Overview

Request for Proposal – MTERA Technical Writer

The Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association (MTERA) invites all interested, qualified persons or firms to submit proposals to provide technical writing services to our non-profit organization supporting Midwest Tribes.

The Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association (MTERA) is a non-profit intertribal organization dedicated to promoting sustainable energy development and economic growth for Tribal communities in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. We are seeking proposals from qualified and experienced technical writers to support grant writing efforts and the development of written deliverables for existing MTERA program and operational needs. This role will directly report to the Director of Tribal Energy Programs for deliverables related to energy programs, and to the Executive Director for general operations materials.

SCOPE OF SERVICES BEING REQUESTED:
MTERA is looking for support on the following services:
Technical writing related to energy projects & programming. Specifically, the development of clear, concise, and comprehensive written documents that include operational documents, and key written deliverables for existing programs.

MTERA understands the complexity of grant writing and the benefits of having a person who has experience with writing grants on a federal, state, and even tribal level. This person would be responsible for writing content related to MTERA or MTERA Tribes’ role within those grants.

Other specific services would be related to the following:
– Collaborate with MTERA staff to gather information and ensure technical accuracy, appropriateness for audience, and to create a compelling narrative
– Revise existing documents for clarity and consistency
– Create visual aids and infographics to enhance written content
– Prepare grant proposals that align with the organizations mission and objectives
– Ensure compliance with grant requirements and guidelines
– Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of documentation

Preferred Skills:
– Strong understanding of technical energy concepts and ability to translate complex information into clear, concise documentation
– Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills with attention to grammar, style and detail
– Proficient in conducting thorough research and synthesizing information from various sources to ensure accuracy
– Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
– Ability to create documentation that meets the needs of diverse audiences
– Organizational skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively
– Ability to analyze technical processes and identify opportunities for improved documentation
– Willingness to adapt to evolving project requirements
– Familiarity with Tribes and respect for Tribal cultures, histories, and sovereignty

Preferred Qualifications:
– Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields
– 2+ years of experience in technical writing or a related role, preferably in the energy sector
– A strong portfolio showcasing previous written work
– Proven track record of managing development of written work in compliance with deadlines
– Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills
– High level of accuracy and attention to detail
– Understanding of and/or experience working with Tribes

PROPOSAL GUIDELINES:
The proposal should include the following components:

A. Executive Summary:
• Brief introduction of the firm, highlighting relevant experience in technical grant writing and related services.

B. Background:
• Detailed information about the technical writing history with federal grant reporting, applications or other related fields.

C. Approach and Methodology to Writing:
Detailed explanation of how the person will address MTERA’s goals with grant writing and other technical writing projects/needs. Outline or description of the steps involved in conducting grant writing development, management and other services.

D. Experience and References:
Description of previous experience in providing grant writing, management, federal grant reporting, or other related services. Examples of writing may be submitted to support this request. Contact information for at least three references who can attest to the quality of the firm’s work.

E. Budget and Pricing:
• Detailed breakdown of costs for providing the services related to writing. MTERA’s preference is to base services on an hourly billed rate that will be invoiced to MTERA monthly or as services are provided.

EVALUATION CRITERIA:
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
– Experience and track record in providing grant writing, management, federal grant reporting, and other related services.
– Quality and feasibility of the proposed service approach and methodology.
– Clarity and completeness of the proposal.
– Competitive pricing and value for money.

TIMELINE:
The following timeline outlines the key milestones for the RFP process:

RFP Issuance Date: October 4, 2024
Proposal Submission Deadline: November 4, 2024
Contract Award: Estimated End of November 2024
Please review the submission contact information below.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
For inquiries or clarifications regarding this RFP or to submit a proposal, please contact Daniel Wiggins, Executive Director, at Daniel.wiggins@mtera.org with the email title ‘Technical Writer RFP”.

We look forward to receiving your proposal and finding a partner who can support MTERA at this critical stage in our organization’s journey as we work towards our mission of supporting tribal energy development and sustainability.

Sincerely,
Daniel Wiggins JR, Executive Director Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association

Tagged as: solar, technical writing

About Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association (MTERA)

The Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association (MTERA) is a non-profit intertribal organization comprised of Midwest Tribes. We are planning and pursuing innovative Tribal energy projects that respect the sovereignty and unique culture of individual Member Tribes, while leveraging the collective strength and resources of all Midwest Tribes.

We are helping our Member Tribes unlock the significant value from clean energy resources on Tribal lands.

It is estimated that the investment potential of solar and wind on Tribal lands is $75 billion. Much of this clean energy potential is untapped. MTERA hopes to change this by bringing together Tribal energy champions and developing each Member Tribe’s internal capacity to plan, deploy, and manage clean energy assets. We seek to empower the Tribe’s personnel to build successful projects that tread lightly on this earth while enabling Tribal members to live life to the fullest.