Run the reference check

Ask what decision prompted the engagement; which people actually did the work; what the buyer had to do; what cost extra; how disagreements were handled; and whether they renewed. Request examples of responsiveness and delivery rather than confidential savings amounts. Record who selected the reference and the limits of its comparability.

Do not convert a supplier case into independent evidence merely because it names a client. The Grassi/GVC case is explicitly firm-published and concerns operating/bonding outcomes, not verified incremental tax savings for this desk. Grassi — GVC Construction case study, 26 May 2026