Why Use Scorecards To Make Vendor Selection Decisions

By Kalyan Obalampalli

Selecting the right clinical trial partner is one of the most consequential — and often most complex — decisions in drug development. Sponsors must weigh a wide array of factors, including timelines, data quality, cost, geographic capabilities, and organizational culture. Without a structured approach, subjective judgments and unconscious biases can easily creep into the process, leading to misalignment, delays, or suboptimal outcomes.

This is where scorecards make a transformative difference. By quantifying criteria, standardizing evaluations, and providing a transparent, repeatable framework, scorecards enable sponsors to make objective, data-driven decisions. They not only streamline vendor selection but also enhance operational efficiency, risk management, and regulatory readiness, ensuring that the chosen partner aligns with both immediate study needs and long-term program goals. In essence, scorecards turn a high-stakes, complex decision into a disciplined, evidence-based process that drives trial success.