Making systems3: Development
Appendix C   Proposal storyboard template

A proposal storyboard is a way to organize information for sections of a proposal before writing the actual material. This is a storyboard template derived from proposal projects I have worked on.

C.1 Information

Applicable section Document volume and section number
Section title Title of the section
Page limitation Number of pages, or none
Section author Person responsible for this subsection
Volume lead Person for the overall volume or section
Date Date this template filled out

C.2 Inputs

This information what the section should respond to. These are not the solution; they are a statement of the problem that the proposal section should address.

C.2.1 Proposal context

Show here where in the overall structure of the proposal this section falls. Often a copy of the relevant outline, with this section highlighted.

C.2.2 Applicable requirements

List here of the requirements from the stakeholder. If those requirements are stated explicitly in the solicitation, copy them verbatim here.

C.2.3 Competitor positioning

Discuss how competitors are likely to approach this section, and the strengths and weaknesses of their approach (if appropriate).

C.3 Output

This material documents what the proposal section will contain.

C.3.1 Main idea

Describe the content for this section.
If appropriate, address who will do what when to make it happen.

C.3.2 Graphics

Sketch or describe graphics that might be helpful in this section.

C.4 Analysis

C.4.1 General

Innovations
Describe any innovations associated with the approach.
Compliance
Describe how this idea or approach for the section addresses requirements.

C.4.2 Features and benefits

Identify the features and benefits associated with the approach. When possible, emphasize advantages over anticipated approaches by competitors. Include examples of achievable performance standards or metrics when appropriate.

Feature Benefit
Feature 1 Benefit 1
Feature 2 Benefit 2

C.4.3 Risks

Identify any risks and corresponding mitigations associated with the approach. Include both technical risks and competitive risks.

Risk Mitigation
Risk 1 Mitigation 1
Risk 2 Mitigation 2