On-Demand Proposal Writer

Contract Proposal Writer

Part-Time (1099), Hourly Contract (up to 50 hours per month)

Fredericksburg, VA - Hybrid

Must be a U.S. citizen with an Active Secret Clearance

@Orchard LLC is seeking a Proposal Writer who will be responsible for developing compliant, compelling, and persuasive proposals in response to U.S. Federal Government solicitations (RFPs, RFQs, RFIs, and Sources Sought notices), on an on-demand contract basis. This role collaborates with subject matter experts (SMEs), capture managers, pricing teams, and executive leadership to produce compliant and compelling, high-quality submissions responsive to agency requirements. This is a small team requiring all team members to develop solutions and write in accordance with deadlines, and with complete transparency.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze Federal solicitations (RFP, RFQ, RFI, IDIQ, GWAC, BPA, etc.) and develop proposal response strategies.
• Support proposal development from pre-RFP through final submission
• Write, edit, and format technical, management, past performance, and executive summary volumes
• Develop proposal outlines, compliance matrices, and ensure strict adherence to solicitation instructions and evaluation criteria
• Collaborate with SMEs to translate technical concepts into clear, persuasive narratives
• Use active, efficient language to create compelling responses
• Incorporate win themes, discriminators, and value propositions throughout proposals
• Coordinate with pricing teams to ensure narrative and cost volumes are aligned
• Manage proposal schedules, outlines, and content development deadlines
• Participate in the proposal review process and incorporate feedback
• Maintain proposal content libraries, templates, and past performance databases

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Business, Public Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of experience writing blue/high-confidence-rated proposal responses for U.S. Federal Government contracts
• Demonstrated experience responding to federal RFPs valued at $1M+
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of Shipley Business Development Lifecycle, Lohfeld Strength-Based Solutioning, and action-oriented written language techniques
• Experience working under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience responding to RFPs with multiple Federal Government agencies
• APMP (Association of Proposal Management Professionals) certification

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and persuasive writing
• Attention to detail and compliance orientation
• Project management and time management
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Ability to simplify complex technical information
• Strong analytical skills

Work Environment

• May require extended hours during active proposal submissions
• Hybrid or remote work environment
• Occasional travel for capture planning or team meetings may be required

@Orchard LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against based on disability.