Creating and submitting an unsolicited proposal to a federal agency can effectively position your company to contract directly with federal decision-makers without a formal solicitation or request for proposal (RFP). The best part of the process for businesses is that the result is a direct contract award with ZERO competitors because you are the one who developed the SOW requirements. The unsolicited proposal process can be used for products, services, innovative technology or a better way for agencies to meet their missions - all based on your expertise and ability to help meet an agency's needs.

The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provides this procurement method so that the government can benefit from the knowledge and concepts of the private sector to find innovative ideas, new technology, overcome challenges, and assess the effectiveness of different methodologies that can help meet agency mission. 

As the new administration has come in, agencies are under increasing pressure to reduce costs, streamline operations, and centralize oversight—especially following major restructuring initiatives and budget-cutting efforts across civilian and defense programs. With an emphasis on efficiency, some federal offices are now actively reviewing unsolicited proposals to solve specific challenges before a formal requirement is issued.

Some agencies have dedicated staff and review boards for unsolicited proposals, while others are building out procedures as demand for innovative, vendor-initiated solutions grows. This is important as the unsolicited proposal process provides an exclusive avenue for qualified vendors to get their solutions considered by key federal decision-makers.

 Important: This briefing uses a Zoom-based communication connection via your network. This briefing will be accessible via phone if you are unable to connect online and recorded versions will be distributed with closed-caption for the hearing impaired. Instructions for login will be provided upon registration.

Topical Overview

• What is an unsolicited proposal?
• Benefits of unsolicited proposals
• Unsolicited Proposal Framework

Pre-Proposal Groundwork

• Identifying Agency Need
• Preparing Agency Stakeholders
• Obtaining Funding 

Developing an Unsolicited Proposal

• Unsolicited Proposal Overview
• Basic Information
• Technical Proposal
• Supporting Information
• Mitigating Government Risk

DoD Unsolicited Proposal Procedures

• Calls for Unsolicited Proposals
• SBIR, STTR BAAs/CSOs
• DoD vs Civilian Approach 

Proposal Resources

• Proposal Development & Review
• NASA Template
• Developing Opportunities
• Making Your Proposal Pop 

Closing Remarks & Additional Resources