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AI vendor selection and procurement

Use this collection when your team has a business problem to solve and needs to choose an AI supplier. Work from requirements to comparable evidence, then test the finalists before making a commitment.

Step 1

Define a comparable shortlist

Describe the workflow, required integrations, data boundaries, and decision owners before comparing demos. Keep vendor claims separate from capabilities your team has confirmed.

Build an AI vendor shortlist

Step 2

Collect evidence and contract answers

Ask each finalist the same questions about data use, security, pricing, support, and exit terms. Record unresolved questions with an owner so an attractive demo does not conceal a buying blocker.

Use the AI vendor RFP template

Step 3

Score and validate finalists

Apply weights that match your priorities and document the evidence for each score. Validate the leading option in a pilot; a scoring model is a planning aid, not proof of production readiness.

Run the procurement decision matrix

See how sources, assumptions, and editorial judgements are distinguished in our evaluation methodology.