The template below shows the general layout of your proposal and instructions for writing it. Note these important details:

Check out the Proposal Template (Format Only) to see exactly what your memo should look like.

Proposal Template with Annotations
Proposal Template
This column shows the layout of your proposal and includes instructions for writing the content.
Explanation of Template Elements
This column explains the format of the proposal.

MEMORANDUM

Document Title

  • Include “Memo” or “Memorandum” as the document title.
  • Do not include any other title.
  • Do not include the assignment name as the document title.
To: Traci Gardner
From: Full Names of Group Members
Date: March 28, 2025
Subject: Improving the Usability of the Simple Sabotage Field Manual

Memo Headers

  • Every memo begins with a memo headers: To, From, Date, and Subject.
  • Follow each header with the pertinent information.
  • Align the memo headers align vertically.
  • Use the same size and style for all the Memo Headers.
  • Double space (leave 1 blank line) between headers.

Follow these instructions for the Introduction:

  • Draw the reader in by providing facts, telling a story, or another strategy.
  • Persuade the reader(s) to read the rest of the proposal and ultimately to approve the project.
  • Introduce the subject of your team management project, providing the name of the website and linking to it.
  • End the introduction with a purpose statement that indicates the following:
    • Why you are writing, touching on your overall evaluation of the original website’s usability.
    • What is included in the rest of the proposal as an Advance Organizer.
    • How accepting the proposal will effect the website’s rhetorical success and overall usability.

Memo Body

  • Do not indent paragraphs
  • Use hierarchical headings, in bold. Your title should be the largest and then work down from there.

Memo Introduction

  • This is the intro section. There is no need to give an introduction a heading, as it’s obvious it’s the intro.
  • The section is typically two to three paragraphs. It can be longer for more complex proposals and bigger projects.
  • Find help on Introductions in Tech Writing.

Project Overview and Rationale

Follow these instructions for the Project Overview and Rationale section:

  • Reintroduce and provide information about the intended subject of your Recommendation Report.
  • Explain the following details of your proposal (improving the website you’ve chosen):
    • Define the subject of your project.
    • Indicate what the project involves
    • Explain why the project is important.
  • If desired, use screenshots from the website to demonstrate places that need improvement.

Project Overview and Rationale Section

  • Begin all main sections with a First-level Heading (using the same size and style).
  • Can also use the heading Justification.
  • Include your section content in paragraphs under the heading.
  • NOTE: This will be the longest section of the proposal.
  • Find help on writing about the background of the situation in Tech Writing.

Project Methodology and Resources

Follow these instructions for the Project Methodology and Resources section:

  • Indicate the methods your group plans to use to conduct research into the projected subject (interviews, online research, questionnaires, surveys, traditional research methods).
  • Describe any key information (i.e., articles, books, videos) that you know you will be using and provide a brief summary of each.

Project Methodology and Resources Section

  • Add another main section with a First-level Heading (using the same size and style).
  • Add footnotes with bibliographic details on the key information you plan to use in your Recommendation Report.
  • Find help on writing about the methods you propose using in Tech Writing.

Project Audience

Follow these instructions for the Project Audience section:

  • Identify the specific audience(s) to whom the Recommendation Report will be addressed.
    Tip: The audience is not me (Traci). It is the person who can decide to implement the ideas in your Recommendation Report.
  • Indicate what considerations you must make for this audience (such as language, visuals, and so on).

Project Audience Section

Project Personnel

Follow these instructions for the Project Personnel section:

  • Provide brief bios of your group members with their names.
  • Indicate the roles each team member will fulfill for the Recommendation Report.
  • Emphasize how each of you is qualified to pursue this subject.

Project Personnel Section

  • Add another main section with a First-level Heading (using the same size and style).
  • Return to your group’s Professional Bios in the Introduce Yourself Discussion to get started. Focus on the professional details in the bios.

Project Timetable

Follow these instructions for the Project Timetable:

  • Introduce your schedule with some general details on the most significant dates.
  • Establish a rough deadline for each major stage of the project.
  • Include a Gantt chart.
    Tip: Be sure that your Gantt chart is large enough to be read easily. If necessary, include the chart on a separate page and turn that page only to Landscape Orientation.

Project Timetable Section

  • Add another main section with a First-level Heading (using the same size and style).
  • Find help on writing about the schedule in Tech Writing.

Conclusion

Follow these instructions for the Conclusion:

  • Reiterate your subject and the reasons it’s important.
  • Provide contact info for the team leader so that the reader can follow up with questions and let you know if your proposal is approved.

Conclusion Section

  • Add another main section with a First-level Heading (using the same size and style).
  • Keep it simple.
  • Do not sign your name at the end or add a signature block.
  • Find help on writing about the Conclusion in Tech Writing.