1. Start with the operating brief
We ask about headcount, footprint, industry, needs, preferred model, investment posture, timeline, and must-haves. These inputs describe the work more reliably than a provider wish list.
2. Apply hard constraints
Where the catalog supports it, we remove options that cannot satisfy a non-negotiable model, delivery method, company-size range, or service requirement. A small catalog can produce no exact match; we show that honestly.
3. Score catalog evidence
Remaining providers receive points for explicit catalog matches such as service coverage, company-size fit, industry context, delivery, and model. Providers cannot buy points or placement.
4. Explain the shortlist
Every result includes grounded fit reasons linked to catalog fields. The ranking endpoint validates every provider ID against the server-side catalog before scoring.
5. Validate before buying
A match is the start of diligence, not a recommendation guarantee. Buyers should verify current scope, team, pricing, benefits, contracts, implementation, references, and regulatory details directly.