Performance Vistas

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

More detailed answers

What is PVI’s Mission?		At PVI our ultimate "reason for being," like that of our client agencies, is family and individual well-being. We are here to help you build…new performance horizons!
PVI says it is a “process-oriented” consulting firm. What do you mean by “Process Consultation?”		Process Consultation is the purposeful and structured facilitation of a client agency’s own expertise in clarifying its purpose, identifying its strengths and weaknesses, arranging for improvement actions, and tracking results.

What do you mean when you say “Organizational Learning?”

Organizational Learning is the system-wide, continuous pursuit of knowledge and information about the organization’s performance and its future.

What is the typical range of services you provide?

At Performance Vistas we pride ourselves in providing services that meet the needs of our clients in a way that builds their capacity to operate without a continuing need for outside help. Typically, our services include curriculum development and training, program development and program evaluation, problem identification and problem-solving, as well as a myriad of group facilitation processes.

What makes Performance Vistas a non-profit agency?

PVI has been conducting business in accordance with IRC Section 501(c) (3) since its September 18, 1998 date of incorporation. We operate exclusively for charitable, scientific and educational purposes…

Our purpose is to operate in the public’s interest, to reduce the burdens of government by improving the effectiveness of government and other non-profit agencies.

Shouldn’t a public or non-profit agency purchase management consulting services commercially from for-profit firms?

Some for-profit firms do offer services in the public sector, of course. But seldom are for-profit firms successful in the social services arena. No less an advisor than Peter Drucker suggests that the non-profit sector has unique dimensions that do not lend themselves to for-profit approaches.

Why do for-profit consulting firms tend to miss the mark in public and non-profit agency consultation?

Business-sector techniques often fail to grasp the unique challenge of managing for quality in a not-for-profit or government organization. Public sector consultants simply must understand how the social service agency defines “success” (i.e., client outcomes, not corporate profit) and “quality” (i.e., client satisfaction and behavior change, not efficiency).

Would you please describe the competitive bidding process Performance Vistas usually completes to win its engagements?

Usually these projects’ Requests for Proposals (RFPs) are publicly advertised, and the proposal selection process is public and rigorous. Points are awarded for strength of understanding of the host agency’s needs, feasibility of the proposed approach, experience with similar projects, strength of the proposed project team, and reasonableness of the proposed budget.

How competitive are the rates Performance Vistas charges its client agencies?

PVI offers agencies quality management consulting at or below the cost of typical management consulting services. We do so by discounting our rates to levels our clients can afford, and by offering federal grant matches.

What consulting rates does PVI charge for its consultants?

Typically, our senior consultants perform the bulk of the work. Our normal daily rates are substantially lower than the rates these same consultants command in the private sector.

What rates does PVI charge for fees and overhead?

PVI does not add a line item to its personnel budgets, as for-profit firms do, to collect a “fee” (i.e., often a 10% profit line) for services above the direct costs of its personnel. PVI’s management model allows us to control the costs of administrative overhead as a way of offering high quality services within state and local agency budgets. Performance Vistas’ administrative rates are from a third to one-half the rates of our competitors.

Does PVI perform any services for non-profits or governmental entities on a voluntary basis?

PVI’s greatest form of voluntary work is in the extra, unbilled hours PVI’s associates bring to their tasks. PVI also contributes a portion of its professional fees and some travel expenses as in-kind match. PVI does engage in a healthy practice of pro bono work with local, non-profit agencies such as shelters, treatment programs, advocacy groups and churches.