting Authority shall have no contractual relations with the subcontractors. The provisions of the contract, including these general terms and conditions, and in particular article 13.2 shall, where practicable, apply to the subcontractors and their personnel.

15. LIABILITY

At its own expense, the Contractor shall indemnify, protect and defend, the Contracting Authority, its agents and employees, from and against all actions, claims, losses or damages arising from any act or omission by the Contractor in the performance of the services, including any violation of any legal provisions, or rights of third parties, in respect of patents, trademarks and other forms of intellectual property such as copyrights.

Approval by the Contracting Authority of the Contractor’s reports and issue of Completion Certificate shall not relieve the Contractor of its liability and shall not prevent the Contracting Authority from claiming damages.

The Contractor shall remain liable for any breach of its obligations under the contract for such period after the services have been performed as may be determined by the law governing the contract (the “liability period”). This time limit does not however apply when the damage arises from gross negligence or wilful misconduct of the Contractor.

During the liability period, or as soon as practicable after its expiration, the Contractor shall, at its expense, upon instruction of the Contracting Authority, remedy any deficiencies in the performance of the services. In case of default on the part of the Contractor to carry out such instructions, the Contracting Authority shall be entitled to hire another contractor to carry out the same, at the Contractor’s expense.

16. INSURANCE

Within 20 days of signing the contract, the Contractor shall take out and maintain, at its own cost, a full indemnity insurance policy covering its professional liability under the contract and article 15 above, from the commencement date and until the end of the liability period.

Within 20 days of signing the contract, the Contractor shall take out and maintain a full indemnity insurance policy for a sum up to the higher of the maximum amount foreseen by the legislation of the country of the Contracting Authority and the amount foreseen by the legislation of the country in which the Contractor has its headquarters and covering, during the period of implementation of the contract, the following risks:

a) loss of or damage to property purchased with funds provided under the contract, or produced by the Contractor;

b) loss or damage to equipment, material and office facilities made available to the Contractor by the Contracting Authority;

c) civil liability for accidents caused to third parties arising out of acts performed by the Contractor, its personnel and their dependents;

d) employer’s liability and workers’ compensation in respect of the personnel as well as sickness, accident or death affecting the personnel and their dependents, including the cost of repatriation on health grounds;

e) such other insurance as required by the laws in force in the beneficiary country.

Prior to the commencement date, the Contractor shall provide evidence to the Contracting Authority that the above insurances have been effectuated. During execution of the contract, the Contractor shall, when required, provide the Contracting Authority with copies of the insurance policies and the receipts for payment of premiums.

17. INTELLECTUAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

All reports and data such as maps, diagrams, drawings, specifications, plans, statistics, calculations, databases, software and supporting records or materials acquired, compiled or prepared by the Contractor in the performance of the contract shall, with the copyright thereto, be the absolute property of the Contracting Authority. The Contractor shall, upon completion of the contract, deliver all such documents and data to the Contracting Authority. The Contractor may not retain copies of such documents and data and shall not use them for purposes unrelated to the contract without the prior written consent of the Contracting Authority.

The Contractor shall not publish articles relating to the services or refer to them when carrying out any services for others, or divulge information obtained from the Contracting Authority, without the prior written consent of the Contracting Authority.

18. RECORDS

The Contractor shall keep separate, accurate and systematic records and accounts in respect of the services in such form and detail as is customary in the profession and sufficient to establish accurately that the number of working days and the actual reimbursable expenditure identified in the Contractor's invoice(s) have been duly incurred for the performance of the services.

For a fee-based contract, timesheets recording the days worked by the Contractor's personnel must be maintained by the Contractor. The timesheets must be approved by the Contracting Authority or any person authorised by the Contracting Authority or the Contracting Authority itself on a monthly basis. The amounts invoiced by the Contractor must correspond to these timesheets. In the case of long-term experts, these timesheets must record the number of days worked. In the case of short-term experts, these timesheets must record the number of hours worked. Time spent travelling exclusively and necessarily for the purpose of the Contract may be included in the numbers of days or hours, as appropriate, recorded in these timesheets.

