A formal agreement that outlines service expectations between an IT vendor and a stakeholder is known as what?

A formal agreement that outlines service expectations between an IT vendor and a stakeholder is termed a Service Level Agreement (SLA). This document is crucial in defining the expected level of service, including performance metrics, responsibilities, and obligations of both parties involved. It establishes clear criteria for measuring the service provider's performance, which can include aspects like response times, downtime limits, and availability guarantees. An SLA is instrumental in ensuring that both the vendor and the stakeholder have a shared understanding of the expectations, which can help foster a more successful and transparent partnership.

While other options serve different purposes within the framework of IT and procurement, they do not specifically define an agreement that sets expectations for service delivery. Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) refers to a design paradigm for software architecture rather than a contractual agreement. A Request for Information (RFI) is a document used to gather information from vendors about their capabilities and products, and it typically precedes more formal procurement processes. Similarly, a Request for Proposal (RFP) is a solicitation for vendors to submit proposals for specific products or services but does not focus on the ongoing service levels established by an SLA. Thus, the SLA is the correct term that encapsulates the essence of a formal service expectation agreement.