> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.vendexlabs.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Vendor questionnaires

> Collect security and compliance answers directly from vendors through a secure self-service portal.

Sometimes public evidence isn't enough and you need answers straight from the vendor. VendexLabs includes a **vendor questionnaire portal** — a secure, self-service way for a vendor contact to respond and attach evidence, without needing a VendexLabs account.

## How it works

<Steps>
  <Step title="Send the questionnaire">
    From the vendor's assessment, share the questionnaire with the vendor's contact. They receive a link to the portal.
  </Step>

  <Step title="The vendor verifies by one-time code">
    Access is protected by a **one-time passcode (OTP)** sent to the vendor's email — no password or account required. This keeps the portal open to the right person and closed to everyone else.
  </Step>

  <Step title="The vendor answers and uploads evidence">
    In the portal, the vendor completes their responses and uploads supporting files — certifications, reports, policies. Answers save as they go.
  </Step>

  <Step title="The vendor submits">
    When finished, the vendor submits. Their responses and files flow back into the assessment as evidence you can review.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Why the portal helps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Less back-and-forth" icon="inbox">
    One secure link replaces long email threads and lost attachments.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Evidence in one place" icon="folder-open">
    Uploaded files land on the assessment, next to your decision and audit log.
  </Card>

  <Card title="No account needed" icon="user-check">
    Vendors verify with a one-time code, so onboarding a respondent is instant.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Faster reviews" icon="gauge-high">
    Structured answers combine with VendexLabs' [research](/concepts/enrichment) so you spend time deciding, not chasing.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Note>
  Questionnaire responses supplement — they don't replace — the evidence VendexLabs gathers automatically. Use them to confirm specifics or fill gaps flagged in an assessment's open items.
</Note>