Dear Sunita Sharma,
The consultants or service providers are hired based on the business need. Depending on the business requirement, a Request for Quotation (RFQ) or a Request for Proposal (RFP) is prepared. The service provider's quotation or proposal is based on the RFQ or RFP. Negotiations take place accordingly. The outcome of the negotiations is either a service agreement or the issuance of a Purchase Order (PO).
It seems that there may be some uncertainty regarding the business need itself. To gain clarity on the business need, consider asking the following questions:
a) Why are these services being sought?
b) What is the intended outcome of utilizing these services?
c) What assumptions underlie the utilization of these services?
d) What will serve as the foundation for these services?
e) What performance criteria will be used to evaluate the services, distinguishing between excellent, very good, good, and average performance?
f) How will customer satisfaction be influenced by the quality of services provided by the service provider?
Lastly, as a legal consultant, should the consultant not be expected to provide you with a draft of the terms and conditions governing their services?
Thanks,
Dinesh Divekar