[Nick Oscar]

A long rubric can make an evaluation look rigorous while rewarding the same idea several times. How should a team choose criteria and weights that lead to a meaningful decision?

[Nick Oscar]

Accepted editorial answer

Start with the outcomes and risks that matter to the buyer. Each criterion should test a distinct part of the need, specify the evidence that evaluators will use, and describe what weak, acceptable, and strong performance look like.

Check the rubric for hidden double counting. For example, usability, ease of use, and user experience may be a single issue unless the team defines separate evidence for each. Keep mandatory gates separate from scored differences, and make sure the weights match the importance of the decision.

For federal negotiated procurements, FAR 15.304 says evaluation factors should cover the important areas and support meaningful comparison. FAR 15.305 also ties the evaluation to the factors stated in the solicitation. Other buyers can use the same discipline even when different procurement rules apply.

[Author]

Posts