Some Questions are Threats in Disguise

Unfortunately, the only way to know for sure if a question is a threat is when you don't answer it and it becomes a talking point to outsource the work. The lesson here is to listen closely to questions about the in-plant, and even adopt a slightly paranoid attitude as you listen.

If you discover that some questions are threats you should research how other departments support the core mission, provide value and fulfill the objectives of the parent organization. Understanding the arguments made by other departments about these things will help you better prepare to defend your position. And once you have a strategy, you need measurements and benchmarks to prove that you are as good as, if not better than, other providers.