Managed Services Help

Not all MSP’s (managed service provider) are created equal. At CIO Northwest, we’ve spent over a decade in the managed services world—we know the difference between a well-run partner and a barely-there vendor. We've worked with the best, the average, and the downright negligent. That experience gives us a unique ability to help you cut through the sales talk, assess what's really being delivered, and avoid costly mistakes.

Whether you're unhappy with your current provider, vetting a new one, or just want a second set of eyes on your IT strategy, we’re here to guide you—objectively, with no kickbacks, no conflicts, and no fluff.

We also partner with one of the nation’s top MSP attorneys to offer Service Agreement Report Cards, giving you legal and operational clarity on what you’ve signed—or are about to.

Here’s how we help.

Choosing the right managed service provider (MSP) isn’t easy. We help you look past the pitch and focus on what matters—service quality, support, accountability, and business fit. Whether you're selecting a new MSP or reviewing your current one, we bring clarity and structure to the process.

Includes:

  • Assessment of actual service delivery vs. expectations

  • Review of support models, response times, and escalation paths

  • Identification of service gaps or redundancies

  • Recommendations for improvement or renegotiation

Already working with a managed service provider? We’ll evaluate the services you're receiving—not just what's on paper—to ensure you're getting the right support, coverage, and value for your business.

MSP Services Review

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MSP Shopping & RFP Support

Choosing an MSP can feel overwhelming. We help you define what you need, compare local and regional providers, and run a simple but effective RFP process—so you get the right partner, not just the cheapest pitch.

Support Includes:

  • Needs assessment and requirement definition

  • Creating an RFP

  • Vendor interview and proposal review support

  • Scorecard-style evaluations and final recommendation

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MSP 50-Point Agreement Inspection

We partner with a top MSP attorney to perform a 50-point inspection of your Managed Services Agreement. This is a practical review focused on identifying red flags in scope, pricing, liability, and service expectations. It’s not a substitute for legal advice—but it’s a powerful tool for understanding what you’re really signing.

Covers:

  • Common traps in SLAs, auto-renewals, and liability clauses

  • Service scope vs. business needs

  • Pricing transparency and support coverage

  • Recommendations for what to revise, clarify, or escalate

Independent Guidance - The Advantage

Independent, Experienced IT Oversight

We’ve been in the MSP trenches ourselves. We know the red flags—and how to hold providers accountable.

Part-Time CIO vs. MSP-Provided vCIO

We work for you, not your MSP. Our role is to challenge assumptions, validate solutions, and ensure your needs come first—not the provider’s profit margins.

Service Agreement Report Cards

Get legal-grade clarity. We team up with a leading MSP attorney to assess the fine print of your contracts and SLAs—before or after you sign.

Protection Against Bad MSPs

Poor service, vague scopes, unnecessary upsells—these can all drain resources and put your business at risk. We know how to spot it and stop it.

Solution Verification

From BDR setups to security stacks, we independently review what you’re sold and what you’re actually getting.

50-Point Contract Review to Spot Red Flags Before You Sign