> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://admin-services.docs.intersectmbo.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://admin-services.docs.intersectmbo.org/guides/third-party-assurer-guides/third-party-assurer-responsibilities.md).

# Third Party Assurer Responsibilities

## Eligibility & Independence

To act as a Third-Party Assurer (TPA), you must meet the following criteria:

**Independent from the delivery team**

* You must be genuinely independent of the delivery team, from a different company, and independent of any key stakeholders with vested interests.
* Relevant expertise
* Have the necessary expertise relevant to the deliverable being assessed.
* No committee conflicts
* You are independent of an Intersect Committee.

All TPAs will first be reviewed by the Intersect Delivery Assurance team to ensure these standards are met. Intersect reserves the right to veto a TPA, if they believe that they do not meet the above criteria. 

{% hint style="info" icon="circle-exclamation" %}

#### **NOTE**

A TPA does not need to remain the same throughout a contract. Vendors may select different assurers for different milestones to ensure the right expertise is applied at each stage.
{% endhint %}

## Working Relationship

While your role serves the community, your working relationship is with the vendor.

### Vendor Responsibilities

* Select and engage the TPA
* Provide all required evidence
* Include TPA costs in the proposal budget

### TPA Responsibilities

* Deliver an independent, unbiased assessment
* Provide clear, evidence-based feedback

### Intersect Responsibilities

* Validate TPA independence and suitability
* Review attestations as part of delivery assurance

{% hint style="info" %}

#### **NOTE**

Intersect does not manage contracts or payment arrangements between vendors and TPAs
{% endhint %}

### Professional Expectations

As a TPA, you are expected to:

* Act with objectivity and integrity
* Base your assessment on evidence, not assumption
* Provide clear and constructive feedback
* Maintain professional distance from the vendor

{% hint style="info" icon="circle-exclamation" %}

#### **NOTE**

It is the responsibility of vendor to inform a Third Party Assurer that they have been nominated  for this role. If you have been selected as a Third Party Assurer and do not think this is appropriate, please contact the vendor to decline the nomination.
{% endhint %}


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