Evaluation

Oral presentations (see FAR 15.102) allow the Government to hear directly from the vendor and their technical experts about their solutions and create a dialogue.

Confidence ratings are another form of adjectival rating that allow evaluators to assign ratings more holistically. May be used in acquisitions under FAR subparts 8.4 (orders/BPAs under schedules), 15.3 (source selections), and 16.505 (orders under multiple-award IDIQ contracts); as well as Part13 (Simplified Acquisitions). Only source selections under Subpart 15.3 require documentation of relative strengths, deficiencies, significant weaknesses, and risks; other acquisitions may use different approaches.

Product or technical demonstrations let buyers see, feel, and test solutions before buying. True capabilities can be revealed. Can be a stand-alone factor or an element of the oral presentation.

The solicitation is bifurcated into multiple phases (usually two), with a down-select in between the phases. The down-select can be firm or advisory, there are benefits to each. The goal is to make Phase 1 light, while saving the heavy technical submission and price to Phase 2 with a smaller number of offerors.

No ratings are assigned! The evaluators compare one offeror to another, factor by factor and then overall at the end. Ideal for task/delivery orders under FAR subpart 8.4 and 16.505, but also for part 13 simplified acquisitions (incl. subpart 13.5 for commercial items up to $7 Million). Not recommended for use under FAR part 15.