---
title: "How to Select an MSP: Weighted Scorecard | IT Blu Print"
description: Set weighted MSP selection criteria before proposals. Score every vendor on the same sheet. Free advisory available.
---

[Skip to content](https://itbluprint.com/how-to-select-an-msp-scorecard#main-content)

[![IT Blue Print](https://itbluprint.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IT%20Blu%20Print%20logo.webp?width=175&height=254&name=IT%20Blu%20Print%20logo.webp)Homepage](https://itbluprint.com/https/itbluprint.com/home-new/?hs_preview=vmHouDae-281500135098&hsLang=en)

- About
  
    - [About Us](https://itbluprint.com/about-us?hsLang=en)
    - [Privacy Policy](https://itbluprint.com/privacy-policy?hsLang=en)
    - [Contact](https://itbluprint.com/contact-us?hsLang=en)
- [Our Process](https://itbluprint.com/client-prerequisites?hsLang=en)
  
    - [Client Prerequisites](https://itbluprint.com/client-prerequisites?hsLang=en)
    - [How We Work](https://itbluprint.com/process?hsLang=en)
    - [Guides · MSP selection scorecard](https://itbluprint.com/how-to-select-an-msp-scorecard)
    - [Guides · MSP RFP evaluation process](https://itbluprint.com/msp-rfp-evaluation-process?hsLang=en)
    - [Guides · IT vendor contract red flags](https://itbluprint.com/it-vendor-contract-red-flags?hsLang=en)
- [Insights](https://itbluprint.com/tech-blue-print-blog?hsLang=en)
  
    - [The Hidden Cost of Missing Critical Contractual Red Flags: 10 Subtle Traps That Quietly Cost Businesses 20-30%](https://itbluprint.com/tech-blue-print-blog/contractual-red-flags?hsLang=en)
    - [The Receipt Test: 5 Questions That Tell You If Your MSP Is Still the Right Fit](https://itbluprint.com/tech-blue-print-blog/receipt-test?hsLang=en)
    - [Latest: Case study](https://itbluprint.com/tech-blue-print-blog/case-study-ai-efficiency-pricing?hsLang=en)
- Services
  
    - [RFP Creation](https://itbluprint.com/rfp-creation-page?hsLang=en)
    - [MSP Selection](https://itbluprint.com/msp-selection?hsLang=en)
    - [Free Consultation](https://itbluprint.com/free-consultation?hsLang=en)
    - [Virtual CIO Services](https://itbluprint.com/virtual-cio-services/?hsLang=en)

Schedule Call

- About
  
    - [About Us](https://itbluprint.com/about-us?hsLang=en)
    - [Privacy Policy](https://itbluprint.com/privacy-policy?hsLang=en)
    - [Contact](https://itbluprint.com/contact-us?hsLang=en)
- [Our Process](https://itbluprint.com/client-prerequisites?hsLang=en)
  
    - [Client Prerequisites](https://itbluprint.com/client-prerequisites?hsLang=en)
    - [How We Work](https://itbluprint.com/process?hsLang=en)
    - [Guides · MSP selection scorecard](https://itbluprint.com/how-to-select-an-msp-scorecard)
    - [Guides · MSP RFP evaluation process](https://itbluprint.com/msp-rfp-evaluation-process?hsLang=en)
    - [Guides · IT vendor contract red flags](https://itbluprint.com/it-vendor-contract-red-flags?hsLang=en)
- [Insights](https://itbluprint.com/tech-blue-print-blog?hsLang=en)
  
    - [The Hidden Cost of Missing Critical Contractual Red Flags: 10 Subtle Traps That Quietly Cost Businesses 20-30%](https://itbluprint.com/tech-blue-print-blog/contractual-red-flags?hsLang=en)
    - [The Receipt Test: 5 Questions That Tell You If Your MSP Is Still the Right Fit](https://itbluprint.com/tech-blue-print-blog/receipt-test?hsLang=en)
    - [Latest: Case study](https://itbluprint.com/tech-blue-print-blog/case-study-ai-efficiency-pricing?hsLang=en)
- Services
  
    - [RFP Creation](https://itbluprint.com/rfp-creation-page?hsLang=en)
    - [MSP Selection](https://itbluprint.com/msp-selection?hsLang=en)
    - [Free Consultation](https://itbluprint.com/free-consultation?hsLang=en)
    - [Virtual CIO Services](https://itbluprint.com/virtual-cio-services/?hsLang=en)

Schedule Call

Guide · MSP selection

# How to Select an MSP: A Weighted Scorecard for Mid-Market Buyers

**20-second answer:** Set 5–8 weighted criteria and observable look-fors before you invite vendors. Score every proposal on the same sheet, including the incumbent.