Such records must be kept for a 7-year period after the final payment made under the contract. These documents comprise any documentation concerning income and expenditure and any inventory, necessary for the checking of supporting documents, including timesheets, plane and transport tickets, pay slips for the remuneration paid to the experts and invoices or receipts for reimbursable expenditure. Failure to maintain such records constitutes a breach of contract and will result in the termination of the contract.

19. OBLIGATIONS OF CONTRACTING AUTHORITY

19.1. The Contracting Authority shall provide the Contractor as soon as possible with any information and/or documentation at its disposal which may be relevant to the performance of the contract.

On all matters properly referred to it in writing by the Contractor, the Contracting Authority shall give its decisions so as not to delay the services, and within a reasonable time.

19.2. The contract shall specify whether the Contracting Authority is to provide the Contractor with equipment, facilities, counterpart personnel or specific assistance, and shall detail under which conditions. If the provision of such agreed counterpart personnel, equipment, facilities and assistance is delayed or not forthcoming, the Contractor shall endeavour to perform the Services as far as is possible. The parties shall agree on how the affected parts of the services shall be carried out, and the additional payments, if any is due, to be made by the Contracting Authority to the Contractor as a result of additional expenditures.

20. CONTRACT PRICE AND PAYMENTS

Contracts are either “global price” or “fee-based”.

20.1. Fee-based contract

In consideration of the services performed by the Contractor under the contract, the Contracting Authority shall make to the Contractor such payments of fees and such reimbursement of costs as provided in the contract.

Fees shall be determined based on time actually spent by the key experts in the performance of services at the fee rates specified in the contract. Fee rates are deemed to remunerate all the activities of the Contractor in the performance of the services and to cover all expenses and costs incurred by the Contractor which are not included in the agreed reimbursable costs.

The Contracting Authority shall reimburse to the Contractor the reimbursable costs and expenses specified in the contract, actually and reasonably incurred in the performance of the services.

Costs and expenses which are not mentioned in the contract shall be deemed covered by the overhead of profit included in the fees.

The currency of payments of fees and reimbursable costs and applicable exchange rates are set out in the contract.

20.2. Global price contract

The global price covers both the Contractor’s and its personnel’s fees and all expenses to be incurred for the performance of the contract. The global price is in consideration for all obligations of the Contractor under the contract and all matters and things necessary for the proper execution and completion of the services and the remedying of any deficiencies therein.

20.3. Revision

Unless otherwise stipulated in the contract, the global price of a global price contract and the fee rates of a fee-based contract shall not be revised.

20.4. Guarantees

In the case an advance payment for fees and for reimbursable costs (fee-based contract) or a pre-financing payment (global price contract) is agreed in the contract, its payment by the Contracting Authority shall be subject to the prior presentation by the Contractor to the Contracting Authority of an approved performance security, advance payment or pre-financing guarantee, if so agreed and under the conditions specified in the Service Contract.

20.5. Conditions of Payment

Payments will be made by the Contracting Authority with the frequency, instalments, time limits, amounts and currencies, and under the conditions, in particular on the contents of invoices, specified in the special conditions of the contract. Payment of the final balance shall be subject to performance by the Contractor of all its obligations under the contract and the issue by the Contracting Authority of the completion certificate described in article 25.

20.6. Late payment

If the time periods laid down for payments by the Contracting Authority have been exceeded by more than two months and where the Contracting Authority cannot invoke a case of suspension or withholding of payments provided for in these terms and conditions, the Contractor may claim interest calculated on any amount due, prorata on the number of days of delay at the official bank rate of the beneficiary country (if amounts due are in the currency of that country), or at the rate applied by the European central bank (where amounts due are in Euro), plus 2% per year.

21. DELAYS IN PERFORMANCE

If the Contractor does not perform the services within the period of implementation specified in the contract, the Contracting Authority shall, without formal notice and without prejudice to its other remedies under the contract, be entitled to liquidated damages for every day, or part thereof, which shall elapse between the end of the period of implementation specified in the contract and the actual end of the period of implementation.

The daily rate for liquidated damages is calculated by dividing the contract value by the number of days of the period of implementation.

