Proposal Writing (RFPs): Steps and Challenges with Mickella Rast, Chenega

In our recent episode on the Knowledgebase Ninjas podcast, Mickella Rast, Proposal Writer at Chenega Corporation, provides a comprehensive overview of the role of proposal writers. She discusses the crucial aspects of creating a proposal and the challenges associated with the process.

Watch the Video Podcast here

About Mickella

• Mickella’s LinkedIn 
• She holds a dual B.A. in English and Communication and an M.S. in Technical Communication
• Mickella has always had a passion for writing and communication. After beginning her career in IT, she felt the urge to explore something new. That’s when she discovered a proposal writer position at Chenega Corporation. She applied, got the job, and has been thriving in the role ever since.

Key Takeaways

• Government contracts a large portion of its work, and contracting companies bid for these contracts by submitting proposals. The role of proposal writers involves developing proposals that convince the government to choose their company, by demonstrating that they are best suited for the job.
• Crafting a proposal requires striking a balance between emphasizing the company’s strengths and avoiding a marketing pitch or boilerplate content. Proposals must be clear, concise, realistic, and straight to the point, as government reviewers don’t have tolerance for fluff language says Mickella.
• “Technical communication in IT involved creating user guides and process documentation, where I observed different processes and ensured they were executed successfully. On the other hand, in proposal writing, I engage in more creative writing and structured work, guided by government RFQs and RFPs. This transition allowed me to balance persuasive writing while highlighting my company’s strengths”, says Mickella.
• Mickella adds, “Initially I was paired with senior proposal writers who taught me valuable techniques. However, I learned some aspects through research, studying, and certifications. These resources helped me craft proposals that balance persuasive elements with realistic expectations about what our company can achieve within the given time frame and budget.”
• Extensive preparation, capturing strengths and weaknesses, anticipating competitors’ approaches, and conducting retrospectives to continually improve the proposals are crucial for proposal writers.
• AI integration has significantly advanced but comes with its own challenges for proposal writing, as it involves sensitive government information. Proposal writers must collaborate with AI companies to find a solution that meets their needs while ensuring there is no risk to the security of their company or the government’s data.

Rapid fire with Mickella Rast

• Highly recommended resource 

Resources by Shipley Associates and the Association of Proposal Management Professionals

• One word that comes to your mind when you hear documentation

Possibilities

• A piece of advice you would give your 20-year-old self  

Explore more in terms of documentation because there are so many facets of technical communication and different types of documentation

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