How to Select a Consulting Firm for a Project
Companies that use consulting firms for large-scale projects generally don't have the in-house resources or manpower to fully complete the project themselves. There are numerous advantages to taking this route, including the ability to bring in fresh blood to complete important company endeavors. Choosing the right firm both for the project and to work with your company is important, and several key considerations must be kept in mind.
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Instructions
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Solicit bids from several consulting firms. Publish a request for proposal (RFP) through industry websites, newsletters and publications. You can also send the RFP directly to those companies you are interested in. Stipulate project parameters as well as your requirements for the consulting firm chosen for the project. Try to get a diverse array of companies from which to select via their proposals.
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Determine the most important aspects of the project. These components should then be matched up with the skills and experience offered by the consulting companies that produce bids for the project in question. The more matches a company has with your needs and goals for the project, the more highly it should be listed among those companies being seriously considered for the project.
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Inquire about experience, skills, deliverable time lines and general project ideas for each company. Ask that this information be delivered in a presentation format so you and your staff get a clear idea of what the company is capable of producing in terms of your project's goals. This is key; since the company is merely consulting with yours, you are powerless to demand project completion. So choose wisely and make educated decisions based on the company's track record.
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Select a consulting company that works well with your team. Since your company will be working hand in hand with your consultant choice, it is important for all team members to maintain a good working relationship. Once you've made your choice, celebrate over drinks or at an after-hours gathering to allow team members to get to know one another outside of the workplace.
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Draft an ironclad agreement that stipulates what your company will do and what the consultants will do to complete the project. This provides a clear assignment of roles and responsibilities and also stipulates the consequences should the consulting company back out mid-project. Make sure representatives from your company as well as the consulting company sign a copy of the agreement, and distribute it to all pertinent staff.
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