If these liquidated damages exceed more than 15% of the contract value, the Contracting Authority may, after giving notice to the Contractor:

a) terminate the contract; and

b) complete the services at the Contractor's own expense

22. BREACH OF CONTRACT

Either party commits a breach of contract where it fails to discharge any of its obligations under the contract.

Where a breach of contract occurs, the party injured by the breach shall be entitled to the following remedies:

a) liquidated damages; and/or

b) termination of the contract.

In any case where the Contracting Authority is entitled to damages, it may deduct such damages from any sums due to the Contractor or call on the appropriate guarantee.

The Contracting Authority shall be entitled to compensation for any damage which comes to light after the contract is completed in accordance with the law governing the contract.

23. SUSPENSION OF PERFORMANCE

The Contractor shall, on the request of the Contracting Authority, suspend the performance of the services or any part thereof for such time and in such manner as the Contracting Authority may consider necessary.

In such event of suspension, the Contractor shall take immediate action to reduce the costs incident to the suspension to a minimum. During the period of suspension, and except where the suspension is due to any default of the Contractor, the Contractor shall be reimbursed for additional costs reasonably and necessarily incurred by it as a result of the suspension.

24. AMENDMENT OF THE CONTRACT

Substantial modifications to the contract, including modifications to the total contract amount, must be made by means of an addendum.

25. Completion Certificate

Upon completion of the services, and once (a) the Contracting Authority has approved the Contractor’s completion report, (b) the Contracting Authority has approved the Contractor’s final invoice and final audited statement, the Contracting Authority shall deliver a completion certificate to the Contractor.

26. TERMINATION BY THE CONTRACTING AUTHORITY

26.1 The Contracting Authority may terminate the contract after giving a 7 days' notice to the Contractor in any of the following cases:

a) the Contractor is in breach of its obligations under the contract and/or fails to carry out the services substantially in accordance with the contract;

b) the Contractor fails to comply within a reasonable time with the notice given by the Contracting Authority requiring it to make good the neglect or failure to perform its obligations under the contract which seriously affects the proper and timely performance of the services;

c) the Contractor refuses or neglects to carry out instructions given by the Contracting Authority;

d) the Contractor’s declarations in respect if its eligibility (article 33) and/or in respect of article 31 and article 32, appear to have been untrue, or cease to be true;

e) the Contractor takes some action without requesting or obtaining the prior consent of the Contracting Authority in any case where such consent is required under the contract;

f) any of the key experts is no longer available, and the Contractor fails to propose a replacement satisfactory to the Contracting Authority;

g) any organisational modification occurs involving a change in the legal personality, nature or control of the Contractor or the joint venture or consortium, unless such modification is recorded in an addendum to the contract;

h) the Contractor fails to provide the required guarantees or insurance, or the person providing the underlying guarantee or insurance is not able to abide by its commitments.

26.2 Termination by Contracting Authority for convenience

The Contracting Authority may terminate the contract in whole or in part for its convenience, upon not less than 14 days’ notice. The Contracting Authority shall not use this right of termination in order to arrange for the services to be executed by another contractor, or to avoid a termination of the contract by the Contractor.

27. TERMINATION BY THE CONTRACTOR

The Contractor may terminate the contract after giving a 7 days’ notice to the Contracting Authority in any of the following cases:

a) the Contractor has not received payment of that part of any invoice which is not contested by the Contracting Authority, within 90 days of the due payment date,

b) the period of suspension of the performance of the contract under article 23 has exceeded six months;

c) the Contracting Authority is in material breach of its obligations under the Contract and has not taken any actions to remedy the same within 30 days following the receipt by the Contracting Authority of the Contractor’s notice specifying such breach.

If the Contractor is a natural person, the contract shall be automatically terminated if that person dies.

28. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS UPON TERMINATION

28.1. Upon termination of the contract by notice of either party to the other, the Contractor shall take immediate steps to bring the services to a close in a prompt and orderly manner and in such a way as to keep costs to a minimum.

28.2. If the Contracting Authority terminates the contract in accordance with article 26.1 it may, thereafter, complete the services itself, or conclude any other contract with a third party, at the Contractor’s expense.

