Working with FrontRunner
Computer Performance Consulting

To minimize misunderstanding and clearly establish deliverables and expectations, FrontRunner Computer Performance Consulting requires a written contract before providing any services. In most cases, the following progression occurs:

1. A client contacts FrontRunner for a free initial consultation by phone or e-mail. The initial consultation covers such topics as:
   • outline of issues to be analyzed and/or services to be provided
   • FrontRunner's capabilities and availabilty
   • FrontRunner's fee schedule and policies
   • Non-disclosure agreements and other intellectual property protections.
2. If there seems to be match between the client's needs and FrontRunner's services, one or more meetings are scheduled for more detailed discussion. For large or complex projects, substantial time and effort may be required to fully define the problem. In this case, FrontRunner will first provide a preliminary estimate. The preliminary estimate describes what would be needed to fully define the problem, and outlines a suggested approach.
3. If the preliminary estimate is acceptable, FrontRunner and the client sign a contract that only covers the work required to fully define the problems and solutions.
4. FrontRunner works with the client staff to fully define the problem. The deliverable is a detailed problem statement and proposal that covers estimated costs, delivery dates, intellectual property issues, logistics and so on. It also defines the product architecture and the performance issues to be addressed by the analysis effort. In many cases, the proposal will break out several distinct phases or parts to be treated as separate deliverables.
5. The client reviews the problem statement and informs FrontRunner of any needed changes.
6. Once the technical content of the proposal is settled, FrontRunner and the client work together to refine the proposal as needed, then sign a contract for FrontRunner to perform the work described in the proposal. Please note these important points:
   • The proposal estimates the consulting time required. Because every performance analysis effort is unique,and because product design and requirements frequently change during development, FrontRunner strongly prefers to work on a "time & material" basis. We will provide a fixed cost proposal if it's an absolute requirements, but for most clients it will a more expensive option. The costs and schedules in the proposal are best viewed as guides for planning and budgeting purposes.
   • It is the client's responsibility to describe the product and performance issues fully and accurately. Substantial changes to either once the analysis starts constitute additional work at an additional charge. FrontRunner provides a detailed problem statement prior to starting analysis for the express purpose of eliciting compete requirements.
   • Clients are urged to try to anticipate what changes or additional questions may follow the first analysis. In most case, it's more efficient to incorporate variations or parameters into models from the beginning than to add them later.
7. Once the analysis is complete, FrontRunner presents the results to the client. Minor changes or additional cases are included in the original estimate. FrontRunner provides a full analysis report that includes problem statement, assumptions, analysis methods, modeling and measurement results, analysis of results, and recommendations.
8. For projects structured as multiple parts, the proposal may be revised after each part to reflect changes in the product design, project goals or other new information.

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