If you’re a contractor working with clients who require compliance through platforms like ISNetworld®, Avetta®, or Veriforce®, you’ve likely come across a variety of terms that aren’t always clearly explained. From insurance acronyms to platform-specific programs, understanding these terms can help you avoid costly delays, rejections, and unnecessary back-and-forth during the prequalification process.
This glossary breaks down some of the most common (and often confusing) terms you’ll encounter as a contractor navigating safety compliance and vendor prequalification.
Prequalification Glossary for Contractors
ISNetworld® / Avetta® / Veriforce®
Online contractor management platforms that help hiring clients evaluate and approve vendors based on safety, insurance, and compliance documentation.
Prequalification
The process by which a hiring client evaluates whether a contractor meets specific safety, insurance, and compliance standards before allowing them to bid or work on a project.
RAVS® (Review and Verification Services)
ISNetworld’s system for reviewing written safety programs submitted by contractors to ensure they meet both regulatory and client-specific requirements.
T-RAVS®
Veriforce’s version of RAVS® is used to review contractor safety policies and verify alignment with safety regulations and client needs.
MSQ® (Management System Questionnaire)
A required questionnaire within ISNetworld® where contractors provide detailed information about company operations, safety practices, and procedures.
EMR (Experience Modification Rate)
An insurance-based safety score that compares your company’s workers’ compensation claim history to the industry average. Most clients request a current EMR letter as part of prequalification.
COI (Certificate of Insurance)
A document issued by your insurer showing proof of required insurance coverage. Often must include specific endorsements requested by the client.
Deficiency
A flagged item within a compliance platform indicates that a document is missing, expired, or does not meet the required standard.
Grade / Score
Many platforms assign a letter grade (A, B, etc.) or numerical score to each contractor based on compliance status. Clients often use these scores to approve or reject vendors.
Client Requirements
Each hiring client may have unique safety, insurance, or document standards. These are layered on top of platform-wide requirements.
Subcontractor Linkage
A system in which subcontractors are connected to a prime contractor’s platform profile. If a subcontractor is non-compliant, it may affect the compliance of the general contractor.
Audit
Some platforms or clients may request a deeper review of your safety program, incident logs, or other documentation, especially if your score drops or if incidents occur.
Corrective Action
If a client or platform identifies a problem with your documentation or safety practices, you may be required to submit a plan or update to address the issue.
Incident Rate / TRIR
A safety metric used to calculate the number of recordable incidents per 100 full-time workers in a year. Clients may request this as part of your OSHA reporting.
Why This Glossary Matters
Understanding these terms helps you:
- Communicate clearly with your clients and compliance consultants
- Submit accurate documentation the first time
- Reduce delays in getting approved
- Stay on top of deadlines and avoid dropped scores
- Improve your chances of winning contracts
Need Help Navigating the Prequalification Process?
Whether you’re setting up your first ISNetworld® profile or responding to a new client’s Avetta® request, our team can help simplify the process, keep you compliant, and make sure your business stays bid-ready.
Talk to an Industrial Compliance Safety compliance specialist today.