The Contracting Authority shall, as soon as is possible after termination, certify the value of the services and all sums due to the Contractor as at the date of termination. It shall, subject to article 28.1 and 28.3, make the following payments to the Contractor:

(a) remuneration pursuant to the contract for services satisfactorily performed prior to the effective date of termination;

(b) reimbursable costs (if fee-based contract) for costs actually incurred prior to the effective date of termination;

(c) except in the case of termination pursuant to article 26.1 reimbursement of any reasonable cost incident to the prompt and orderly termination of the contract;

(d) in case of termination under article 26.2 and 27, reimbursement for the actual and reasonable costs incurred by the Contractor as a direct result of such termination and which could not be avoided or reduced by appropriate mitigation measures.

The Contractor shall not be entitled to claim, in addition to the above sums, compensation for any loss or injury suffered.

28.3. In case of termination of the contract for any reason whatsoever, any pre-financing guarantee which might have been granted to the Contracting Authority under article 20.4, may be invoked forthwith by the Contracting Authority in order to repay any balance still owed to the Contracting Authority by the Contractor, and the guarantor shall not delay payment or raise objection for any reason whatever.

28.4. If the Contracting Authority terminates the contract under article 26.1, it shall be entitled to recover from the Contractor any loss it has suffered up to that part of the contract value which corresponds to that part of the services which has not, by reason of the Contractor’s default, been satisfactorily completed.

29. FORCE MAJEURE

Neither party shall be considered to be in breach of its obligations under the contract if the performance of such obligations is prevented by any circumstances of force majeure which arise after the date of signature of the contract by both parties.

The term "force majeure", as used herein shall mean acts of God, strikes, lock-outs or other industrial disturbances, acts of the public enemy, wars, whether declared or not, blockades, insurrection, riots, epidemics, landslides, earthquakes, storms, lightning, floods, washouts, civil disturbances, explosions, and any other similar unforeseeable events, beyond the control of either party and which by the exercise of due diligence neither party is able to overcome.

A party affected by an event of force majeure shall take all reasonable measures to remove such party's inability to fulfil its obligations hereunder with a minimum of delay.

If either party considers that any circumstances of force majeure have occurred which may affect performance of its obligations it shall notify the other party immediately giving details of the nature, the probable duration and likely effect of the circumstances. Unless otherwise directed by the Contracting Authority in writing, the Contractor shall continue to perform its obligations under the contract as far as is reasonably practicable and shall seek all reasonable alternative means for performance of its obligations which are not prevented by the force majeure event. The Contractor shall not put into effect such alternative means unless directed so to do by the Contracting Authority.

30. APPLICABLE LAW AND DISPUTES

The contract is governed by and shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the Contracting Authority’s country.

Any dispute or breach of contract arising under this contract shall be solved amicably if at all possible. If not possible and unless provided in the Service Contract, it shall be settled finally by court decision, which shall be held under the law of the Contracting Authority’s country. Any ruling by the court will be final and directly executable in the country of the Contractor.

31. HUMAN RIGHTS AND LABOUR RIGHTS

The Contractor warrants that it, and its affiliates, respect and uphold Human- and Labour Rights defined in national law and in the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the International Labour Organization Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (1998). Furthermore, the Contractor (and each member of a joint venture or a consortium) warrants that it and its affiliates comply with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child - UNGA Doc A/RES/44/25 (12 December 1989) with Annex – and that it or its affiliates has not made or will not make use of forced or compulsory labour as described in the Forced Labour Convention C29 and in the Abolition of Forced Labour Convention C105 of the International Labour Organization. Furthermore, the Contractor warrants that it, and its affiliates, respect and uphold basic social rights and working conditions for its employees. Any breach of this representation and warranty, in the past or during the performance of the contract, shall entitle the Contracting Authority to terminate this contract immediately upon notice to the Contractor, at no cost or liability for the Contracting Authority.

