Evaluation
Rated Criteria
Also known as: Point-rated criteria
Scored criteria that measure the relative quality of compliant bids, usually on a points scale.
Where mandatory requirements are pass or fail, rated criteria distinguish between bids that have already qualified. They typically score things like proposed methodology, team experience, understanding of the requirement, and risk management.
Rated criteria are usually weighted, and the weighting is published. This is the map for writing a proposal: a criterion worth 30 points deserves proportionally more attention than one worth 5. Suppliers routinely write at length about what interests them rather than what is weighted, and lose to less capable competitors who simply answered the scoring grid.
Many solicitations also set a minimum technical score. A bid can be compliant and still be eliminated for failing to reach it, before price is even opened.
In practice
An RFP allocates 40 points to methodology, 30 to team experience, 20 to past performance and 10 to transition planning, with a minimum of 70% required to proceed to price evaluation.
Related terms
- Mandatory RequirementA condition a bid must satisfy to remain in the competition. Failing even one normally eliminates the bid.
- Best ValueAn award method that combines technical merit and price rather than selecting on price alone.
- Evaluation CriteriaThe published basis on which bids will be assessed and compared, including how technical merit and price are combined.
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This definition describes general Canadian federal practice and is not legal advice. Always confirm requirements against the official solicitation.