Federal Proposal Manager (Contract) - Arlington, VA

Engagement Overview

Engagement type:

Independent consultant, 1099 hourly.
Rate range:

$100 - $500 per hour, based on experience and scope.
Time commitment:

Project-based, scales with proposal volume.
Location:

Fully remote.
Reports to:

GovCon Division Lead, with dotted line to the Federal Capture Director.
What you own

Full proposal lifecycle: kickoff, compliance matrix, schedule, color‑team reviews (pink, red, gold), production, submission
Technical writing and editing across executive summary, technical approach, management approach, past performance, and resumes of key personnel
Compliance matrix ownership: every shall, every Section L and M requirement, every page count, every font and margin spec
Response library build: past performance citations, key personnel resumes, technical narratives, reusable management approach modules, pricing structures
Coordination with the Federal Capture Director on win themes, discriminators, and ghosting strategy
Coordination with subcontractor partners on teaming inputs and price submissions
Post‑submission tracking, debrief capture, and lessons‑learned documentation
Engagement structure

Hourly consulting rate, three tiers calibrated to experience and scope:
Writer ($100-175/hr):

Proposal writers and coordinators with 3-7 years federal proposal experience
Manager ($175-325/hr):

Proposal managers with documented win history and full‑lifecycle ownership
Principal ($325-500/hr):

Senior proposal directors with multi‑million‑dollar award history and Tier1 prime experience
Engagement is hourly. Per‑proposal scope and budget defined at proposal kickoff. Win‑based bonus stack negotiable on top of hourly rate for proposals that result in awarded contracts.
Success milestones

First 60 days: Proposal process documented. Compliance matrix template built. Response library framework established with 5+ reusable past performance citations.
First 120 days: First 1‑2 proposals submitted on time, compliant, and competitive. Color‑team review cadence established.
First 180 days: 3‑5 proposals submitted. First award or shortlist position. Response library covers 80% of TWF's standard content needs.
Who you are

5-15 years in federal proposal management, technical writing, or capture support
Documented track record managing $1M+ federal proposals through full lifecycle to submission
Shipley‑trained or equivalent. APMP credential preferred
Fluent in FAR/DFARS, RFP structure (Sections L and M), and compliance matrix methodology
Strong writing voice: clear, persuasive, and adaptable across technical and management content
Comfortable working both as lead writer and as orchestrator of subject matter expert input
Past performance citations in workforce services, HHS programs, hospitality contracting, or staffing IDIQs preferred
Located anywhere in the US
Bonus points

Prior role at a Tier1 GovCon prime or boutique proposal shop
Experience with VA, HHS, DoD behavioral health, or federal hospitality contracts
Pricing strategy fluency (cost narrative, BOEs, indirect rate structures)
Experience standing up a proposal function inside an emerging GovCon firm

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