32. MINES AND OTHER WEAPONS

The Contractor (and each member of the joint venture or a consortium) warrants that it and its affiliates is NOT engaged in any development, sale, manufacture or transport of anti-personnel mines and/or cluster bombs or components utilized in the manufacture of anti-personnel mines and/or cluster bombs. Furthermore, the Contractor warrants that it and its affiliates are NOT involved in the sale and/or production of weapons which feed into violations of International Humanitarian Law covered by the Geneva Conventions I-IV and Additional Protocols; and the UN Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (1980). Any breach of this representation and warranty shall entitle the Contracting Authority to terminate this contract immediately upon notice.

33. INELIGIBILITY

By signing the purchase order, the Contractor (or, if a joint venture or a consortium, any member thereof) certifies that they are NOT in one of the situations listed below:

• They are bankrupt or being wound up, are having their affairs administrated by courts, have entered into an agreement with creditors, have suspended business activities, are the subject of proceedings concerning house matters, or are in any analogous situation arising from a similar procedure provided for in national legislation or regulations;
• They have been convicted of an offence concerning their professional conduct by a judgement that has the force of res judicata;
• They have been guilty of grave professional misconduct proven by any means that the Contracting Authority can justify;
• They have not fulfilled obligations relating to the payment of social security contributions or payment of taxes in accordance with the legal provisions of the country in which they are established or with those of the country of the Contracting Authority or those of the country where the contract is to be performed;
• They have been the subject of a judgement that has the force of res judicata for fraud, corruption, involvement in a criminal organisation or any other illegal activity detrimental to the Contracting Authority or the European Communities’ financial interests;
• Following another procurement procedure or grant award procedure financed by the European Community budget or following another procurement procedure carried out by the Contracting Authority or one of their partners, they have been declared to be in serious breach of contract for failure to comply with their contractual obligations.
• He has been guilty of creating an entity under a different jurisdiction with the intent to circumvent fiscal, social or any other legal obligations of mandatory application in the jurisdiction of his registered office, central administration or principal place of business.
• They are involved in terrorism activities, providing support to individuals or organizations that support terrorism activities, condone the use of terrorism or involved in the provision of arms to individuals or organizations involved in terrorism.
• They are on a list of sanctioned parties issued by United States government, UN, EU or other government issued terrorism and sanction lists.

34. CHECKS AND AUDITS

The Contractor shall permit the Contracting Authority or its representative to inspect, at any time, records including financial and accounting documents and to make copies thereof and shall permit the Contracting Authority or any person authorized by it, including the European Commission, the European Anti-Fraud Office and the Court of Auditors in case the contract is financed by the European Community budget, at any time, to have access to its financial accounting documents and to audit such records and accounts both during and after the provision of the services. In particular, it may carry out whatever documentary or on-the-spot checks it deems necessary to find evidence in case of suspected unusual commercial expenses

35. LIABILITY

Under no circumstances or for no reason whatsoever will the Back donor entertain any request for indemnity or payment directly submitted by the (Contracting Authority’s) Contractors.

36. DATA PROTECTION

If the Contracting Authority is subject to EU Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation) and the Contractor is processing personal data in the context of submitting an offer (e.g. CVs of both key and technical experts) and/or implementation of a contract (e.g. replacement of experts) the Contractor shall do so accordingly to EU Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation) and inform the data subjects of the details of the processing and communicate the Contracting Authority’s Privacy Policy to them.

By this Code of Conduct , the Contracting Authority outlines the ethical principles and standards which contractors are required to follow and uphold. The Contracting Authority is a rights-based organisation that works for people’s rights to a dignified life and equality and we expect our contractors to act in a socially responsible manner, with respect for human and Labour rights and the environment.

This Code of Conduct are aligned with recommendations from the Danish Ethical Trading Initiative (DIEH) [1] , the UN Global Compact principles [2] and ECHO’s Humanitarian Aid Guidelines for Procurement 2011 [3] .

General Conditions

The Code of Conduct is applicable for all contractors who supply goods, services and works to our operations and projects. It defines the expectations to contractors to act in accordance with applicable law and to conduct themselves responsibly, ethically and with integrity. This includes taking appropriate due diligence measures towards minimising adverse impacts on human- and labour rights, environment and anti-corruption principles. By signing the Code of Conduct contractors agree to ensure due diligence and placing ethics central to their business.

