Concept Paper or Pre-Proposal

Table 1. Generic Proposal Outline

I. Introduction • Statement of the problem
• Statement of the solution
• Brief statement of how the solution will benefit the reader(s)
II. Background • Explanation of key terms
• Proof that you know the issues surrounding the problem
• Proof that you know what action has been taken to solve similar problems
• Proof that you (or someone you are associated with) can carry out the action plan
III. Action Plan and Requirements • A set of objectives (what your plan will accomplish)
• An action plan (who will do what when) keyed to the objectives
• A description of what you need to implement the plan
• A cost/benefit analysis of the plan
IV. Benefits • An explanation of why the plan will work
• A set of outcomes keyed to the objectives
• A description of how you and the reader(s) will benefit
• Proof that you are the best person or team to carry out the action plan
• A statement demonstrating that your plan is the best approach to solving the problem

Ideas or Content Problem statement
Since you will ask your reader(s) to give you something, you must first establish that there is a problem that needs to be solved. If you are responding to an agency 's Request for Proposals (RFP), the problem will be given to you. This is a solicited proposal. However, if you are requesting support or approval for your own idea (e.g., a product design,technological innovation, and/or process), you must clearly state the problem and explain why you think it is a problem. This is an unsolicited proposal.
A template for a statement of purpose/solution follows: The purpose of this concept paper is to request [approval or support] in the form of [ approval, equipment, funding, personnel, resources] to solve [description of a problem] so that [benefits of implementing the solution].
Sample purpose statements:
• The purpose of this concept paper is to request your approval to develop a