ChatGPT prompt for a project proposal submission

Help me prepare a project proposal submission for [DECISION MAKER OR CLIENT]. The project is [PROJECT IDEA], and the decision we need is [APPROVAL ASK]. Use this context: [REQUIREMENTS AND EVIDENCE], [RESOURCES AND CONSTRAINTS], and [TARGET DATE].

First, identify the decision criteria, stated requirements, unknowns, dependencies, exclusions, and approval conditions. Build two feasible delivery options if the scope, timing, or approach is genuinely open. Compare each option on outcome, cost basis, timeline, dependencies, delivery risk, and what the approver must provide. Recommend one option with a short rationale. Do not treat assumptions as commitments.

Then draft a proposal that can be submitted directly. Use these sections: executive decision summary; problem or opportunity; objectives and success measures; in-scope and out-of-scope work; deliverables and acceptance criteria; work breakdown with owner and accountable approver; milestone timeline; resource and cost estimate with assumptions; dependencies; risk register with early-warning signal, mitigation, owner, and contingency; governance and reporting cadence; and a final approval request naming the exact decision, budget or resources, and deadline.

Make the timeline realistic: show dependencies before dependent work, identify the critical path, and distinguish fixed dates from estimates. For each deliverable, define what evidence proves completion. Avoid vague verbs such as "improve" or "support" unless paired with a measurable result.

Do not invent client requirements, staffing availability, prices, commitments, results, or stakeholder approval. Mark unsupported items [CONFIRM].

Before answering, self-check that every deliverable has an owner and acceptance criterion, and that the timeline contains no task scheduled before its prerequisite. Ask up to 3 clarifying questions only if a required input is missing.

Draft a client project proposal for [CLIENT] for [SERVICES] based on [CLIENT BRIEF] and [PRICING AND TERMS]. Include objectives, scope, exclusions, phased deliverables, client responsibilities, assumptions, timeline, fixed-fee or time-and-materials cost basis, change-control process, risks, and acceptance criteria. Make the approval request explicit and identify decisions needed before work begins. Do not imply a guarantee or invent case studies, staffing, terms, or client facts. Check that pricing, dates, and deliverables agree. Ask up to 3 questions only if required inputs are missing.

Write an internal project business case for [INITIATIVE] seeking [DECISION] from [APPROVERS]. Use [CURRENT STATE DATA], [COSTS], and [CONSTRAINTS]. Provide the problem, options including doing nothing, recommended option, expected benefits separated into quantified and unquantified, implementation plan, owners, dependencies, risks, and milestones. Show all calculations with assumptions and label benefits that cannot yet be measured. Do not invent savings, revenue, capacity, or executive support. Check that the requested resources match the implementation plan. Ask up to 3 questions only if essential inputs are missing.

Create a proposal response plan for [SOLICITATION] due [DUE DATE], using [REQUIREMENTS]. Produce a compliance matrix with requirement, response owner, source evidence, page or attachment location, reviewer, and due date. Then make a backwards schedule covering kickoff, questions, draft, technical review, pricing review, executive approval, upload, and submission buffer. Flag mandatory forms, signatures, page limits, and contradictions. Do not claim compliance without supplied evidence. Check that every mandatory requirement has an owner and review step. Ask up to 3 questions only if needed.