Selecting the Right Commercial Cleaning Contractor - Pt. 3

In our previous two posts Selecting the Right Commercial Cleaning Contractor Pt.1 and Selecting the Right Commercial Cleaning Contractor Pt. 2 we discussed several of the key factors that you should consider when hiring a commercial cleaning contractor for your facility. In those posts we covered, Communication of Requirements, Contractor Experience, or Selection and Training of Cleaning Staff, Quality Control, Green Capabilities, and Safety. In this post, we will conclude the three-part series by providing insights into areas related to:

• Certifications
• Value

Certifications

As you evaluate potential commercial cleaning contractors you should put significant emphasis on their listing of certifications. A contractor that has successfully gone through a third-party certification process will have demonstrated that they have necessary procedures and tools in place to be able to provide services that consistently meet your requirements. A couple of considerations:

• CIMS Certification:  Has the Contractor been certified by the Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS)? A Contractor that has been CIMS certified will be able to demonstrate that they have necessary procedures and systems in place that provide the foundation for a high-performance cleaning operation. A Contractor that carries the CIMS certificate will have incorporated best practices in the areas of: quality control, service, human resources, health and safety, management commitment and green cleaning.
• Management Certifications:  Have individuals within the Contractor's management team been certified by the BSCAI as CBSE (Certified Building Service Executive) or RBSM (Registered Building Service Manager)? Managers that have been CBSE or RBSM certified have gone through an education and validation process that ensures that those individuals have the necessary skill and knowledge to provide effective leadership within their cleaning operations.

Value

Last, but certainly not least, is value. You want a contractor that provides services that result in a solid return on your investment and an overall good value for your operation.  A few of the basics:

• Pricing:  How does the Contractor's pricing compare with others in your local market? If their rates are above the local average is that being offset by additional value that other contractors do not provide? Are their rates on the very low end of the local average? If so, are you confident that they have a full grasp of your requirements? Are they trying to buy your business?
• Cost/Pricing Structure: Is the Contractor willing to share information related to its cost/price structure? How much time have they allocated to individual cleaning tasks? Are you confident that their cost and pricing structure will promote quality of work and not detract from it?

This three-part series has covered a wide range of factors that should be thoughtfully considered when hiring a commercial cleaning contractor for your facility. Contractor experience, hiring and training of staff, quality control, safety, green cleaning capabilities, certifications, and value have all been discussed. Analysis of all of these factors, individually and collectively, will provide you with valuable insights as you move through your assessment and selection process and will help ensure that you hire the right commercial cleaning contractor.