Vendor Selection Criteria

Develop vendor selection criteria for {{solution_category}}.

Business need: {{need}}
Budget range: {{budget}}
Key requirements: {{requirements}}

**Selection Framework:**

**1. Requirements Definition**

*Must-Have*
- Non-negotiable requirements
- Compliance needs
- Integration requirements

*Should-Have*
- Important but flexible
- Performance expectations

*Nice-to-Have*
- Bonus capabilities
- Future needs

**2. Evaluation Criteria**

| Criteria | Weight | Scoring Guide |
| Functionality | 25% | |
| Ease of use | 15% | |
| Integration | 15% | |
| Support | 10% | |
| Security | 15% | |
| Pricing | 10% | |
| Vendor viability | 10% | |

**3. Evaluation Process**
- RFP/RFI process
- Demo requirements
- Reference checks
- POC criteria

**4. Scoring Rubric**

For each criterion:
- 5: Exceeds requirements
- 4: Fully meets
- 3: Mostly meets
- 2: Partially meets
- 1: Does not meet

**5. Decision Matrix Template**
| Vendor | Criterion 1 | Criterion 2 | ... | Total |

**6. Red Flags**
- Deal breakers
- Warning signs

**7. Final Decision**
- Comparison summary
- Recommendation rationale
- Contract negotiation points