Vendor Proposal Review

Four suppliers send stylish decks, promised timelines, and glowing references. But which one can actually deliver? A vendor proposal review turns subjective impressions into evidence-based decisions so you sign the right contract the first time.

When proposals start to look identical

• Timelines are copy-pasted or ignore your constraints.
• Costs do not explain effort, scope, or assumptions.
• Vendors downplay risks or leave governance out of scope.
• Stakeholders favour different suppliers for anecdotal reasons.

Scoring framework we use

Each criterion is scored 1–5 with comments and proof hyperlinks so executives can challenge assumptions quickly.

Negotiation workbook

1. Highlight top three differentiators per vendor with supporting evidence.
2. List negotiation levers (discounts, milestones, warranty terms) and target positions.
3. Prepare fallback scenarios if your first-choice supplier declines adjustments.
4. Capture questions the steering committee wants answered before sign-off.

Decision playbook

• Align on a preferred supplier and a “plan B” before entering final talks.
• Share the scoring summary with finance and legal to accelerate contract review.
• Schedule a governance design workshop with the chosen vendor within two weeks.
• Revisit scores after contract signature to confirm delivery expectations stayed intact.

This structured review saves weeks of debate and ensures the winning proposal supports your business outcomes, not just the vendor’s sales narrative.