Dancing with vendors, for months at a time, is a time honored tradition. The January 1st 2000 deadline will arrive on time regardless of how comfortable you are with your vendor. Through all this we have yet to discuss pricing. These are the wrong questions to ask, it implies that if cost is too high then you won't fix your systems - which is not really an option. After all, you must still make the payments and it would be irresponsible to suggest you pay whatever the vendor demands.
Due diligence demands price comparisons and that means fees are negotiated.