The provision of the ethical standards constitutes minimum rather than maximum standards. International and national laws shall be complied with, and where the provisions of law and the Contracting Authority’s standards address the same subject, the highest standard shall apply.

It is the responsibility of the contractor to assure that their contractors and subcontractors comply with the ethical requirements and standards set forth in this Code of Conduct.

The Contracting Authority acknowledge that implementing ethical standards and ensuring ethical behaviour in our supply chain is a continuous process and a long-term commitment for which we also have a responsibility. To achieve high ethical standards, we are willing to engage in dialogue and collaboration with our contractors. In addition, we expect our contractors to be open and willing to engage in dialogue.

Unwillingness to co-operate or serious violations of the Code of Conduct will lead to rejection of bids or termination of contracts.

Human Rights and Labour Rights

Contractors must protect and promote human- and labour rights and work actively to address issues of concern as they arise. As a minimum they are required to comply with national laws and actively work to secure alignment to international Human and Labour Rights standards and frameworks:

Respect for Human- and Labour Rights (The International Bill of Human Rights, ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights):

The basic principles of the International Bill of Human Rights are that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and in rights within all spheres of life. Everyone has the right to life, liberty, dignity, freedom and security of the person. Contractors must not flaunt their responsibility to uphold and promote such rights toward employees, contractors, sub-contractors and the community in which they operate.

Non-exploitation of Child Labour (UN Child Convention on the Rights of the Child, and ILO C138 & C182):

Contractors must not engage in the exploitation of child labour [4] and contractors must take the necessary steps to prevent the employment of child labour. A child is defined as a person under the age of 18 and children shall not be engaged in labour that compromise their health, safety, mental and social development, and schooling. Children under the age of 15 (in developing countries 14) may not be engaged in regular work, but children above the age of 13 (in developing countries 12) can be engaged in light work if it does not interfere with compulsory schooling and is not harmful to their health and development.

Employment is freely chosen (ILO C29 & C105):

Contractors must not make use of forced or bonded labour and must respect workers freedom to leave their employer.

Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining (ILO C87, C98 & C154):

Contractors must recognise workers right to join or form trade unions and bargain collectively and should adopt an open attitude towards the activities of trade unions (even if this is restricted under national law).

Living wages are paid (ILO C131):

As a minimum, national minimum wage standards or ILO wage standards must be met by contractors. Additionally, a living wage must be provided. A living wage is contextual, but must always meet basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, health care and schooling, and provide a discretionary income [5] .

Non-discrimination in employment (ILO C100 & C111 and the UN Convention on Discrimination against Women):

Contractors must not practice discrimination in hiring, salaries, job termination, retiring, and access to training or promotion - based on race, national origin, caste, gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability, marital status, or HIV/AIDS status.

No harsh or inhumane treatment of employees (ILO C105):

The use of physical abuse, disciplinary punishment, sexual abuse, the threat of sexual and physical abuse, and other forms of intimidation and abuse may never be practiced by contractors.

Working conditions are safe and hygienic (ILO C155 & C168):

Contractors shall provide safe and hygienic working conditions for its employees and put in place adequate measure to prevent accidents and injury to health associated with or occurring in the course of work.

Working hours are not excessive (ILO C1, C14, C30 &, C106):

Contractors must ensure that working hours comply with national law and international standards. A working week of 7 days should not exceed 48 hours and employees must have one day off per week. Overtime shall be compensated, limited and voluntary.

Regular and contractual employment (ILO C143, C183 & C132):

All work performed must be on the basis of a recognised employment relationship via written contracts, established through international conventions and national laws. Contractors shall provide leave, benefit and employment protection, and protect vulnerable group’s regular employment under these laws and conventions.

International Humanitarian Law

Contractors linked to armed conflicts or operating in armed conflict settings shall respect civilian’s rights under International Humanitarian Law and not be engaged in activities which directly or indirectly initiate, sustain, and/or exacerbate armed conflicts and violations of International Humanitarian Law [6] as defined in the Geneva Conventions I-IV and Additional Protocols. Contractors are expected to take a ‘do no harm’ approach to people affected by armed conflict.

