Scope
Define the project's boundaries, included and excluded work, deliverables, acceptance criteria, and interfaces with other programs. Clear scope prevents scope creep and is the baseline for change requests and performance measurement.
Use the Project Cherry Tree Proposal to present a clear, auditable record of project commitments, timelines, and costs. When signed electronically consistent with the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and applicable state UETA provisions, it supports enforceability and reduces administrative delay.
The Project Cherry Tree Proposal is typically prepared by project managers, program offices, or proposal teams and reviewed by sponsors, procurement, and finance stakeholders.
External partners, funders, or subcontractors may be asked to complete sections and sign to confirm roles and deliverables.
Define the project's boundaries, included and excluded work, deliverables, acceptance criteria, and interfaces with other programs. Clear scope prevents scope creep and is the baseline for change requests and performance measurement.
Present milestone dates, critical path activities, resource allocations, and contingency buffers. Tie milestones to deliverables and approval points so stakeholders can track progress and identify potential critical delays early.
Break down costs by labor, materials, subcontractors, overhead, and contingency. Include assumptions, funding sources, and a simple variance matrix to explain how cost overruns will be managed and approved.
List key risks, probability and impact assessments, mitigation plans, and owner assignments. Include triggers for escalation and contingency funding or schedule adjustments to show governance readiness for foreseeable issues.
Specify roles, required skills, FTE estimates, and escalation contacts. Attach resumes or position descriptions for critical roles and identify any planned subcontractor or vendor responsibilities.
Define acceptance tests, sign-off criteria, delivery documentation, and warranty or support terms. Explicit acceptance criteria reduce disputes and clarify the conditions under which payment milestones are released.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signing order and routing settings | Sequential or parallel routing selectable |
| Authentication method and verification level | Email, SMS code, or KBA options |
| Field types with conditional logic rules | Text, date, number, signature, and formula fields |
| Notifications, automated reminders, and escalation rules | Custom email reminders and SLA alerts |
Choose a platform that supports common formats, integrations, and authentication options required for secure e-submission.
Set at least two weeks before external submission
Follow sponsor or funder published deadlines
Finance approval required prior to procurement
All signatures must be obtained before award
Retention begins on execution date
Prepare initial scope, budget, and timeline
Collect stakeholder feedback and revise document
Obtain sponsor and finance sign-off
Finalize signatures and store executed version
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Verify vendor | Verify vendor | Verify vendor | Verify vendor |
| Bulk Send | Yes (Business Premium) | Verify vendor | Verify vendor | Verify vendor | Verify vendor |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Optica Ventures used the Project Cherry Tree Proposal template to standardize submissions across deals and client interactions.
Martin Properties integrated the proposal form to manage leasing projects and vendor commitments, enabling remote approvals during property transactions.