Process
Debriefing
A post-award explanation to an unsuccessful bidder of how its bid was evaluated.
Unsuccessful bidders may generally request a debriefing within a defined period after award. The buyer explains how the bid scored against the published criteria and where it fell short.
Debriefings are consistently underused. They are the only direct feedback available on how your proposal was actually read, and the same weaknesses tend to recur across bids until someone points them out. Request one every time you lose, and ask specifically which rated criteria scored lowest.
A debriefing explains your own evaluation. It is not an opportunity to review competitors' bids or to reopen the decision.
Related terms
See this term in a real tender
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This definition describes general Canadian federal practice and is not legal advice. Always confirm requirements against the official solicitation.