Free document template
A consulting proposal organized around decisions and work products
A useful proposal lets the sponsor judge whether the work will answer a real business question. Lead with the decision they need to make, then show the discovery, analysis and discussion that support it. The editable sample connects proposed work products to pricing without promising an outcome the consultant cannot control.
Example document · illustrative amounts
Example: operations assessment proposal
Reference: [Proposal reference and scope revision]
From
[Consulting practice and lead consultant contact]
To
[Client entity, sponsor and business unit]
| Description | Quantity / unit | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discovery: stakeholder interviews and review of supplied process documentation | 1 discovery phase | $980.00 | $980.00 |
| Analysis: map handoffs, identify bottlenecks and develop practical options | 1 analysis work package | $1,450.00 | $1,450.00 |
| Decision workshop and written recommendations with prioritized actions | 1 workshop and report | $760.00 | $760.00 |
Total (USD): $3,190.00
Example: this fictional engagement and fee breakdown explain the proposal format, not consulting market rates.
[State the business question, specific deliverables and excluded implementation services.]
[List assumed interview access, data availability, sponsor feedback and review rounds.]
[Record proposed timing as dependencies and agreed milestones rather than a guaranteed business outcome.]
[Add fee validity, applicable tax, expense treatment and the separate agreement process.]
How to use the template.
- Write the sponsor objective in plain terms and identify who will review the recommendations.
- Break the approach into activities with identifiable outputs, including what the client must supply.
- Build the fee from your own effort, specialist input, overhead and risk assumptions; replace the sample figures.
- Review exclusions and change triggers with the sponsor before preparing a separate engagement agreement.
Useful answers.
Is the proposal a guarantee of savings?
No. Describe the analysis and deliverables you control. Any projected benefit should identify assumptions and uncertainty rather than being presented as a guaranteed result.
How do I price optional implementation help?
Put it in a clearly optional scope with its own basis and approval step. The assessment fee should not silently include open-ended delivery support.
Can the proposal use a fixed fee?
Yes, if that reflects your offer. State the deliverables, assumptions and change process clearly, and retain your internal effort calculation so you can judge whether the scope is viable.
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