VerizonWeightingDoc
Verizon Accelerator Program
Readiness Assessment Weighting Methodology
Executive Summary
The Verizon Accelerator Program utilizes TWO SEPARATE comprehensive assessments to evaluate supplier preparedness:RESI™ (Readiness Success Indicator) and LARA™ (Loan Ability Readiness Analyzer). Each score is independent and equals 100 points.
RESI™ (0-100 points) measures operational readiness to win and execute government and corporate contracts.
LARA™ (0-100 points) measures financial readiness and creditworthiness for securing loans and lines of credit, going beyond traditional FICO scores to assess character, capacity, and proposal quality.
Two Separate Scoring Systems
Standalone score measuring contract execution capability
Standalone score measuring financial capacity & creditworthiness
Important: RESI™ and LARA™ are evaluated independently. A supplier receives two separate scores, each on a 0-100 scale. Both scores are reported to provide complete visibility into readiness and fundability.
RESI™ Pillar Breakdown (100 Points Total)
Rationale:
Foundation of legitimate business operations and compliance readiness. Without proper legal structure, registrations, and insurance coverage, businesses cannot compete for contracts or manage risk effectively.
Key Components:
- Business legal registration (LLC, S-Corp, Corporation)
- EIN (Employer Identification Number)
- Business licenses and permits
- Company good standing with state/province
- General liability and workers' compensation insurance
- Industry-specific certifications and professional licenses
Rationale:
Demonstrates ability to execute and deliver on contracts. Past performance is the strongest predictor of future success in contract execution.
Key Components:
- Documented past performance with client references (minimum 3)
- Contract examples with documented outcomes and metrics
- Case studies showcasing successful completed work
- Measurable results, KPIs, and success metrics
- Track record of managing significant contracts ($50K+)
Rationale:
Ability to scale and handle larger contract volumes. Operational infrastructure determines whether a business can consistently deliver quality work at scale.
Key Components:
- Documented employee roles, headcount, organizational structure
- Equipment and asset inventory
- Standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Technology systems (CRM, project management tools)
- Clearly defined service offerings and core competencies
- Quality control processes and performance tracking
Rationale:
Strategic direction and professional positioning in the marketplace. Businesses need clear plans and professional materials to compete effectively for contracts.
Key Components:
- Current business plan (updated within 12 months)
- Strategic plan outlining 3-5 year growth strategy
- Marketing plan documenting customer acquisition strategy
- Professional capability statement ready for distribution
- Identified and documented NAICS codes
- Professional website with detailed service information
- Professional marketing materials (brochures, presentations)
LARA™ Assessment (100 Points Total - Separate Score)
Beyond Traditional FICO Scoring
LARA™ provides lenders with confidence beyond credit scores by evaluating the 5 C's of Creditwith a focus on character, capacity, and proposal quality. This approach addresses why businesses get turned down despite having viable opportunities.
Key Differentiator: LARA™ considers context around credit challenges (bankruptcy timing/cause, collections circumstances) and balances them against owner character, business track record, and proposal strength.
- 3-year revenue growth trend analysis (8 points)
- Profitability margins and sustainability (7 points)
- Cash flow stability over 6+ months (7 points)
- Financial statement completeness and accuracy (3 points)
CRITICAL: Credit Challenges Evaluated with Context
Unlike traditional FICO-only models, LARA™ evaluates WHY credit issues occurred and how they've been addressed:
- Business credit score: Current standing + trend direction (10 points)
- Personal credit score (owner): Current score + trajectory (10 points)
- Bankruptcy analysis: When filed? Discharged? Cause (medical vs. business)? Chapter 7 vs. 13?
- Collections/charge-offs: Circumstances, resolution efforts, payment arrangements
- Payment history patterns: Recent improvements matter more than past mistakes
- Credit utilization trends: Are they managing debt better over time?
- Owner's industry experience and proven expertise (5 points)
- Business track record, reputation, and client testimonials (5 points)
- Management team competency and depth (4 points)
- Community involvement, references, and network (3 points)
- Transparency and communication quality with lenders (3 points)
- Equipment and property value for collateral (6 points)
- Quality and age of accounts receivable (4 points)
- Inventory valuation and turnover (3 points)
- Demonstrated capacity for growth and scaling (2 points)
- Clear, detailed plan for use of funds (7 points)
- Realistic ROI projections with supporting data and milestones (6 points)
- Market opportunity analysis and competitive advantage (4 points)
- Risk identification and mitigation strategy (3 points)
LARA™ Advantage for Lenders
✓ Reduces False Rejections
Good businesses with past credit challenges get fair evaluation based on full context
✓ Increases Confidence
Character assessment reveals commitment and integrity beyond numbers
✓ Better Risk Assessment
Proposal quality and use of funds clarity reduce default risk
✓ Holistic Underwriting
Combines traditional metrics with forward-looking business potential
Access Tier Thresholds
Building readiness foundation
- IMPACT Clarity™ access
- Core documentation tools
- Business profile creation
- Guided document builders
Contract ready with full access
- All Foundation features
- IMPACT Mentee™ - Mentorship
- IMPACT Training™ courses
- IMPACT CAPBuilder™ & Pricing™
- LARA™ loan readiness tools
Premier supplier with matchmaking
- All Growth features
- Meet the Supplier program
- Direct Verizon matchmaking
- Priority opportunity access
- Executive networking events
Scoring Methodology
Question Scale (1-5 Likert Scale)
Calculation Formula
Section Score = (Sum of question scores / Max possible score) × Section weight
Overall Score = Sum of all weighted section scores
All questions within a section carry equal weight. The section's total weight is distributed evenly across its questions.
Summary: Two Independent Scores
RESI™ Score (0-100)
Measures operational readiness for contract execution across 4 pillars:
- Compliance (30 points)
- Contract Readiness (25 points)
- Operational Capacity (25 points)
- Financial Planning (20 points)
LARA™ Score (0-100)
Measures loan readiness and creditworthiness across 5 categories:
- Financial Health (25 points)
- Credit Profile (20 points)
- Character Assessment (20 points)
- Collateral & Assets (15 points)
- Proposal Quality (20 points)
Both scores equal 100 points independently. Suppliers receive two separate scores that provide complete visibility into their contract readiness (RESI™) and loan readiness (LARA™). Each score tells a different but complementary story about business capability.
Verizon Accelerator Program | IMPACT Ready™ Platform
Readiness Assessment Weighting Documentation v1.0
Generated: 11/2/2026