What is the purpose of "Evaluation Criteria" in procurement?

The purpose of "Evaluation Criteria" in procurement is to provide a structured framework that guides the assessment of bids or proposals submitted by vendors. These criteria are essential for ensuring a fair and impartial evaluation process, allowing procurement professionals to compare submissions against predefined standards. By establishing clear evaluation criteria, organizations can objectively measure how well each proposal meets their requirements, aligns with project goals, and offers value for money.

This systematic approach enables decision-makers to prioritize and clarify which aspects of a proposal are most important, such as price, quality, technical capability, and delivery timelines. It also enhances transparency in the procurement process, helping to foster trust among vendors and stakeholders involved.

While assessing a budget, determining vendor contracts, and evaluating existing contract performance are important components of the procurement lifecycle, they do not specifically describe the primary role and function of Evaluation Criteria in the initial selection process of proposals.