Definition
Evaluation Criteria
The detailed questions and measures behind each award criterion.
Evaluation criteria are the detailed standards, questions and methodology a contracting authority uses to assess and score tenders received. They break the broader award criteria (price and quality) down into specific questions, word or page limits, weightings and scoring descriptors that bidders must respond to directly.
How evaluation criteria are structured
A typical ITT sets evaluation criteria as a table: question number, question text, weighting, word or page limit, and sometimes the scoring descriptor to be applied. Some documents separate 'what will be assessed' from 'how it will be scored', and bidders should read both carefully before drafting.
Method statements are the most common vehicle for quality evaluation criteria, asking bidders to describe their approach, resourcing, risk management or added value against a defined scenario or requirement.
Turning criteria into a compliant response
The safest approach is to lift the exact wording of the evaluation question into the response as a heading, then structure the answer to address every element mentioned, in the order it is asked, using the buyer's own terminology where possible.
Evaluators score what is on the page, not what the supplier assumes they know; unstated capability or experience does not exist for scoring purposes.
- Underline or list each component of a multi-part question and answer all of them
- Reference the specific contract, not generic company capability
- Use headings and short paragraphs to help evaluators find the answer quickly
- Keep within word or page limits, since excess content is often disregarded
Frequently asked questions
- What happens if I don't address every part of an evaluation criterion?
- Evaluators typically score against each element they can identify in the answer; missing elements score zero or very low marks for that part, which pulls down the overall question score even if other parts are strong.
- Are evaluation criteria the same for every bidder?
- Yes. Public buyers are required to apply the same published evaluation criteria and methodology to every tender received, ensuring equal treatment. Any inconsistency in application can be a ground for a formal challenge.
- Where do I find the evaluation criteria for a specific tender?
- They are usually in the ITT, the procurement documents pack, or an appendix labelled 'evaluation methodology' or 'scoring matrix', accessible via Find a Tender, Contracts Finder, or the buyer's e-procurement portal after registering interest.
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