| Score | Readiness band | What it means | Recommended next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–14 | Define the decision first | Too much of the purchase remains unspecified to support a useful comparative trial. | Create a one-page decision brief and an incumbent subscription inventory. Name the owner, deadline and unanswered question before inviting suppliers. |
| 15–26 | Build the evidence pack | There is a recognisable need, but major preparation gaps remain. | Complete an Overlap Audit or Coverage Gap Map, then address the lowest-scoring area. Obtain missing rights and data-handling clarification before exchanging material. |
| 27–36 | Prepare a bounded pilot | Much of the evaluation is designed, but important assumptions or operational details remain unresolved. | Close the trial-start gates below, freeze the common tasks and baseline, and schedule the reviewers. Re-score before launching. |
| 37–45 | Ready for a controlled comparative trial—subject to gates | The preparation is strong enough to test suppliers on your own recruitment work. | Run the Same-Shortlist Supplier Trial, then produce an evidence-backed decision memo. This band does not authorise purchase or cancellation. |
These bands are proposed triage thresholds, not industry benchmarks or club percentiles.