Choosing a Staff Augmentation MSP is never a simple task. Chief Procurement Officers (CPOs) often review numerous extensive proposals to determine which MSP aligns best with their security concerns, compliance mandates, and specific project needs.
Entrusting staff augmentation to an experienced MSP brings a host of benefits to every public-sector organization. From compliance oversight and risk mitigation to streamlined workflows and in-depth reporting, MSPs transform the organizations they support. No matter where they are located or what their specific Request for Proposal (RFP) entails, CPOs searching for a Staff Augmentation MSP should keep the following traits in mind as they review all upcoming proposals.
1. Enhanced Security Measures
An MSP is responsible for handling vast amounts of PII (Personal Identifiable Information) for temporary resources and staff augmentation vendors alike. CPOs searching for a Staff Augmentation MSP should carefully review the software and technologies prospective MSPs propose. As technology has evolved, so too have the threats your organization may face.
FedRAMP and StateRAMP certifications have evolved to address cyber challenges effectively, providing a solid foundation for long-term cyber stability. CPOs should ensure the software and technologies proposed by prospective MSPs meet rigorous security standards. There are numerous security controls CPOs should consider, including FedRAMP Authorization and StateRAMP Authorization. Without stringent security postures on the software and technology used for staff augmentation, organizations remain vulnerable to potential cyberattacks. The CPOs reviewing MSPs must thoroughly assess the security credentials of proposed tech solutions, including Vendor Management Systems (VMS).
2. Direct VMS Ownership
Many MSPs simply license their VMS from a third party. However, this disconnection creates a host of operational and technical challenges. Choosing an MSP who directly owns and operates their VMS provides many advantages, including the ability to:
- The use of client feedback to guide future VMS improvements directly
- Custom reporting to match client requirements without third-party negotiations
- Taking full responsibility for deploying security patches and upgrades to protect against cybercriminals
Direct VMS ownership is an advantage that will provide operational, security, and user experience efficiencies every day of the Staff Augmentation program, allowing CPOs to feel confident in their choice of MSP.
3. Previous Government Experience
To avoid potentially wasting time and resources, CPOs in the public sector should prioritize finding an MSP with a proven track record of serving government organizations. By choosing a tried-and-true MSP, CPOs can be assured that the chosen MSP understands the unique challenges, regulatory requirements, and sensitive nature of government operations. This specialized expertise enables the MSP to deliver tailored solutions and support that align with the complexities governments face each day.
Public- and private-sector CPOs simply have different needs. Choosing an MSP who only serves private-sector organizations may be a long-term hindrance for public-sector organizations. By choosing an MSP with vast public-sector experience, CPOs can feel confident the MSP understands the unique security, privacy, and operational concerns public-sector leaders have.
4. A Scalable Team
When choosing their organization’s staff augmentation partner, CPOs should also consider the team that will directly service their account. For instance, a team that is too small may not be able to scale and meet increased program demands. A team that does not have previous government experience may not understand what governments need for an effective Staff Augmentation program. Ensuring your MSP can right-size their services for your organization’s current and future needs is paramount for maintaining a successful Staff Augmentation program.
5. Existing Relationships with Vendors
CPOs should also evaluate an MSP’s relationship with staff augmentation vendors. MSPs without previous vendor relationships may not understand how to effectively coach, train, and retain vendors. The most successful MSP programs are true partnerships between the public-sector client, the vendor community, temporary resources, and the MSP itself. By choosing an MSP with a broad existing vendor network, public-sector clients can find niche and remote vendors for critical job titles. CPOs can also evaluate an MSP’s vendor network for small, diverse, and minority- and veteran-owned vendors. These characteristics can satisfy diversity requirements in the public sector and build a diverse, thriving vendor community.
Choose the Right Staff Augmentation MSP
It Is crucial for CPOs to consider all these essential traits while reviewing proposals from potential MSPs. By doing so, they can make well-informed decisions and secure a reliable and competent MSP that aligns perfectly with their needs and objectives. With careful consideration, choosing the right Staff Augmentation MSP can help your organization reach its goals. Discuss your organization’s staff augmentation needs with Knowledge Services today.