Non-Involvement in Weapon- and Criminal Activities

The Contracting Authority advocates for the Ottawa Convention against landmines and the Convention on Cluster Munitions. Contractors shall not engage in any development, sale, manufacturing or transport of anti-personnel mines, cluster bombs or components, or any other weapon which feed into violations of International Humanitarian Law covered by the Geneva Conventions and Protocols.

Contractors shall not be engaged in any illegal or criminal activity and must never be associated with, provide support to or be involved in any terrorist activities.

Protection of the Environment

The Contracting Authority wishes to minimise the environmental damages applied to nature via our procurement activities and we expect our suppliers and contractors to act in an environmentally responsible manner. This involves respecting applicable national and international environmental legislation and acting in accordance with the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development. As a minimum, contractors must never support or be involved in illegal foresting and shall actively address issues related to proper waste management, ensuring recycling, conservation of scarce resources and efficient energy use.

Anti-Corruption

Corruption is by the Contracting Authority defined as the misuse of entrusted power for private gain and it includes bribery, fraud, embezzlement and extortion. The Contracting Authority holds a great responsibility to avoid corruption and ensure high standards of integrity, accountability, fairness and professional conduct in our business relations. Contractors are expected to have the same approach by undertaking good and fair business ethics and practices, take action to prevent and fight corruption, and abide by international conventions as well as international and national laws.

Contractors and contractor’s employees who are confronted with corrupt practices, violations of human- or labour rights, or any of the standards laid down in this Code of Conduct, are encouraged to file a complaint with the Contracting Authority [7] .

[1] https://www.dieh.dk/om-dieh/etisk-handel/hvordan-etisk-handel/dieh-guidelines/

[2] https://www.unglobalcompact.org/what-is-gc/mission/principles

[3] http://ec.europa.eu/echo/files/partners/humanitarian_aid/Procurement_Guidelines_en.pdf

[4] The definition of Child Labour can be found at: https://www.unglobalcompact.org/what-is-gc/mission/principles/principle-5 and https://www.ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en/f?p=NORMLEXPUB:12100:0::NO::P12100_ILO_CODE:C138

[5] Discretionary income is the amount of an individual's income that is left for spending, investing, or saving after taxes and personal necessities (such as food, shelter, and clothing) have been paid.

[6] This includes pillage/looting which is the unlawful taking of private property for personal or private gain based on force, threats, intimidation, pressure and through a position of power accomplished due to the surrounding conflict.

[7] DCA’s Complaint Handling System is accessed on our website.

How to apply

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Request for Proposal: Digital Marketing Consultant

As we enter a new phase of our fundraising roadmap (2024-2028), we are scaling all fundraising pillars, especially our Digital Marketing fundraising work. As such, we are seeking a dynamic Digital Mar...

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Background & scope.

There has never been a more critical time for sexual and reproductive health and rights globally, and individual donors and advocates play a critical role in advancing the mission of IPPF. The Individual Philanthropy programme was established to bolster IPPF’s institutional resources and build an external community of donors and advocates for its work. Over the last several years, the programme has seen significant year-over-year growth across all the Individual Philanthropy program’s revenue streams (small/recurring, mid-level, major and principal donors).

As we enter a new phase of our fundraising roadmap (2024-2028), we are scaling all fundraising pillars, especially our Digital Marketing fundraising work. As such, we are seeking a dynamic Digital Marketing agency to support our ongoing efforts. With an increasingly competitive fundraising space and the newness of IPPF’s donor file, we need a partner who will help us be bold in our messaging, aggressive in our testing, and significantly grow our audiences and revenue generation. The partner will build upon the foundational work of the last three years and have core responsibilities that include:

1. Account Management & Strategy: Serve as IPPF’s resident expert on digital marketing and key collaborator to lead annual strategies and evaluate and plan fundraising campaigns. Conduct weekly status meetings, as well as such tasks as creative concept development, creative asset review, testing, schedule updates and ad Hoc support.

