Vendor Evaluations
School construction and facilities projects are complicated enough—but when it comes time to evaluate vendor proposals, things can get even trickier.
One superintendent recently asked us a smart, straightforward question:
“How do you evaluate ‘best price’ when vendors package proposals differently?”
It’s a common frustration. Two vendors may both be bidding on the same scope, yet their proposals come in with different inclusions, exclusions, and pricing structures. Some bundle warranties and maintenance, while others split them out. One may include design services, another may not. The result? A confusing apples-to-oranges comparison that leaves district leaders asking, are we really getting the best value for our dollars?
Why Vendor Evaluations Matter
Evaluating vendors isn’t just about picking the lowest number on paper. It’s about ensuring that:
You’re comparing true costs, not just line items.
Long-term expenses like maintenance and warranties are considered.
Hidden exclusions don’t lead to expensive change orders down the road.
The vendor’s approach aligns with your district’s priorities, from sustainability to equity
A Practical Checklist for Districts
To help leaders cut through the noise, we created a Vendor Evaluation Checklist. This tool walks you through how to:
Standardize proposals for fair comparisons
Identify hidden costs and exclusions
Weigh short-term price against long-term value
Align evaluation criteria with your district’s goals
Turning Questions into Clarity
At WISH (Women in School Housing), we believe in taking the guesswork out of complex processes like vendor evaluation. By sharing tools, resources, and insights, we help superintendents and district leaders make decisions that are transparent, cost-effective, and aligned with student needs.
Final Thought
The next time you ask, “What does it cost?” remember—it’s not just the number on the proposal. It’s the value, accountability, and alignment behind that number that matter most.
Have more questions? We’d love to talk. Contact us here
