Proposal Technical Writer
Fairfax, VA
Full Time
TAPE
Mid Level
Job Summary: The Proposal Technical Writer will play a critical role in crafting winning proposals for DoD and federal contracts. This position requires a blend of technical writing expertise, program/project management knowledge, IT proficiency, and cybersecurity acumen to translate complex technical concepts into clear, persuasive content. The ideal candidate will support cross-functional teams in responding to RFPs, RFIs, and other solicitation documents, while ensuring alignment with DoD standards and federal regulations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs) in program/project management, IT, and cybersecurity to gather, analyze, and synthesize technical information for proposals.
- Develop and write technical sections of proposals, including executive summaries, technical approaches, management plans, risk assessments, and compliance matrices.
- Ensure proposal content adheres to DoD directives (e.g., DFARS, FAR), cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., NIST, CMMC), and IT standards (e.g., cloud computing, systems integration).
- Edit and refine proposal drafts for clarity, consistency, grammar, and compliance with solicitation requirements.
- Conduct research on emerging technologies, threats, and best practices in IT and cybersecurity to enhance proposal quality.
- Manage and support proposal strategy sessions, storyboarding, and color team reviews.
- Manage proposal timelines, coordinate inputs from multiple stakeholders, and track revisions using tools like SharePoint/TEAMS or proposal management software.
- Assist in developing graphics, diagrams, and visuals to illustrate technical concepts (e.g., system architectures, project timelines).
- Maintain a library of reusable proposal content, templates, and boilerplate materials focused on DoD/IT/cybersecurity topics.
- Utilize AI background and understanding to support proposal development, capabilities and compliance matrices.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Technical Writing, English, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in technical writing, preferably in proposal development for federal or DoD contracts.
- Demonstrated knowledge of program/project management principles (e.g., PMP certification or equivalent experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies).
- Strong understanding of IT concepts, including software development, network infrastructure, cloud services (e.g., AWS, Azure), and systems engineering.
- Expertise in cybersecurity domains, such as risk management, vulnerability assessments, encryption, and compliance with standards like NIST 800-53 or DoD RMF.
- Familiarity with federal acquisition processes, including RFP analysis and proposal compliance.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat, and collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, SharePoint).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex technical information for diverse audiences.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance (Secret or higher preferred).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certifications such as APMP (Association of Proposal Management Professionals), and PMP, CISSP, or CompTIA Security+.
- Experience with DoD-specific tools or platforms (e.g., SAM.gov, GovWin, eBuy).
- Prior work in a federal contracting environment, supporting agencies like the DoD, DHS, or intelligence community.
- Strong organizational skills with experience managing multiple proposals under tight deadlines.
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