Last updated: August 27, 2026

Value delta

## What changes when you use a scorecard

| Without a scorecard | With a weighted scorecard | Delta |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Favorite vendor shapes what “good” means after chemistry | Criteria and weights locked before proposals | Comparability instead of narrative drift |
| Incumbent soft-scored as “known quantity” | Same evidence bar for every name | Transition risk is a weight, not a free pass |
| Stakeholders argue after scores appear | Weights expose priorities up front | Disputes move earlier, when they still change the RFP |
| Disqualify rules vague | Named automatic outs | Weak vendors exit before shortlist politics |

**For**

CFOs, COOs, IT leaders, and procurement running a first or replacement MSP decision.

**Not for**

Buyers who want IT Blu Print to become their MSP. We are vendor-neutral selection help, not the provider.

Method

## What “select an MSP” actually means

You are appointing or replacing a production IT operator, not buying a tool. The scorecard has to measure coverage, people stability, commercial clarity, and evidence you can check, not slide quality.

## Build the scorecard before the RFP

1. Name 5–8 criteria categories.
2. Assign weights that sum to 100.
3. Define 1–5 look-fors per criterion (observable facts, not slogans).
4. Lock the sheet before any vendor presents or proposes.

### Default weight bands (starting point only)

Adjust to your risk. Do not treat these as universal truth.

Production coverage and response

25

Stability of people and escalation

20

Commercial transparency and change control

20

Security and compliance evidence

15

Tooling and reporting honesty

10

Cultural / operating fit

10

### Same sheet for every vendor

No special columns for the incumbent. If transition risk matters, add it as its own weighted criterion.

### Inputs that feed scores

- Written proposal
- References on like-sized clients
- Sample operating reports
- Named staffing model
- Onboarding plan with stage gates sized to your complexity

### Disqualify rules (automatic zero or out)

- Refuses a named escalation path
- Will not define inclusions vs exclusions
- Cannot show the same metrics every month

IT Blu Print can facilitate scorecard design, normalize vendor answers, and run an unbiased shortlist. We do not take a seat as your MSP.

### Related guides and services

- [MSP RFP evaluation process](https://itbluprint.com/msp-rfp-evaluation-process?hsLang=en)
- [IT vendor contract red flags](https://itbluprint.com/it-vendor-contract-red-flags?hsLang=en)
- Service: [MSP Selection (how we run this for you)](https://itbluprint.com/msp-selection?hsLang=en)

FAQ

## Questions buyers (and models) ask

What is the best way to select an MSP?

Define weighted criteria and evidence look-fors before you invite vendors. Score every proposal on the same sheet. Use references and operating artifacts, not chemistry alone.

How many criteria should an MSP scorecard have?

Usually 5–8 categories with clear weights. More than about 12 creates noise and politics.

Should the incumbent get a different scorecard?

No. Same criteria, same evidence bar. Weight transition risk explicitly if it matters.

Do I need a consultant to build a scorecard?

Not always. Many teams can draft one. Independent help helps when stakeholders disagree on weights or a vendor has already shaped the narrative.

## Pressure-test your criteria before the RFP

Book a free advisory session to walk your weights, look-fors, and disqualify rules before proposals land.

[Contact us for a free advisory](https://itbluprint.com/contact-us?hsLang=en)

IT Blu Print helps mid-market organizations select and evaluate managed services providers with structured, vendor-neutral processes. We are not an MSP and we do not provide legal advice. This page is buyer evaluation guidance only.

