The right vendors and consultants can accelerate capability building, but only when selection, contracting, and governance are tight. This guide shows how to define scope, run RFPs, set SLAs, manage data, and measure ROI.
Use it to build a repeatable partnership process that balances speed, quality, and control.
Vendor & Consultant Playbook
Partnership Lifecycle
Six steps from define to measure with clear ownership and controls.
Define
Objectives, scope, success metrics
Select
RFP, evaluation, references
Contract
SLA, SOW, data & IP
Onboard
Access, stakeholders, comms
Deliver
Cadence, QA, feedback loops
Measure
Outcomes, ROI, renewal
Delivery Models: Vendor, Co-Delivery, Internal
Choose the Right Model
Balance speed, control, cost, and knowledge transfer.
| Feature | Aspect | Vendor-Led | Co-Delivery | Internal-Only |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | Fast start | Moderate | Slower | |
| Control | Lower | Shared | High | |
| Cost | Higher upfront | Moderate | Lower upfront | |
| Knowledge Transfer | Lower | Better | High | |
| Best For | Specialized/urgent | Scale with learning | Core/internal IP |
Governance, SLAs, and Data Protection
SLAs & Scope Control
Define deliverables, timelines, acceptance criteria, and change control. Tie payments to milestones and quality gates. Use analytics for quality/usage metrics.
Data, IP, and Privacy
Clarify data flows, PII, IP ownership, and security requirements. Ensure vendor risk reviews and compliance. Align with AI training if AI tools are used.
Partnership Performance Metrics
Measure delivery, quality, scope control, and ROI.
On-Time Delivery
94%
Quality (CSAT)
4.6/5
Scope Variance
-12%
ROI / Cost Avoidance
$480K
EduServe
Services
Challenge
Internal team lacked capacity for a rapid rollout. Past vendors slipped on quality and timelines.
Solution
Structured RFP, SLAs, and governance. Co-delivery model with knowledge transfer and xAPI analytics. Quarterly vendor scorecards.
Results
85% → 94%
4.2 → 4.6/5
-12%
$480K saved/yr
Related Resources
L&D Partnerships Toolkit
Download RFP templates, vendor scorecards, SLA checklists, and governance guides.
Great partnerships start with clarity—scope, success, governance, and data. Choose the right model, enforce SLAs, and measure outcomes to ensure value and knowledge transfer.
Use consistent templates and scorecards to keep vendors aligned and accountable.