AI Leader · Solution Architect · TPM

Procurement · Build

Vendor AI RFP Evaluation Scorecard

Score AI vendors on capability, security, commercial terms, operations, and roadmap fit — board-ready comparison aid.

Free AI vendor RFP scorecard for GenAI procurement. Ten evidence-based questions — prefer own-data tests over demos.

Built for Procurement · CISO · Architecture · CIO

  • Answers stored in your browser until you optionally email a copy
  • Plain-language result you can paste into a board or CFO brief
  • Directional guidance — validate with a scoped pilot before budget lock

How it works

  1. Work through one question at a time — pick the option that matches how things work today, not your wish list.
  2. Get an instant maturity level (1–5) plus dimension scores.
  3. Share results with risk, platform, or transformation leads; unlock Print / Save as PDF with a work email when ready.

What this tool is for

GenAI procurement often shortlists on demos and brand recognition. Without a shared RFP scorecard, security, commercial shock, and ops gaps surface after contract signature — when exit is expensive.

Who it’s for: Procurement, CISO partners, enterprise architects, and CIO sponsors comparing AI vendors for a shortlist, RFP, or enterprise agreement.

What you get

  • Overall vendor fit level (1–5) from high risk to preferred partner
  • Dimension scores across capability, security, commercial, ops, and roadmap fit
  • A 90-day evaluation and negotiation plan matched to your score

AI Assessment Engine analyzes answers with transparent scoring heuristics in your browser — no data leaves the device for scoring.

How scoring works

Each answer scores 1–5. Dimension scores average within that theme. Overall level = rounded average across all questions (Level 1–5).

  1. 1
    Lower scores mark gaps for the 90-day plan.
  2. 2
    Dimension bars show whether risk concentrates (e.g. security vs strategy).
  3. 3
    Planning aid only — not a certification or regulatory attestation.
  4. 4
    Score from verified evidence (own-data tests, DPA, SOC reports, references) — not marketing slides.
  5. 5
    Run the same scorecard on every shortlisted vendor so comparisons stay fair.
  6. 6
    Treat Level 1–2 as a remediation or dual-vendor gate before production commitment.

AI Assessment Engine analyzes answers with transparent scoring heuristics in your browser — no data leaves the device for scoring.

Key terms

RFP scorecard
A weighted or dimensioned rubric used to compare vendors on the same criteria during a request for proposal or shortlist review.
DPA
Data Processing Agreement: contractual terms for how the vendor processes, stores, and deletes your personal or confidential data.
SOC 2 Type II
An independent audit report on a vendor's security controls over a period of time — stronger evidence than a self-assessment questionnaire.
Tenant isolation
Technical separation so one customer's data and workloads are not exposed to others on shared infrastructure.
Exit / portability
Contractual and technical ability to export your data and switch vendors without lock-in or permanent loss of history.

FAQ

What is an AI vendor RFP scorecard?

It is a structured GenAI procurement aid: ten evidence-based questions across capability, security, commercial terms, operational reliability, and roadmap fit so you can compare vendors fairly before shortlist or contract.

How should we use this in GenAI procurement?

Score each shortlisted vendor with the same rubric after own-data tests, security review, and reference checks. Use dimension gaps to drive RFP questions and negotiation — not as a legal or security audit by itself.

Should we score from the vendor demo?

No. Prefer tests on your own representative data, current SOC/ISO reports, DPA language, and peer references. Demo-only evidence belongs in the lowest capability band.

What does Level 2 (conditional) mean?

The vendor meets some criteria but material gaps remain. Negotiate contractual protections, plan technical workarounds, and keep clear exit rights before production commitment.

Does scoring send my answers to a server?

No. The AI Assessment Engine scores in your browser with transparent heuristics. Optional work email only unlocks Print / Save as PDF and follow-up resources.

Can we attach this to an RFP package?

Yes as a directional comparison and negotiation checklist. Pair it with your formal security questionnaire, legal redlines, and pricing workbook — this tool does not replace those.

What should we do first after a low score?

Follow the level-matched 90-day plan: usually collect certifications and DPA terms, run head-to-head own-data tests, and escalate commercial or security gaps before signing.