Review both your internal and external audits you have completed and see if any of the information can be leveraged for the questionnaires. Examples include SOC examinations, internal audits, cloud and PCI audits, privacy audits, HIPAA/HITRUST certifications, and federal audits.

Compile a diverse team (HR, IT, Marketing, Sales, Compliance) who can answer questions correctly and efficiently. Segregate the questions into batches and see  what questions will be provided to whom and a time limit for each person. Set up internal SLAs so timelines can be met and make sure to have backups in place if someone is unavailable.

Have a process in place for completing questionnaires so all key individuals are informed in a timely manner. Using a GRC or tracking system to track the progress and accountability will streamline the current and future process. It will also allow for an audit trail if any questions arise.

If you have answered a question once, you shouldn’t have to answer it again. Create a framework that allows you to easily centralize and search your previous answers. This framework should allow for easy updates as changes to your processes occur.

You will want to debrief after the first few vendor questionnaire processes. Get the stakeholders together to discuss any challenges to help make the process more efficient. It always helps to document the process so as new team members join, they will be easily integrated into it.