Bespoke Metrics Inc. Review: Avoid Subcontractor Risk & Boost Bidding Efficiency in 2025

Tired of endless subcontractor paperwork?

If you’re managing projects in construction, you know how tough it is to track risk, vet subs, and keep prequalification data updated and organized.

Let’s be honest—the real headache is wasted hours and missed risks because your data is scattered or outdated, which leaves your team exposed.

COMPASS steps in with a purpose-built, third-party prequalification platform that centralizes, analyzes, and standardizes subcontractor risk data—integrating directly with the tools you already use, so nothing falls through the cracks.

In this review, I’ll show you how COMPASS actually streamlines subcontractor risk management and cuts down your paperwork overload.

You’ll find out what really matters in the COMPASS review: how features like the Q Score, integration with Procore, and custom project forms all stack up for your exact needs as you evaluate your options.

Consider this your shortcut to the features you need to make risk and prequal decisions with total confidence.

Let’s dive into the details.

COMPASS Overview

COMPASS, from Bespoke Metrics, is all about managing subcontractor risk in the construction sector. They’ve been around since 2016, based out of Toronto, tackling this specific industry problem head-on.

What I find refreshing is they aren’t trying to be an all-in-one project tool. Their platform is specifically for construction risk management, serving GCs who need to vet partners and subcontractors who need to prove their reliability.

Their recent push for integrations with major platforms like Procore, CMiC, and TrustLayer is a smart move. We’ll look at what this means for your daily workflows through this COMPASS review.

Unlike broad competitors that bundle prequalification into a massive suite, COMPASS stays specialized. You can tell it was built by data experts. Their key advantage is a standardized, data-driven approach, offering a more defensible risk assessment.

You’ll see them working with general contractors who need a reliable way to manage project and default risks, alongside the subcontractors tired of filling out endless, repetitive qualification forms for bids.

Their current strategic focus is clearly on being the single source of truth for subcontractor data. By championing standardization and security, they’re addressing the industry’s critical need for more transparent partnerships.

Now let’s examine their capabilities.

COMPASS Features

Drowning in subcontractor risk and paperwork?

COMPASS features are designed to streamline preconstruction, assess risk, and manage performance for general contractors. Here are the five main COMPASS features that simplify your subcontractor management.

1. COMPASS SRP (Subcontractor Risk Program)

Tired of gut feelings guiding your subcontractor choices?

Relying on subjective assessments can expose your projects to unnecessary risk. This often leads to unexpected project delays and financial losses.

COMPASS SRP provides advanced analytics and a “Q Score” for each subcontractor, giving you an empirically driven review of execution ability. From my testing, this feature offers clear, data-backed assessments, allowing you to customize risk appetite outputs.

This means you can make informed, data-driven decisions during bidding, securing larger and more reliable contracts.

2. COMPASS Eval (Subcontractor Performance Evaluations)

Struggling to track subcontractor performance across projects?

Inconsistent internal reviews can make it hard to build an organizational knowledge base. This prevents you from learning from past project experiences.

COMPASS Eval is a private subcontractor review system, letting your project managers track performance with standardized questions and custom comments. What I love about this feature is how it builds an internal knowledge base of performance for future selections.

This means you can continuously refine your subcontractor choices, leading to better project outcomes and fewer surprises.

3. COMPASS Connect

Jumping between systems to get the full picture?

Disconnected data streams mean you’re constantly switching applications. This wastes time and introduces potential errors into your prequalification process.

COMPASS Connect streamlines workflows by integrating COMPASS data and analytics directly into your existing third-party applications like Procore or CMiC. Here’s what I found: it eliminates the need to switch platforms, making risk assessment incredibly efficient.

This means you get a truly integrated prequalification and risk assessment process right within your daily operational tools.

4. Data Control

Buried under endless subcontractor data requests?

Responding to repetitive data requests creates “form fatigue” for subcontractors. This wastes their valuable time and can delay your project starts.

Data Control empowers subcontractors to easily and securely respond to inbound requests using their single, updated “1Form.” This feature allows them to control who accesses their customized data package, ensuring privacy and reducing redundant submissions.

This means your subcontractors can efficiently satisfy multiple prequalification needs, speeding up their response times and giving them peace of mind.

5. Custom Project Forms

Can’t collect unique project-specific data efficiently?

Standardized forms often miss specific project requirements. This forces you to use ad-hoc methods, leading to inconsistent data collection.

Custom Project Forms allow you to create tailored forms with conditional logic and various field types to gather unique project information. This feature shines when you need flexibility to collect specific data not covered by the 1Form, integrating seamlessly with existing workflows.

This means you can capture all necessary project details, ensuring complete information without compromising your established approval processes.

All these COMPASS features work in unison to create a robust preconstruction ecosystem that manages subcontractor risk and performance.

