Supplier Evaluation Checklist
Two suppliers with identical price tags rarely deliver identical outcomes. Use this checklist to score offers on the dimensions that decide project success.
Track record
Reference farms in operation ≥ 24 months, same species, comparable capacity, comparable climate. Ask for the operator's phone number.
Engineering depth
In-house process engineers, PhD-level water chemistry, dedicated commissioning team — not resellers packaging third-party equipment.
Financial health
Audited accounts, credit insurance limit, no covenant breaches. Public tenders often require a bank guarantee equal to 10% of contract value.
Service & spares
Local service partner, spare-parts lead time, remote-diagnostics scope, response-time SLA, cost of spare-parts kit for year 1.
Total cost of ownership
10-year TCO including energy, membrane / media replacement, sensor recalibration, labor. Cheapest capex is often the most expensive TCO.