Negotiating service level agreements (SLAs) is the best way for an organization to minimize the difference between expected and delivered services when acquiring resources, because SLAs define the scope, quality, availability, performance, and security of the services that the provider will deliver to the customer. SLAs also specify the roles and responsibilities, escalation procedures, and penalties for non-compliance of both parties. By negotiating SLAs, the organization can ensure that its expectations and requirements are clearly communicated and agreed upon by the provider, and that there are mechanisms to measure and monitor the service delivery and outcomes. Negotiating SLAs also helps to prevent or resolve any disputes or issues that may arise from the service provision, and to ensure that the organization receives the value and benefits that it expects from the provider. One of the sources that supports this answer is Service-level Agreement: 3 Types And Templates - Contract Lawyers, which states that “A service-level agreement is important because it: Protects both parties: The SLA sets standards for the service, ensuring both the service provider and end user are on the same page with expectations.”