eDiscovery Daily Blog

• July 20, 2011

 

Yesterday, we talked about the information you should include in a request for proposal for eDiscovery processing.  Today we’ll review some questions you should ask of a service provider to help you to select the one that’s the best fit for your case. 

Of course, you’ll ask for pricing information and if the vendor can meet your schedule requirements.  In addition, here are questions to ask and information to request:

1. To ensure that you understand the vendor’s pricing model and to avoid unexpected costs, ask the vendor to provide an estimate of total costs for the project, based on the information you’ve provided about the collection.
2. Ask the vendor to confirm that they can meet all of the requirements you’ve outlined in the information section of the RFP.
3. Ask what file types are handled, and what the standard protocol/recommendation is for handling other file types.
4. Ask the vendor how exception files, such as corrupted or password protected files, are handled.
5. Ask the vendor to describe its approach to processing, including discussion of de-duplication, handling attachments, handling email threads, culling/filtering, and handling metadata.
6. Ask what languages are supported.
7. Ask the vendor to describe its auditing and tracking procedures.
8. Ask the vendor to describe the quality assurance (measures to prevent errors) and quality control (measures to confirm that results are correct) mechanisms included associated with their processing.
9. Ask the vendor to describe what information, input and participation is required from you.

The response to these questions and information requests should give you the information you need to choose a vendor that’s a good fit for your project.

What questions to you ask and what information do you request in an RFP for eDiscovery processing?  Please share any comments you might have and let us know if you’d like to know more about an eDiscovery topic.