Can I score someone who refuses to provide a work sample?
Mark the missing evidence honestly; confidentiality may be legitimate, so ask for a synthetic or permissioned sample instead. Do not automatically infer misconduct from a refusal.
Does an ICF credential earn a perfect score?
No; ethics and training matter but do not independently establish strategic competence for a seed-stage pivot. Test decision-specific evidence as well. ICF Code of Ethics, effective 1 April 2025
What is the most heavily weighted criterion?
Constructive challenge carries 20 of 100 points, because agreement alone is not the service the desk wants to procure. The weight is an editorial design choice, not research-validated.
Can a supplier with 90 points still be rejected?
Yes. Any material conflict, confidentiality failure or regulatory boundary can override a numerical total. Broker-Dealers — US SEC
Should I publish a league table of adviser scores?
Not without consistent evidence, fairness review, rights and a transparent methodology. Buyer-private scoring is safer than implying untested objective rankings.
How should I compare price?
Compare total minimum cash/equity exposure and deliverables, not only hourly rates. Equity terms need special legal and economic diligence. The SAFE — Y Combinator
What should happen after selection?
Sign a clear statement of work, establish decision ownership and data controls, then review against deliverables and stop conditions. Do not turn a one-off problem into an indefinite retainer by default.