Over the past two decades, I've had the privilege of working with Managed Service Providers (MSPs) as a supplier. Whether collaborating with the nation's largest MSP programs or more regionally focused ones, I have come to appreciate the essential role that Rules of Engagement (ROE) play in this dynamic ecosystem. In this article, we will explore why ROEs are crucial and how they provide advantages to clients, MSPs, and suppliers alike.

Why ROEs Matter and Their Advantages

ROEs are pivotal in streamlining processes, especially in an industry that, in its early days, resembled the Wild West of contingent staffing. Let's delve into the significance of ROEs and how they benefit all stakeholders.

Efficiency Enhancement: The evolution of ROEs has transformed the once-chaotic process of contingent staffing into a more efficient and structured framework. Gone are the days of unpredictability and uncertainty, as ROEs ensure a smoother workflow for all involved parties.

Leveling the Playing Field: ROEs provide equal access to job opportunities and guarantee that assignments are budgeted. Furthermore, they promote transparency by ensuring that all suppliers receive detailed job descriptions simultaneously, eliminating the discrepancies of the past.

Fair Pricing: Beyond facilitating direct contact with hiring managers, ROEs address various critical aspects, including compliance, billing procedures, onboarding protocols, and pricing strategies. Pricing typically adheres to a markup or rate card-based model, ensuring that suppliers remain competitive while benefiting from the security of guaranteed opportunities. This arrangement ultimately results in more competitive rates for clients, driven by the volume and quality of competition.

Compliance Assurance: ROEs incorporate comprehensive compliance measures, safeguarding all parties involved. These measures encompass co-employment considerations, onboarding processes, validation procedures, insurance requirements, and the prevention of duplicate submittals, among others.

Conclusion

As suppliers, we are not merely service providers but integral extensions of MSPs. The relationship between suppliers and MSPs is a partnership, where the success of one directly impacts the other. Embracing and adhering to ROEs fosters clarity, eliminates ambiguity, and creates an environment of healthy competition, ultimately benefiting all stakeholders involved. In an industry marked by rapid changes and evolving dynamics, the adoption of Rules of Engagement remains a necessary practice that enhances efficiency, transparency, and the overall quality of service provided by MSPs and their supplier partners.

About Rang Technologies

Rang Technologies, based in New Jersey, has dedicated over a decade to delivering innovative staffing solutions and the best talent to help businesses of all sizes unlock the full potential of the latest technologies and build high-performing teams to achieve their digital transformation goals.