The SME’s Guide to Proposal Collaboration
Learn the skills and techniques to contribute technical knowledge into winning proposal content.
Course description
Subject Matter Experts play a vital role in developing accurate, credible, and competitive proposals. They hold the technical knowledge that defines a project’s credibility but are often focused on day-to-day operations and may have limited interaction with proposal teams.
This course provides practical methods for sharing your expertise efficiently—without needing to be a proposal writer.
You will learn how to communicate technical information clearly, align it with proposal requirements, and collaborate effectively with proposal managers, writers, and reviewers. Through real examples and structured techniques, you will gain confidence in representing your expertise and ensuring it is reflected accurately and persuasively in the final submission.
Course objectives
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Roles and responsibilities of a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on a proposal team
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How to interpret proposal instructions and apply standard formats
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Ways to align your expertise with proposal requirements and evaluation criteria
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How to collaborate effectively with proposal managers and writers
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Strategies to participate in Color reviews and strengthen content quality
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Approaches to meet deadlines and negotiate expectations
Course overview
The SME’s Role in Proposal Development course is part of a structured learning path designed to build your proposal development skills. This course helps you develop essential skills that form the foundation for creating successful and competitive proposals.
Who this course is for
This course is designed for Subject Matter Experts who are asked to contribute their technical knowledge and expertise to proposal development.
Prerequisites
Prior to starting this course, learners should have intermediate Microsoft Word Skills.
Course Format
This course includes lessons, activities, templates, quizzes, and additional resources. A brief quiz is provided at the end of each chapter, with a final quiz at the end of the course to assess your understanding of the material.
Does this course include instructor feedback?
This course is self-paced, allowing you to learn on your schedule.
If you would like additional support, Personal Coaching is available as a separate option and can be added at any time to provide guidance or answer questions.
Contact our Support Team at [email protected]
How long will it take to complete the course?
The time needed to complete the course varies based on your interest, motivation, and the time you can dedicate.
You will have access to all course content for 12 months, allowing you to work at the pace that best fits your schedule.
Learning outcomes
Apply key strategies and principles of proposal development to contribute effectively to compliant and competitive proposals.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. This certificate can be downloaded and used to document your training for internal records or professional development requirements.
Course curriculum
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Introduction
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Proposal Toolkit
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Ch 1 - Understanding the SME Role in Proposal Development
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Ch 2 - Proposal Instructions and Formats
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Ch 3 - Writing proposal content
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Ch 4 - Collaborating with Proposal Managers and Writers
About this course
- Case Study and Activities
- Downloadable Templates & Workbook
Instructor
Dr. Kate Rosengreen is the CEO of the Proposal Resource Group, Inc., a Washington DC–based consulting firm supporting federal contractors nationwide.
With over 25 years of experience, she has led high-value proposal efforts and secured more than $10B in contract awards for defense contractors, nonprofit agencies, and small businesses.
She is also the creator of PRG Learn, a comprehensive training platform offering eLearning, webinars, workshops, and coaching—delivering best-practice strategies and practical techniques to improve proposal quality and build stronger, more competitive responses for defense, civilian, and other public agency opportunities.
She is also the creator of PRG Learn, a comprehensive training platform offering eLearning, webinars, workshops, and coaching—delivering best-practice strategies and practical techniques to improve proposal quality and build stronger, more competitive responses for defense, civilian, and other public agency opportunities.
Testimonials
Sr Proposal Manager | Defense Contractor
"Kate Rosengreen mentored me when I was an aspiring proposal manager and gave me the foundation for success. She knows the federal proposal process inside and out, and shares her fount of knowledge in an easily understood manner. If your team is lost in the wilderness of the federal proposal process, hire Kate Rosengreen as your guide back to civilization!"
Proposal Writer | NPA
"Dr. Rosengreen has provided an invaluable resource for both novice proposal professionals and seasoned writers seeking to solidify their process. The course provides a systematic approach to writing an effective Past Performance volume with tools to ensure alignment and compliance. Dr. Rosengreen breaks down the structure of an RFP in a simple and approachable manner and emphasizes the paramount importance of relevant Past Performance to any bid. I wish I had had resource like this when I was starting out in proposals!"
NPA BD Executive | Col (Ret)
"Dr. Rosengreen’s training helped us win 8 contracts worth $15M and build an organization-wide proposal process that continues to drive our success."
Proposal Manager | NPA
"Even though this is an eLearning course it’s just like being in face-to-face training. The training is very thorough and engaging."
VP Business Development | NPA
"After a recent bid loss, we sought personal coaching to understand how to improve our content. The targeted feedback and strategic recommendations provided invaluable insight, introducing us to new techniques that significantly increased our confidence and prospects for future success."
Technical Writer | NPA
"The content is divided into digestible sections which makes learning easier. The quizzes in each lesson are satisfying and I know I am learning the material."
BD Executive | Defense Contractor
"I wish I had this training when I first started working on Past Performance all those years ago."
VP Business Development | NPA
"Each topic builds on the other seamlessly, allowing you to develop a comprehensive proposal strategy step by step."
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