engagement options
Thoughtful Structures. Strategic Partnership.
Katherine E. Bobick, MPH
Principal Consultant
Structured to Fit
BlueLine offers structured consulting services designed to meet clients where they are - with strategic support aligned to scope, complexity, and internal capacity.
Designed for Clarity,
Control, and Strategic Alignment
BlueLine Funding & Proposal Development
uses a stage-gate model, with each gate
having its own scope, fee range, and approval point
before the next phase begins.
Defined Scope
Each gate is designed with a clear objective and defined deliverables. Scope, responsibilities and expected outputs are clarified at each stage, so that the work remains aligned, measurable, and strategically paced.
This structure helps prevent drift, supports stronger execution, and creates a more disciplined path from planning through submission.
Decision Points
At the close of each gate, clients review progress, consider recommendations, and determine wither to proceed to the next stage.
Strategic Control
This stage-gate model allows organizations to move forward with stronger alignment, better visibility, and more disciplined control over scope and investment.
Final investment is tailored to the level of support required. Phases may be engaged individually or as part of a larger federal project investment. Final investment depends on scope, complexity, readiness, timeline, and the level of drafting and coordination required.
process flow for federal projects
Phase 1: Strategic Assessment & Scoping
This phase defines project goals, funding fit, readiness, and the scope required for a strong engagement.
Typical Investment: $1,500 - $3,500
Phase 2:Strategy
This phase focuses on opportunity assessment, funding fit, requirements mapping, and strategic positioning. It establishes the direction, structure, and supporting framework needed for a competitive response. Typical Investment: $4,500 - $12,500
Phase 3: Development
This phase centers on active proposal development, including narrative drafting, content refinement, coordination, and structured response development. The goal is to produce a strong, well-developed submission aligned with funder expectations and project priorities.
Typical Investment: $5,000 - $15,000
Phase 4:Finalization
This phase focuses on final review, quality refinement, completeness check, and submission preparedness. It is designed to strengthen the overall package, confirm required components, and support a timely, organized submission.
Typical Investment: $1,500 - $3,000
A Stage-Gate Process for Effectiveness
what shapes final investment
Complexity
Investment is shaped by the technical, narrative, and strategic complexity of the work, including the analysis, coordination, and development required.
Intensity
Some engagements require limited advisory input, while others involve hands-on strategic guidance drafting, revision, and ongoing collaboration throughout the process. The goal is to produce a strong, well-structured submission that reflects both funder expectations and project priorities.
Readiness
Pricing reflects how developed the project already is, including whether core materials, data, partnerships, and direction are in place at the start of the engagement.
Timeline
Accelerated timelines, fixed deadlines, and compressed development windows may ensure a greater level of prioritization and dedicated support.
Monthly Retainers
For organizations requiring ongoing funding strategy, review, and advisory support, montly retainer options are available.
Essential Retainer
This phase establishes the foundation for the engagement by clarifying project goals, funding fit, readiness, and the scope of work required to move forward effectively.
Typical Investment: $1,500 - $3,500
Strategic Retainer
This phase centers on developing the core application package, including strategic narrative drafting, supporting content development, and alignment of required components.
The goal is to produce a strong, well-structured submission that reflects both funder expectations and project priorities.
Typical Investment: $4,500 - $12,500
Embedded Retainer
Once scope and direction are confirmed, this phase provides structured support for proposal planning, narrative development, refinement and coordination. Professional planning, drafting, editing, and strengthening for competitive submission.
Typical Investment: $5,000 - $15,000
Specific terms are confirmed prior to engagement. Additional support beyond the agreed monthly scope may require a separate add-on or expanded engagement. Retainers are structured around defined monthly scope, level of access, and support intensity.
Structured around defined monthly scope, level of access, and support intensity.
Individual Services
Letter of Intent
Simple LOI review/light drafting.
Investment: $500 - $750
Consulting Rate
For limited scope or advisory engagements. The goal is to produce a strong, well-structured submission that reflects both funder expectations and project priorities.
Investment: $250/hr.
Funding Research, Opportunity Review & Presentation
For organizations planning growth, relocation, or new investment, this work is designed to clarify opportunity, reduce uncertainty, and support a more competitive path forward.
Investment Range: $4,500-$12,500
Specific terms are confirmed prior to engagement. Additional support beyond the agreed monthly scope may require a separate add-on or expanded engagement.
A Stage-Gate Process for Effectiveness
Is Your Business Expanding?
BlueLine supports business expansion initiatives through strategic site scoping, incentive review, and funding package development.
Services may include evaluating potential project locations, identifying applicable state and local incentives, and coordinating with economic development stakeholders to strengthen project positioning.
For organizations planning growth, relocation or new investment this work is designed to clarify opportunity, reduce uncertainty, and support a more competitive path forward.
Regardless of the sector,
the focus of the firm
is consistent; to help
organizations position
strong, competitive proposals
and funding roadmaps.
Written for law enforcement professionals
who are balancing grant responsibilities
with the demands of the job, this
practical guide breaks the process down
into clear, easy-to-follow steps that
can be understood quickly
and applied in the real world.
Preorder Coming Soon!
Professional Recognition
