AI Vendor Selection Consulting

Most internal RFPs under-specify PoCs and over-weight demos. We bring evaluation design, held-out tasks, and diligence checklists so the process measures production fit — and finishes on a decision calendar.

Yes. Halkwinds also builds AI systems, so we will say when build is better than buy. We do not take placement fees from AI vendors for selection engagements.

A structured cycle typically runs 4–8 weeks from requirements lock to decision pack. Heavily regulated or multi-country procurements can take longer when legal calendars dominate.

Most engagements range from $40,000 to $120,000 depending on vendor count, PoC depth, and number of stakeholder groups. Large formal RFPs are scoped separately.

When security requires it, yes — vendors work inside your environment on packaged tasks. When that is unnecessary, we still proctor tasks and scoring so results stay comparable.

We can still run a challenge or due-diligence pass so the preference is tested against requirements and terms. If leadership wants rubber-stamping only, we will decline rather than lend false assurance.

Explicitly. We estimate internal build cost/time and risk alongside vendor TCO. Selection is incomplete if build was never a legitimate option on the table.

Often yes — readiness clarifies use-case priority and data readiness so you do not run vendor theatre for the wrong problem. If the use case is already mandated, we can start selection directly.

We support pricing and exit analysis and partner with your procurement/legal leads. We do not replace your counsel or signatory authority.

Requirements, scorecards, PoC results, diligence notes, and the decision pack — all client-owned and reusable for future renewals or adjacent purchases.

Vendor controls and platform fit should match your governance and architecture standards. We align scorecards to those standards when they exist — or flag the gap when they do not.

We operate under mutual NDA with you. Vendor NDAs for data packages are coordinated through your procurement process so data-handling accountability stays clear.