Lira;
Good reactions to your initial request.
I work as a consultant and have for many years hired consultants to augment my staff/capabilities. Not an easy task.
First and foremost, always engage a consultant who you would be comfortable working with and presenting to your client as a member of your own team. Their performance will be a direct reflection on your capabilities to manage a project and bring the right players to the game.
Always prepare an RFP for consulting services. This may sound like a tedious task, but is essential when trying to compare consultants, especially when you may not be personally aware of them.
You have done a fairly good evaluation in your initial query, but I would suggest reorganizing the thought process a bit. Never compare on fees until you are sure they can perform on the project. I use four major categories to assess the strengths of a consultant and how they "fit" my projects:
1. The Company: What is the history, longevity, and continuity of business performance for the company/individual? Do they have a web site? Do they carry insurance? Are they steeped in litigation? Do they have additional staff, and, if so, who are they? Just a general awareness of who the company is. (I would immediately eliminate a firm that had "disciplinary judgements" against it).
2. Experience with Project Type: Do they have current and extensive experience in the specific skills you are looking for? Do they have good and recent references for the specific project type?
3. Current Work Load: Can they meet your schedule expectations with the "right" people? Many firms parade a lot of expertise in front of you, but then pull a bait and switch and introduce other people into the project. You want up-front commitments on personnel slated for your project. You want up-front commitments that they can meet your schedule.
4. Proximity to the Project: Travel costs money and time. Having a local presence assures you that a lot dollars won't be allocated to travel, etc. Also, a local presence provides some additional assurance that they can respond to issues with a "history" of local conditions that could affect a project.
Once a consultant or supplier can meet these criteria, I dig into costs. Fees are fairly competitive today, and those who charge more can probably perform faster on a project, evening out a higher fee schedule. That is why an RFP is a good idea. You get a better gauge of how to negotiate this final variable in the decision making process.
I hope this is helpful and that you are able to augment your own capabilities with a good consultant. Good luck.
Mike
Michael Pusich, AIA
630-962-4093 M