Evaluation factors

FAR 15.304 says price or cost must be evaluated in every source selection, quality must be addressed through factors such as technical excellence, management capability, personnel qualifications, prior experience or past performance, and past performance must be evaluated in most competitive negotiated buys above the simplified acquisition threshold. The solicitation must state the relative importance of all factors and significant subfactors.

It must also say whether the non-price factors, combined, are significantly more important than, approximately equal to, or significantly less important than price. Evaluation then follows only the stated factors (FAR 15.305(a); 15.202(a)(1) in the FAR overhaul text).

The factors decide what earns credit. Mirror their names in the headings, answer each subfactor where Section L asks, and make strengths explicit so an evaluator can record them. Where the solicitation names a best value tradeoff, the relative importance tells you how much extra value is worth to the buyer.

State and local RFPs usually call them evaluation criteria and often assign points, for example a set number for approach, experience, staff and cost. Some add local preference or certified-business points defined by state or city rules.