A: Start with clarity: What services do you need, and what outcomes are you expecting? Then create consistent evaluation criteria to compare vendors on more than just price. Look for alignment with your goals, delivery model, and values. Plan sponsors trust SBA to lead the full RFP process, from defining selection criteria to scoring vendor proposals and guiding final decisions.
Whether you’re selecting a benefits administrator, a H&W broker/consultant, or an investment advisor, the fundamentals of smart vendor selection remain the same. It begins with defining your scope and success metrics. What does “good” look like for your team, your participants, and your stakeholders?
Once that’s established, objective, well-structured evaluation criteria help level the playing field. These criteria should reflect your priorities, from user experience and data integration to service model and scalability. That way, vendor comparisons aren’t just about cost—they’re about fit.
SBA has supported vendor evaluations across a wide range of HR and benefits functions. We help plan sponsors identify hidden risks, surface meaningful distinctions, and navigate site visits, demos, fee structures, and contracts with greater confidence. Our goal isn’t just to get you to a decision—it’s to help you make the right one.