2. Email Fundraising Management: Work with the IPPF team to coordinate, create content and assets (including copywriting), and build and deploy emails to select audiences. Aim to develop and deploy 2-4 emails monthly during non-priority months. This also includes support with automation journeys and updates (welcome series, new donor journey, etc.).

3. Paid Media Management: Full campaign management, including deploying new acquisition, lead generation and retention campaigns, creating campaign components across paid social and display, and ongoing campaign optimization. This includes creative content generation, support for all campaigns, and ongoing management of paid search.

4. Reporting & Analysis: Regular reporting on growth and fundraising metrics important to IPPF, as well as specific analysis requests and dashboard updates.

5. Non-fundraising Media Management: support for designing and creating monthly e-newsletters and bespoke communications efforts.

Additionally, the Digital Marketing partner will work in tandem with a retained Campaigns Consultant, leading our awareness/brand-building efforts. Their work will focus on movement-building campaigns to increase the number of people “thinking” and “caring” about IPPF and its mission. Campaigns and media activities will overlap with the Marketing team and is a new workstream starting at the end of 2024 and launching in 2025.

Performance Metrics

• Growth in overall active email files through lead generation efforts
• Expansion and diversification of external audiences
• Successful execution of pillar fundraising campaigns throughout the year
• Driving growth in non-fundraising audience engagement
• Achieving high ROAS across all paid media channels

Additional Notes:

• Preference for consultants in an East Coast (US) time zone.

• Consultants with experience in sexual and reproductive health and rights, advocacy, gender justice, and INGO experience are especially critical.

• Additionally, consultants with experience in markets outside the US, like the UK and Canada, would be valuable.

Timeline & Budget

Following a successful bid and contracting before the end of 2024, the partner’s expected start date is January 2025. For budgeting, estimated monthly retainer fees should not exceed $25,000. We have an allocated paid media budget that can be shared in the exploratory phase, separate from retainer fees.

Application Process & Selection Criteria

The application window opens on 25 September 2024 and closes on 23 October 2024. Applicants may submit questions via email to the IPPF point of contact and/or request a brief exploratory call before submissions to review the scope of work and proposal expectations. Please note that we cannot accommodate all requests and will agree to meet based on availability and time.

Upon review, IPPF will invite a shortlisted group of applicants to present their proposals to an internal committee of fundraising and communications focal points. The scoring criteria for submissions will include the following:

• Technical Proposal: Examples of previous work, ability to undertake all factions of the RFP, and creative campaigning examples (45%)

• Feasibility of budget (30%)

• Management team profile and experience with similar clients or projects (25%)

Please send enquiries and materials to Bill Lane, Global Head of Individual Philanthropy, at [email protected] . *No phone calls.*

Terms: Please note that any agency that applies should be legally registered and/or bonded in all states requiring charitable solicitation registration and has no current state regulatory enforcement actions pending against it related to charitable registration or fundraising that would interfere with IPPF’s ability to fundraise in any and all jurisdictions. Any detailed information about IPPF’s current performance and strategy will require signing a Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA)

Photo credits: Eric Prouzet/Unsplash

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The Menshikov Palace

Alexander Menshikov (1673-1729) was a good friend and companion of Peter the Great . He came from a very humble background, but was quickly promoted by Peter to become a duke (1707) and the Governor General of St. Petersburg. Under his supervision the Peter and Paul Fortress and the fort of Kronshlot (now Kronshtadt) in the Gulf of Finland were built. Being the Governor General, he commissioned a large palace on Vasilievsky Island, where he lived until 1727. The palace was the most luxurious house to be built in the city thus far (far superior to the Summer Palace of Peter the Great ) and was therefore chosen to host various official functions.

After Peter's death in 1725, Menshikov did his best to ensure that the throne would pass safely to Peter's wife Catherine I. For two years Menshikov effectively ruled the country. In 1727, a few weeks before his daughter's marriage to the heir to the throne, Menshikov was accused of treason and stealing government money and was exiled with his whole family to Siberia.

Between 1732 and 1918 the palace was home to a military school, but in 1967 it was given to the Hermitage . Now, with the early 18 th century interiors restored, it houses a collection of Russian cultural artifacts from the early 18 th century.

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