1. After researching solicitations at www.zyn.com, communicate directly with the point of contact at the agency who is overseeing that solicitation. Note that this can only be done in the pre-solicitation period at contracting agencies such as DoD. Use this opportunity to help you understand exactly what the agency is looking for.
   
   
2. Attend a proposal writing seminar. Plenty of opportunities exist in NC and around the nation.
   
   
3. After drafting your proposal request reviews by your trusted peers and others on the outside, including SBTDC Technology Counselors. Although we will not be able to comment on the technical nature of your proposal, we can provide feedback on the business aspects, the flow and the level of detail.
   
   
4. Meet with an SBTDC Technology counselor prior to writing the first draft of the proposal.
   
   
5. Define your expected end product and establish possible customers. Keep in mind that the funding agency is in many cases not the end customer. Although Phase 1 does not require a strong commercialization component, it is important to understand what your customers' needs are so that you can begin to direct the end project during Phase 1.
   
   
6. Include a visual timeline (Gantt chart) at the end of your workplan.
   
   
7. Read the proposal instructions on the agency's website… and then read them again!
   
   
8. Start early. A first time proposal can take 120-150 hours to complete.
   
   
9. Write the abstract last! The abstract, albeit very short, should encompass all the major points in your proposal.