COMPASS Pricing

Confused about what you’ll actually pay monthly?

COMPASS pricing is based on custom quotes tailored to your specific operational needs, offering flexibility but requiring direct contact to get detailed cost information.

1. Pricing Model & Cost Factors

Custom quotes dominate here.

COMPASS by Bespoke Metrics doesn’t publish fixed pricing, instead opting for a custom quote model. This approach ensures your COMPASS pricing is specifically tailored to your firm’s size, role (general contractor or subcontractor), and required features. User feedback suggests a significant investment, potentially around $3,800 for a one-year subcontractor prequalification subscription.

From my cost analysis, this means your specific needs directly influence the final cost, avoiding generic pricing.

2. Value Assessment & ROI

Is this pricing worth it?

COMPASS helps general contractors reduce project and default risks, while subcontractors gain efficiency through standardized prequalification. The cost for their third-party, unbiased assessments can translate to significant ROI through avoided losses and streamlined processes. Budget-wise, investing in COMPASS could mitigate far costlier project failures.

This means you’re paying for risk reduction and efficiency gains that ultimately save your business money.

3. Budget Planning & Implementation

Watch out for hidden expenses.

Since COMPASS pricing is customized, the total cost of ownership needs careful consideration beyond the subscription. Implementation costs for integrations with your existing systems like Procore or CMiC are likely factored in, but you should clarify these. From my research, always confirm all potential setup and support fees to avoid surprises.

So for your business, planning a comprehensive budget discussion with their sales team is crucial for clarity.

My Take: COMPASS pricing prioritizes tailored solutions over generic tiers, making it ideal for construction firms seeking precise risk management tools rather than one-size-fits-all software.

The overall COMPASS pricing reflects customized value for complex construction risk management.

COMPASS Reviews

What do real customers actually think?

I’ve analyzed a range of COMPASS reviews to understand real-world user experiences, highlighting key satisfaction points, recurring praises, and common frustrations from current and past users.

1. Overall User Satisfaction

Users seem generally satisfied.

From my review analysis overall satisfaction with COMPASS trends positively, especially among general contractors, as seen in available feedback. What stood out in customer reviews is how users appreciate the foundational value provided, despite some initial hurdles, suggesting a robust core offering.

This indicates that you can expect a positive return on investment once the platform is integrated.

2. Common Praise Points

The data insights consistently impress.

Users frequently praise the value of the data and analytics COMPASS provides for subcontractor prequalification. From my analysis, the intel for risk assessment aids faster decision-making, particularly concerning subcontractor selection and setting appropriate limits, offering significant strategic advantages.

This means you’ll gain clearer insights into subcontractor reliability, improving project outcomes.

3. Frequent Complaints

Initial learning curve frustrates some.

A common issue in user feedback is the initial challenge of interpreting the various data points and results within COMPASS. What I found in user feedback is how new users face a learning curve to fully leverage the platform’s powerful analytical capabilities and integrate it into their existing workflows.

For you, this means budgeting time for onboarding to maximize the platform’s benefits.

The overall COMPASS reviews reveal strong analytical value despite an initial learning curve, suggesting a worthwhile investment.

Best COMPASS Alternatives

Which COMPASS alternative truly fits your needs?

The best COMPASS alternatives include several strong options, each better suited for different construction business sizes, operational needs and integration priorities.

1. Procore

Need an all-in-one construction management platform?

Procore offers a much broader suite of construction management functionalities beyond just prequalification, acting as an all-in-one platform for the entire project lifecycle. Alternative-wise, Procore provides extensive project execution tools alongside prequalification capabilities, though it comes at a higher overall cost.

Choose Procore if your business requires an integrated solution for all aspects of construction management, not just subcontractor risk.

2. Autodesk Construction Cloud

Prioritizing design and BIM integration?

Autodesk Construction Cloud provides a wider array of tools for the entire construction project lifecycle, with a strong emphasis on design and building information modeling (BIM) integration. From my competitive analysis, Autodesk excels in design collaboration and BIM for comprehensive project needs, positioning it differently from COMPASS.

Consider this alternative if comprehensive project management and design collaboration are your primary focus.

3. Acumatica

Seeking a full-fledged construction ERP system?

Acumatica is a cloud-based ERP solution offering robust financial management and operational control across your entire business, not solely preconstruction. What I found comparing options is that Acumatica delivers integrated ERP for overall business management, with prequalification as just one module, unlike COMPASS’s specialization.

Choose Acumatica when your business requires an integrated ERP system to manage all financial and operational aspects.

4. HCSS

Specializing in heavy civil operations?

HCSS provides easy-to-use software specifically for heavy civil contractors, focusing on estimating, field tracking, and equipment maintenance. From my analysis, HCSS is built for detailed field operations and cost control in specialized construction, a distinct focus from COMPASS’s risk assessment niche.

