Appraisal contents; procedure for good proposal

Project appraisal

Project appraisal is the critical, systematic assessment of a proposed project, before commitment of funds, to judge whether it is technically sound, economically and financially viable, environmentally and socially acceptable, and worth undertaking.

Contents of a good proposal

1. Title, summary and background of the project.
2. Problem statement and need (justification).
3. Goal and objectives.
4. Scope and expected outputs.
5. Methodology and technical design.
6. Work plan and time schedule.
7. Organisation, management and staffing.
8. Budget and financing plan.
9. Benefits: economic, social, environmental.
10. Risks and mitigation.
11. Monitoring and evaluation plan, sustainability.
12. Annexes: maps, drawings, data, CVs.

Procedure for developing a good proposal

1. Identify the need or problem and the client's requirement (read the terms of reference).
2. Collect data and study the site, background, existing studies and standards.
3. Define objectives and scope clearly.
4. Generate and compare alternatives; select the best technical option.
5. Prepare the technical part: methodology, design approach, work plan, schedule, team and equipment.
6. Estimate resources and cost: quantities, rates, manpower, overhead and profit; prepare the financial part.
7. Analyse feasibility and risk: economic and financial indicators, environmental and social aspects.
8. Write the draft proposal in the required format.
9. Review internally, check for completeness and errors, obtain approvals.
10. Submit before the deadline with the required security and forms; present or clarify if asked.
11. Negotiate and revise after evaluation.