The document discusses the key steps in managing a successful consulting relationship: 1) Issuing a Request for Proposal to solicit bids and evaluate solutions based on background, services, requirements, and evaluation criteria. 2) Selecting a consultant by checking references, experience, capacity, cost, and getting a written proposal and presentation. 3) Writing a contract to clarify responsibilities and commitments of both parties around background, services, payment terms, and legal terms. 4) Properly accounting for consultant time and payments for accurate grant and tax reporting.

1. Working with Consultants Managing a successful consulting relationship. Created by the Lake Superior Initiative, a joint program of the Duluth Area Family YMCA and the United Way of Greater Duluth. Funding provided by the Compassion Capital Fund, a program of the Administration for Children and Families, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

2. The Consultant Cycle

3. Request for Proposals The purpose of an RFP is to solicit bids on a product or service, allowing you to obtain the information you need to compare solutions and leverage your purchasing power. Why is an RFP important?

5. Selecting a Consultant The right consultant will provide a combination of the right proposed scope of work, positive references from former clients, and a proposed cost that fits within your budget. Making a selection…

7. Writing a Contract A contract is meant to clarify responsibilities and legally commit both the consultant and the organization to fulfilling these responsibilities. It is one of the few protections available. Why is a contract necessary?

9. Accounting and Payment Accurately accounting for consultant time and work is an absolute must for grant and tax reporting. Discrepancies or inadequate documentation can be a disaster during an audit. Why is proper accounting vital?

10. Accounting and Payment

11. Ending the Relationship You can feel satisfied that work is complete when all of the responsibilities outlined in the contract are completed. Be sure to ask the consultant for some next steps your organization can take to continue the work. Reaching the end of work…

13. Ending the Relationship If you are not satisfied with consultants work, let them know immediately and give them suggestions on improvement. If there is no room to reconcile, you must still pay for work completed up until this point. When it’s just not working out…