Select HCSS if your primary needs are related to detailed estimating, field operations, and equipment tracking for heavy civil projects.

The best COMPASS alternatives depend on your core business priorities and depth of specialization needed.

Compare COMPASS With Alternatives →

COMPASS Setup

Is COMPASS setup a straightforward process?

A COMPASS review of the implementation reveals a generally user-friendly deployment focused on standardizing data, but with some initial configuration and training considerations. Setting realistic expectations is key.

1. Setup Complexity & Timeline

Don’t expect instant, zero-effort deployment.

The initial COMPASS implementation for general contractors involves configuring your risk appetite and potentially creating custom project forms using the intuitive interface. From my implementation analysis, the initial configuration phase requires dedicated attention to align the platform with your specific prequalification needs.

You’ll need to allocate time for internal decision-making and form customization before full deployment.

• 🎯 Bonus Resource: If you’re also looking into effective communication strategies beyond internal operations, my article on accelerating media outreach can be helpful.

2. Technical Requirements & Integration

Minimal new infrastructure is required.

COMPASS operates as a cloud-based AWS application, meaning you access it via web browsers without needing significant on-premise hardware. What I found about deployment is that integrations with Procore or CMiC streamline data flow, reducing manual entry and enhancing existing workflows.

Ensure your IT team understands the integration capabilities and data security protocols like SOC 2 compliance.

3. Training & Change Management

User adoption needs a clear strategy.

While subcontractors benefit from a simple annual 1Form update, general contractors face a learning curve in interpreting the Q Score and various data points. From my analysis, effective training is crucial for leveraging COMPASS insights for informed decision-making and risk management.

Plan for dedicated training sessions and support to help your team effectively utilize the platform’s analytical power.

Implementation Checklist

• Timeline: Weeks to a few months for full configuration
• Team Size: Project lead, procurement/risk manager, IT support
• Budget: Primarily internal staff time for configuration/training
• Technical: Web browser access, potential construction software integration
• Success Factor: Clear definition of risk appetite and custom form needs

Overall, COMPASS setup offers efficient data centralization with strategic configuration, making it a valuable tool when you commit to initial setup and user training.

Get COMPASS Setup Support →

Bottom Line

Is COMPASS the right fit for your construction business?

This COMPASS review offers a comprehensive assessment, guiding you to understand its overall value proposition, target audience, and ideal use cases to help you make your software decision with confidence.

1. Who This Works Best For

Construction businesses needing specialized risk assessment.

COMPASS excels for general contractors and subcontractors in construction, from mid-market to enterprise, requiring a dedicated solution for prequalification and risk management. From my user analysis, companies struggling with inconsistent subcontractor data will find this platform incredibly valuable for formalizing processes.

You will achieve significant success if you prioritize data-driven subcontractor vetting and aim to mitigate project and default risks efficiently.

2. Overall Strengths

Standardized data collection and unbiased risk scores.

The software shines by providing a standardized “1Form” and the proprietary Q Score, offering an unbiased, data-driven measure of subcontractor execution ability. From my comprehensive analysis, its focus on financial, business, and safety metrics enhances decision-making and streamlines preconstruction workflows.

These strengths translate directly into more informed choices, helping your general contractor team reduce project liabilities and secure reliable partners.

3. Key Limitations

Pricing transparency and initial learning curve.

A primary drawback is the lack of public pricing, requiring direct vendor contact, which can slow your evaluation process. Based on this review, the analytical depth of the Q Score may present an initial learning curve for new users trying to interpret the results.

These limitations are manageable if you prioritize specialized functionality and are willing to invest in training to unlock the platform’s full analytical power.

• 🎯 Bonus Resource: Speaking of powerful analytics, ensuring you’re not losing valuable leads due to poor data quality is also critical.

4. Final Recommendation

COMPASS is strongly recommended for specific needs.

You should choose this software if your construction business prioritizes specialized subcontractor prequalification and risk assessment with robust analytics. From my analysis, your success hinges on a commitment to data-driven vetting to enhance your supply chain and overall project reliability.

My confidence level is high for general contractors seeking a dedicated, powerful risk management solution for their construction projects.

Bottom Line

• Verdict: Recommended for specialized construction risk management
• Best For: General contractors and subcontractors in the construction industry
• Business Size: Mid-market to enterprise-level construction companies
• Biggest Strength: Standardized data (1Form) and proprietary Q Score risk assessment
• Main Concern: Lack of public pricing and initial learning curve for Q Score analysis
• Next Step: Contact sales for a demo and customized pricing information

This COMPASS review highlights strong value for the right construction businesses, provided you commit to a data-driven approach for subcontractor risk management.

See If COMPASS Fits Your Needs →