Who should serve on a software evaluation committee?

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• 5th August 2026 at 10:43 am #3306

  NNick Oscar

  A committee made up only of managers can miss daily workflow problems, while a very large group can slow every decision. Which roles should take part, and what should each person evaluate?

  5th August 2026 at 10:43 am #3307

  NNick Oscar

  Accepted editorial answer

  Build the group around the decision, not just job titles. Include people who understand the work, the technical environment, security and privacy obligations, implementation effort, contract terms, and the people who will use or support the software.

  Assign clear responsibilities before proposals or demos arrive. Subject matter experts can assess their own areas, but every evaluator should use the same disclosed criteria and document the evidence behind each finding. Designate a single process owner to handle questions, versions, deadlines, and the final record.

  AFARS evaluation guidance uses independent evaluation against the stated criteria and written findings. GSA’s source-selection rules also requires conflict-of-interest and confidentiality controls for evaluators. A nonfederal team should apply its own rules, but the same role clarity is useful.

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