Every statement of work is scored 0 to 10 on each criterion below. The weighted total maps to a letter grade. The rubric is published in full, and code, not the model, computes the grade, so the same scores always give the same letter.
Weight 15%
Every deliverable is named, quantified and dated, so "done" is a fact, not an opinion.
WeakVendor will provide design services as needed throughout the project.
StrongVendor will deliver 12 responsive page designs in Figma, one revision round each, by 14 March.
Weight 15%
Each deliverable says who reviews it, against what test, and within how many business days silence counts as acceptance.
WeakClient will review deliverables promptly and provide feedback.
StrongClient accepts or rejects each deliverable in writing within 5 business days; no response counts as accepted.
Weight 10%
The work not included is spelled out, so extra requests are recognisable as extra work.
WeakAny work reasonably required to complete the project is included.
StrongExcluded: copywriting, photography, backend integrations and post-launch support. Each is quoted separately.
Weight 10%
Changes go through a written process with a quote for cost and schedule impact before any work starts.
WeakChanges may be made by mutual agreement of the parties.
StrongChanges require a written change request; the vendor quotes cost and schedule impact within 3 business days; work starts only after written approval.
Weight 10%
Dated milestones with owners, and dates that move in a defined way when inputs arrive late.
WeakThe project will be completed in a timely manner.
StrongKickoff 3 Feb; designs 14 Mar; build 30 Apr; go-live 15 May, each gated on client assets due 10 business days earlier.
Weight 10%
Payment amounts and dates follow accepted work, not the calendar alone.
WeakVendor will invoice monthly for work performed.
Strong30% on signing, 40% on design acceptance, 30% on go-live; net 15; late client reviews shift due dates day for day.
Weight 10%
Named roles on both sides, and the client's inputs (decisions, content, access) have owners and deadlines.
WeakBoth parties will cooperate in good faith.
StrongClient names one decision maker, replies within 2 business days and supplies content by 10 March; delays move the schedule by the same number of days.
Weight 8%
The price and schedule rest on stated assumptions; if one proves false, the adjustment path is known.
WeakVendor assumes all other tasks are the client's responsibility.
StrongAssumes client-provided brand assets by 10 March, one staging environment, and no change to the agreed browser list.
Weight 6%
The document says what success looks like for the business, so trade-offs have an anchor.
WeakVendor will build a website for the client.
StrongReplace the 2019 site to cut support calls 30% and let marketing publish pages without a developer.
Weight 6%
A named cadence for meetings and written updates, and a path for escalating disagreements.
WeakThe parties will stay in touch and discuss the project as needed.
StrongWeekly 30-minute status call on Thursdays; written summary within 24 hours; unresolved issues escalate to the named sponsors within 2 business days.
The total score is the round of the weighted sum: score = round(sum(weight × criterion score) ÷ 10), 100 at most. It maps to a letter like this:
| Letter | Score |
|---|---|
| A+ | 97 - 100 |
| A | 93 - 96 |
| A- | 90 - 92 |
| B+ | 87 - 89 |
| B | 83 - 86 |
| B- | 80 - 82 |
| C+ | 77 - 79 |
| C | 73 - 76 |
| C- | 70 - 72 |
| D+ | 67 - 69 |
| D | 63 - 66 |
| D- | 60 - 62 |
| F | 0 - 59 |