Which of the following best describes a vendor survey?

A vendor survey is primarily focused on evaluating suppliers to ensure that they meet required standards and performance expectations. This process typically includes assessing various aspects such as quality of materials, adherence to delivery schedules, compliance with safety regulations, and overall reliability as a partner. By conducting a vendor survey, an organization can identify potential risks in its supply chain and foster improvements where necessary.

The other choices present activities that are not aligned with the concept of a vendor survey. An internal audit of company staff would focus on employee compliance with internal policies rather than supplier performance. An audit focused on customer satisfaction centers around understanding customer feedback and experiences, which is different from evaluating vendor capabilities. A procedural review of internal policies addresses internal governance and operational procedures rather than the assessment of external suppliers. Thus, the emphasis on standards in supplier audits makes the chosen answer the most accurate representation of a vendor survey.