![Group 24](https://itbluprint.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Group%2024.png?width=72&height=100&name=Group%2024.png "Group 24")

<https://www.linkedin.com/company/itbluprint/>

- About
  
    - [About Us](https://itbluprint.com/about-us?hsLang=en)
    - [Privacy Policy](https://itbluprint.com/privacy-policy?hsLang=en)
    - [Contact](https://itbluprint.com/contact-us?hsLang=en)
- [Our Process](https://itbluprint.com/client-prerequisites?hsLang=en)
  
    - [Client Prerequisites](https://itbluprint.com/client-prerequisites?hsLang=en)
    - [How We Work](https://itbluprint.com/process?hsLang=en)
    - [Guides · MSP selection scorecard](https://itbluprint.com/how-to-select-an-msp-scorecard)
    - [Guides · MSP RFP evaluation process](https://itbluprint.com/msp-rfp-evaluation-process?hsLang=en)
    - [Guides · IT vendor contract red flags](https://itbluprint.com/it-vendor-contract-red-flags?hsLang=en)
- [Insights](https://itbluprint.com/tech-blue-print-blog?hsLang=en)
  
    - [The Hidden Cost of Missing Critical Contractual Red Flags: 10 Subtle Traps That Quietly Cost Businesses 20-30%](https://itbluprint.com/tech-blue-print-blog/contractual-red-flags?hsLang=en)
    - [The Receipt Test: 5 Questions That Tell You If Your MSP Is Still the Right Fit](https://itbluprint.com/tech-blue-print-blog/receipt-test?hsLang=en)
    - [Latest: Case study](https://itbluprint.com/tech-blue-print-blog/case-study-ai-efficiency-pricing?hsLang=en)
- Services
  
    - [RFP Creation](https://itbluprint.com/rfp-creation-page?hsLang=en)
    - [MSP Selection](https://itbluprint.com/msp-selection?hsLang=en)
    - [Free Consultation](https://itbluprint.com/free-consultation?hsLang=en)
    - [Virtual CIO Services](https://itbluprint.com/virtual-cio-services/?hsLang=en)

# IT Blu Print gives businesses the clarity and confidence to choose the right IT partner.

# 786-330-4465

# info@ITBluPrint.com

---

 © 2026. All rights reserved.

