Requesting a quote for a Capability Improvement Grant project

Identify a consultant with the expertise to help you implement the business improvements you wish to make.

Ask the consultant to provide a formal proposal and quote. You will need to include these in your Capability Improvement Grant application form.

The consultant's proposal must align with a recommendation in your CDIC report.

When seeking proposals you should describe your project's scope, including:

• the purpose of the project
• tasks
• expected project outcomes

Consider the consultant's role and how you will make the most of their expertise. You may wish to ask for references or examples of their work.

Will the consultant provide you value for money and deliver the project on time and on budget? Here’s some things to consider when evaluating their proposal and quote.

Quality

Consider if the consultant has gone to some effort to prepare the proposal and quote.

Content

Check that the proposal and quote:

• address your needs as outlined in your CDIC report
• set out the expected outcomes and deliverables

Methodology

Consider whether the consultant's proposed approach is feasible. Is there a reference to previous, similar work?

References

Ask the consultant to provide contact details for previous clients. Contact them to verify the consultant's previous work.

Suitability of project personnel

Ensure you and the people who will do the work are willing and able to work together.

If the consultant plans to subcontract the project, check that the people who will be working with you have the necessary expertise.

Affiliations

Check if the consultant is a member of any professional associations, such as the:

• Australian Institute of Management
• Institute of Management Consultants
• Australian Institute of Training and Development

Timing

Ensure the timeframe is realistic and achievable for you and your business.

Price

Don’t immediately discard proposals and quotes on price alone. Sometimes a higher price may deliver better outcomes. There may be room for negotiation on a very good, but highly-priced proposal and quote.

When you engage a service provider you enter into a commercial agreement. This agreement may be expressed either through the terms of reference or through the consultant’s proposal and quote. The agreement should identify the project's:

• key roles
• tasks
• responsibilities
• costs
• timing

If you're not sure about finding the right consultant, talk to your business adviser or facilitator.