If the formal submission is not satisfactory, additional negotiations and classification may be necessary. If it is not possible to agree on the scope and price with the number one firm, so notify this firm and proceed to contact the number two firm. Most often a satisfactory agreement can be reached with the number one or two firm. It is good business and professional practice to communicate your choice to all firms who have responded. It is helpful to the firms not selected if you state the reason for your selection.
Notification needs to be made as soon as possible after the selection.
Some Additional Factors to Consider 1. The size of a consulting firm or how long it has been in business may not be criteria of quality. A young firm with a solid background of experience and ability should not be discounted because of smallness or the number of years in business. Do not prepare a form letter and distribute it to a large mailing. Many consultants, when they receive such a mailing, assume that the time and expense of pursuing the work may not be worth the effort.