Audience
Executive buyers, procurement, technology, finance, security and operations
AI Project Planning · Updated August 8, 2026
By PlanckCyber
AI Project Buyer Decision Checklist
Compare proposals on evidence, responsibility and operating risk.
How to use this resource
A credible proposal states what will be built, how it will be tested, who owns each dependency and what remains uncertain.
Important: General information; use qualified legal, security, privacy, finance and procurement review as required.
When to use it
An AI services proposal is under review.
Objective
Evaluate the actual delivery system, not only price or model names.
Problem and evidence
- Workflow and outcome are explicit.
- Current baseline is defined.
- Assumptions and missing evidence are visible.
- No guaranteed outcome is presented as fact.
Scope and acceptance
- In-scope and out-of-scope work are clear.
- Deliverables and milestones are testable.
- Acceptance criteria are written.
- Client responsibilities are explicit.
- Change process is defined.
Technology and risk
- Architecture matches the workflow.
- Data use and vendors are identified.
- Security and privacy responsibilities are clear.
- Human authority and exception handling are defined.
- Evaluation and monitoring are included.
Commercial terms
- Price basis and pass-through costs are clear.
- Payment milestones match deliverables.
- IP and license terms are understood.
- Support and operating costs are visible.
- Termination and transition are addressed.
Team and proof
- Named delivery leaders are credible.
- References or case evidence are permissioned and relevant.
- Subcontractors and partners are disclosed as required.
- No invented certification, partnership or market-leading claim.
Decision
- Selected option
- Why
- Conditions before signature
- Unresolved risk
- Decision owner and date
Start with the problem
Have a problem AI might solve?
You do not need a specification. Tell us what you are trying to improve.