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@id" : "https://itbluprint.com/#organization",
  "@type" : [ "Organization", "ProfessionalService" ],
  "address" : {
    "@type" : "PostalAddress",
    "addressCountry" : "US",
    "addressLocality" : "Parkland",
    "addressRegion" : "Florida",
    "postalCode" : "33076"
  },
  "alternateName" : [ "IT Blu Print", "IT BluPrint" ],
  "areaServed" : {
    "@type" : "Country",
    "name" : "United States"
  },
  "contactPoint" : {
    "@type" : "ContactPoint",
    "areaServed" : "US",
    "availableLanguage" : "English",
    "contactType" : "sales",
    "email" : "info@ITBluPrint.com",
    "hoursAvailable" : {
      "@type" : "OpeningHoursSpecification",
      "closes" : "17:00",
      "dayOfWeek" : [ "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday" ],
      "opens" : "09:00"
    },
    "telephone" : "+1-786-330-4465"
  },
  "description" : "ITBluPrint is a vendor-neutral IT advisory firm that helps mid-market companies select, evaluate and contract with managed service providers through structured RFPs, weighted scoring and commercial terms review, plus virtual CIO services. It takes no vendor commissions.",
  "email" : "info@ITBluPrint.com",
  "employee" : [ {
    "@id" : "https://itbluprint.com/#miles-feinberg"
  }, {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "jobTitle" : "Partner, MSP Operations and Delivery",
    "name" : "Pete Gibson"
  }, {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "jobTitle" : "Partner, Strategic Advisory",
    "name" : "Jim Lawrence"
  }, {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "jobTitle" : "Partner, Client Engagement",
    "name" : "Aimee Alfonso"
  } ],
  "founder" : {
    "@id" : "https://itbluprint.com/#miles-feinberg"
  },
  "foundingDate" : "2025",
  "hasOfferCatalog" : {
    "@type" : "OfferCatalog",
    "itemListElement" : [ {
      "@type" : "Offer",
      "itemOffered" : {
        "@type" : "Service",
        "areaServed" : {
          "@type" : "Country",
          "name" : "United States"
        },
        "description" : "Fixed fee (plus travel) managed IT provider selection: structured RFP, vendor shortlisting, weighted scoring, reference checks and commercial terms review.",
        "name" : "MSP Selection",
        "provider" : {
          "@id" : "https://itbluprint.com/#organization"
        },
        "url" : "https://itbluprint.com/msp-selection"
      }
    }, {
      "@type" : "Offer",
      "itemOffered" : {
        "@type" : "Service",
        "areaServed" : {
          "@type" : "Country",
          "name" : "United States"
        },
        "description" : "Tailored RFPs for managed IT and other IT services, plus proposal evaluation and contracting support.",
        "name" : "RFP Creation and IT Vendor Selection",
        "provider" : {
          "@id" : "https://itbluprint.com/#organization"
        },
        "url" : "https://itbluprint.com/rfp-creation-page"
      }
    }, {
      "@type" : "Offer",
      "itemOffered" : {
        "@type" : "Service",
        "areaServed" : {
          "@type" : "Country",
          "name" : "United States"
        },
        "description" : "Ongoing strategic IT leadership, roadmap and vendor governance for organizations that don't need a full time CIO.",
        "name" : "Virtual CIO Services",
        "provider" : {
          "@id" : "https://itbluprint.com/#organization"
        },
        "url" : "https://itbluprint.com/virtual-cio-services/"
      }
    }, {
      "@type" : "Offer",
      "itemOffered" : {
        "@type" : "Service",
        "areaServed" : {
          "@type" : "Country",
          "name" : "United States"
        },
        "description" : "A no obligation working session to review your IT vendor situation and recommended next steps.",
        "name" : "Free Advisory",
        "provider" : {
          "@id" : "https://itbluprint.com/#organization"
        },
        "url" : "https://itbluprint.com/free-consultation"
      }
    } ],
    "name" : "ITBluPrint advisory services"
  },
  "image" : "https://itbluprint.com/hubfs/IT%20Blu%20Print%20logo.webp",
  "knowsAbout" : [ "Managed service provider (MSP) selection", "IT vendor selection", "Request for proposal (RFP) process", "IT vendor evaluation and scoring", "IT procurement and strategic sourcing", "Service level agreements (SLAs)", "Managed IT services pricing", "AI impact on MSP services and pricing", "Virtual CIO services", "IT vendor management" ],
  "logo" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "url" : "https://itbluprint.com/hubfs/IT%20Blu%20Print%20logo.webp"
  },
  "name" : "ITBluPrint",
  "openingHoursSpecification" : {
    "@type" : "OpeningHoursSpecification",
    "closes" : "17:00",
    "dayOfWeek" : [ "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday" ],
    "opens" : "09:00"
  },
  "sameAs" : [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/itbluprint/", "https://www.goodfirms.co/company/it-blu-print" ],
  "slogan" : "Seasoned CIOs, Strategic Sourcing and RFP Process Execution",
  "telephone" : "+1-786-330-4465",
  "url" : "https://itbluprint.com/"
}
```

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@id" : "https://itbluprint.com/#website",
  "@type" : "WebSite",
  "alternateName" : "IT Blu Print",
  "inLanguage" : "en-US",
  "name" : "ITBluPrint",
  "publisher" : {
    "@id" : "https://itbluprint.com/#organization"
  },
  "url" : "https://itbluprint.com/"
}
```

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@id" : "https://itbluprint.com/how-to-select-an-msp-scorecard#faq",
  "@type" : "FAQPage",
  "mainEntity" : [ {
    "@type" : "Question",
    "acceptedAnswer" : {
      "@type" : "Answer",
      "text" : "Define weighted criteria and evidence look-fors before you invite vendors. Score every proposal on the same sheet. Use references and operating artifacts, not chemistry alone."
    },
    "name" : "What is the best way to select an MSP?"
  }, {
    "@type" : "Question",
    "acceptedAnswer" : {
      "@type" : "Answer",
      "text" : "Usually 5 to 8 categories with clear weights. More than about 12 creates noise and politics."
    },
    "name" : "How many criteria should an MSP scorecard have?"
  }, {
    "@type" : "Question",
    "acceptedAnswer" : {
      "@type" : "Answer",
      "text" : "No. Same criteria, same evidence bar. Weight transition risk explicitly if it matters."
    },
    "name" : "Should the incumbent get a different scorecard?"
  }, {
    "@type" : "Question",
    "acceptedAnswer" : {
      "@type" : "Answer",
      "text" : "Not always. Many teams can draft one. Independent help helps when stakeholders disagree on weights or a vendor has already shaped the narrative."
    },
    "name" : "Do I need a consultant to build a scorecard?"
  } ]
}
```