[header] How to write a formal proposal [title] Study the request for proposal (rfp) carefully. [step] Many businesses or governmental agencies will send out an rfp when they need goods or services. For example, a company that is being sued might send rfps to specific law firms, asking them to submit a business proposal. 
Alternately, a government agency might send out an rfp when it needs to buy some product or materials. The rfp will generally contain details that you must fully understand before drafting your business proposal.