General Questions to ask Vendors

1. Do you have insurance for building, training, inspection, and programming? (Two types-programming & products completion) Note: Most insurance carriers will require an inspection if you build your own Ropes Course.
2. Do you have references/documentation? (Regional, national, or international)
3. Who is going to do the training, building, inspection? (Specify ask for the individual name and resume/documentation) Be aware of companies (resume inflation) totaling up years of experience, rather than be specific about experience of individuals. You can request in bid proposal specifics.
4. What professional organization are you a member? (What roles do you hold in the organization?--Task force, working group, chair, or member)
5. Can you supply me with presentation or articles you have done?
6. Is your program peer reviewed or accredited?

Construction/Building Questions

1. What is the experience of the builder? (Has she/he ever done much programming so that he truly understands from the facilitators' point of view.) Is the builder user friendly?
2. Does the builder understand the difference between a trade and a profession?
3. Does the builder follow PRCA standards?
4. Does the builder follow manufacturing recommendations for supplies/equipment? (Guy guards, etc.)
5. Does he/she explain what you are getting concerning the elements on the ropes/challenge course? (Examples: Nitro Crossing separate not combined, The Wall 8 feet wide verses 6 feet wide, For belay points on poles are eye bolts placed, platform on back of the wall or no platform, screwed wooden structures verses nailed wooden structures, layout of the elements separated not constructed together to save cost, Wooden Support are used to separate the 3-Line Bridge hand lines instead of just bolts, Tension Triangle Traverse and Wild Woozy are constructed as one element, Long lengths on elements verses short lengths, Short length on Pamper Pole width between poles, Craftsmanship- wooden edges routed, climbing towers placement of boards, staples on every pole verses on every other pole, are staples placed on both poles of Dangle-Duo and Pamper Pole or on Zip Line end pole, uses a small rope diameter on Nitro Crossing swing rope instead of a large diameter rope, are boundary supports made for the Nitro Crossing, are hand ropes adjustable with prussiks on Tire Traverse, Heebie Jeebie & Two Line Bridge, Duo Belays on elements, Are Deck Tennis Rings for the Trust Fall included, swages verses cable clamps, are turnbuckles included with low cable events so they are adjustable)
6. Does he/she offer a warranty for the course and equipment?
7. Is the equipment offered the quality of what you want? If not, is there a trade off in price? Ask for justification in fact and not just a personal preference.
8. Is the vendor knowledgeable about current arborist practices? (Including trimming and mulching of trees)

Training/Programming Questions

1. What is the experience of the trainer? (Has the trainer had much experience in different populations or with your population served?)
2. Does the trainer have insurance? (What type?)
3. Does the trainer have a curriculum design that includes things you feel are important? (A suggestion to be considered a professional practice curriculum must include philosophy and ethics.)
4. Does the vendor have written materials that include technical and processing/review material? (Does the material include ways to produce a manual after training?)
5. Does the vendor include ways for contact/supervision after training for questions?

Inspections Questions

1. Does the vendor issue a written report with problems explained in detail? (Is there an explanation on the difference between a preference and PRCA, or other standards.)
2. Does the Inspection include looking at the Operations Manual and making corrections?