Provide a detailed project background. This background will be spread over two subsections of your report. The "Executive Summary" subsection will describe the engineering problem in detail, who the problem affects and why solving the problem is important. The "Project Summary" subsection addresses any previous attempts to engineer a solution to the problem.
Describe the deficiencies of the previous engineering projects addressing the problem. Some common examples of past project deficiencies include logistical issues relating to design and execution, monetary issues relating to budget and funding, and staffing issues relating to expert builders and design teams.
Highlight three or four main issues that must be addressed and accounted for in any future project proposals for those future engineering projects to be successful. For example, you might address a design deficiency by stating, "Unlike past dam attempts, future dam designs must account for the strength of the surrounding banks, lest the future project run into the same spillage and bursting issues as the previous projects."
List three or four potential engineering proposals that could be investigated in light of the problem that needs to be addressed. It is important to list a range of proposals so that any engineering firm wishing to propose a solution understands the limits of the types of proposals you believe can successfully address the problem.