Vendor conflict of interest - Consultants, etc.

I've been tossing this 'issue' around for a while but I wonder if other
people had thoughts with regards to dealing with consultants that based
upon a given project and a their product/services suite may have a conflict
of interest.  An example that I can think of is hiring a company to do a
study on data center consolidation (that would include outsourcing as an
option) and involving a consultant whose company also happens to sell
outsourcing contracts.

I know from the discussions on the various midrange lists that there are a
number of 'vendors' out there that lend advice that as far as I'm concerned
is greatly appreciated and I think most do a standout job of disclaiming
their potential 'conflict'.  So, the question isn't directed towards them
and not the form of advice but those in the form of paid work like I
mentioned previously.

Am I the only one that thinks this is wrong and fraught with potential
issues?  All conflicts of interest discussions lately don't seem to look at
this side of the issue but I have large concerns.  Or is this just another
way that we have to do business and watch the results closely?


Michael Crump
Manager, Computing Services
Saint-Gobain Containers
1509 S. Macedonia Ave.
Muncie, IN  47302
(765)741-7696
(765)741-7012 f
(800)428-8642

"I shall often go wrong through defect of judgement.  When right, I shall
often be thought wrong by those whose positions will not command a view of
the whole ground.  I ask your indulgence for my own errors, which will
never be intentional, and your support against the errors of others, who
may condemn what they would not if seen in all its parts."  Thomas
Jefferson