I would like to discuss a task similar to “We cannot explain what we are competing against”

A possible distinction: Alternatives and criteria are assumptions.

Possible first output: An assumption-based deal risk review and a plan to validate the alternatives.

I would like to check whether this first step fits our task and discuss terms for further work.

Our situation: [add details]
What we want to change: [add details]
What we have tried: [add details]