Proposal Writing for Federal Contracts to Stay Ahead

Crack the Code:

A Technical Writing session to help you sharpen your proposal writing skills and to be better positioned to act quickly when the government reopens after any down time and stay ahead!

We will cover both proposal mechanics and strategies to manage uncertainty around shutdowns.

Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce Hosts:

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Be better prepared after any down time. Join us!

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Event Details:

When? Thursday October 30, 2025 From 10 AM to Noon.

Where? AJACE LLC Professional Building at 14159 , Robert Paris Court, Suite A, Chantilly, VA 20151.

How? Register here: https://crackthewritingcode.eventbrite.com

Who? This VACC session is instructed by a seasoned leadersin federal grant proposals writing and the Virginia APEX Accelerator to help small businesses do business with the government.

TOGETHER, our session leaders will help even the most seasoned small business proposal writers close their federal grant writing skills gap to be ready when the government reopens.

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Why This Session?

Considering a possible government downtime, our federal contract writing session will emphasize on three facts:

1. Shutdowns are temporary – Agencies eventually reopen, and solicitations resume. Companies that kept preparing proposals during downtime are better positioned post-shutdowns.

2. Proposal deadlines may not move – Even if an agency shuts down, some procurement timelines keep rolling (especially defense, essential services, and pre-funded contracts). Contractors need to be ready.

3. Competitive edge – Many small businesses pause during shutdowns. Those who keep sharpening their proposal skills can get ahead.

Our Emphasis During Current Economy:

Risk Language in Proposals
Show how to acknowledge risks in performance timelines and funding, without sounding negative.

Contract Clauses to Watch
Learn how to look for funding availability clauses, stop-work orders, and termination for convenience language.

Cash Flow Planning
Emphasize building cost narratives that reflect resilience (e.g., subcontractor flexibility, phased work).

Agency Priorities
How to monitor which agencies/projects will restart fastest after funding is restored (DoD, health, disaster relief, infrastructure).

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Agenda

1. Registration and checking in: (10 minutes)

2. Member Introductions (10 minutes)

3. Guest Speaker Presentation: (80 minutes)

Technical Assistance and Upskilling Your Federal Grant Writing Techniques

4. Q&A Session (20 minutes)

8. Closing

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In this one-hour session, participants will gain insight into the full proposal life cycle -understanding compliance requirements, structuring responses, and presenting a compelling value proposition to government buyers.

Together, attendees will walk through how to analyze solicitation instructions and evaluation criteria, then build a compliant proposal outline that drives responsive content development and persuasive, effective writing.

By the end of the workshop, participants will have a clear understanding of the federal government proposal process and the compliance requirements that drive success. They will leave with practical tools and strategies to strengthen the competitiveness of their proposals, improve win rates, and apply a structured framework immediately to future government contracting opportunities.

Workshop Objectives

• Explain the proposal life cycle and key compliance requirements that drive proposal success.
• Demonstrate how to analyze a Request for Proposals (RFP) to identify instructions, evaluation criteria, and deliverables.
• Share practical strategies for strengthening competitiveness and improving win rates in government contracting.

Anticipated Outcomes

Be better prepared after any down time. Join us!

By the end of the workshop, participants will:

• Understand the structure and purpose of government RFPs.
• Be able to identify critical compliance requirements in an RFP.
• Have hands-on experience developing a compliant proposal outline.
• Gain actionable tips on persuasive writing, positioning, and strategy for proposals.
• Leave with a practical framework they can immediately apply to future government contracting opportunities.
• Learn how contracts with annual appropriations may be more susceptible to delays or suspension during a shutdown.
• Be better prepared after any down time. Many small businesses pause during shutdowns. Those who keep sharpening their proposal skills can get ahead.

About Our Instructors:

ED WOFFORD

PRINCIPAL, FEDERAL PROPOSAL WRITING LLC

Edward is an award-winning Senior Proposal Writer with 25+ years of experience securing millions in federal and local government awards, including a $2 billion IDIQ contract. Recently, he authored a winning FAA proposal that unseated an incumbent contractor. Edward helps small and minority-owned businesses elevate proposal quality, improve win rates, and expand government contracting footprints through persuasive writing, compliance expertise, and competitive analysis.

He has led proposals across 37+ mission-critical domains, including management consulting, education, youth services, large-scale event management, program management, survey research, health communications, and staff augmentation.

His work blends strategic differentiation with compelling writing to effectively articulate small businesses’ value propositions and win complex bids.

As lead proposal writer at a DC-based minority, woman-owned small business, Edward transformed the firm’s proposal function, increasing win rates and securing long-term, high-value federal contracts. He is recognized for crafting strategically positioned proposals and leveraging AI tools to keep businesses competitive in today’s government marketplace.

KELLIE B PETERSON

CLIENT SERVICES COORDIUNATOR, FAIRFAX REGION, VIRGINIA APEX ACCELERATOR

Kellie came to the team after 12 years as the Director of Office Administration and Communication for a non-profit. In her role there she handled a variety of duties including facility management, facility scheduling, equipment purchasing, website maintenance, social media marketing, print media, monthly/weekly printed and online newsletters and bulletins.

With previous experience in sales and marketing positions for several private sector firms, she also trained as a technical writer for a small Defense contractor and has experience with Procurement and Contracts with the Department of the Army.

Drawing on a diverse background of experience, Kellie especially enjoys working with clients while learning all the aspects of Virginia APEX Accelerator’s role in connecting small business to Government contracts and assisting clients to meet with knowledgeable counselors.

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Light healthy refreshments to be served. REGISTER TODAY!

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Host or Publisher Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce