Choosing the wrong partner for a data project often leads to expensive “shelfware” and systems that don’t actually solve mission problems. The Evaluation Checklist: Data Modernization Services is a straightforward tool designed to help you cut through the sales pitch and determine if a vendor can actually deliver in a public sector environment.

This checklist is a practical resource for teams in the early stages of market research and can be used as a direct lead-in to an RFX. It provides the objective criteria you need to shape your solicitation requirements, ensuring you ask the hard questions about technical capability and public sector experience before any contracts are signed.

Why This Matters for Your Organization

• Spot the Red Flags: Learn to identify common warning signs, such as vendors who describe results in “activities” (what they did) rather than “outcomes” (what you actually achieved).

• Validate Real Experience: Use specific criteria to confirm a partner understands public sector constraints, from procurement vehicles to statutory data rules.

• Ask the Right Questions: Access a “cheat sheet” of questions for vendor references that move beyond general praise to uncover how the partner handles risks and failures.

• Score with Objectivity: Move from “gut feelings” to a comparative scoring model that helps your team reach a consensus on which partner is the best fit for your specific needs.

This checklist is a practical tool for IT and Data leaders preparing for a solicitation, Procurement Officers looking for objective evaluation criteria, and Program Managers who want to ensure their next data project delivers measurable value.