guide
How Tender Evaluation Works
7 min readBy David OkonjoReviewed by Helen MarshPublished 2026-04-15Last reviewed 2026-06-25
In short
Tenders are evaluated by scoring each quality question against a published marking scheme, moderating those scores to a panel consensus, applying a price formula, then weighting quality and price to identify the most advantageous tender.
Quality scoring and moderation
Each evaluator scores independently against defined descriptors, then a moderation meeting agrees a consensus score and a written rationale. That rationale becomes your feedback letter.
Price scoring
Most authorities use a relative formula: the lowest compliant price gets full marks and others score in proportion. Understand the formula before pricing, because a small price gap can cost more marks than a weak answer.
Putting it together
Weightings are published in the ITT. A 60/40 quality/price split rewards well-evidenced delivery; a 30/70 split rewards commercial efficiency. Pricing strategy should follow the weighting, not habit.
Frequently asked questions
What does MEAT mean?
Most Economically Advantageous Tender: the combined quality and price assessment used to identify the winning bid. Under the Procurement Act 2023 this is expressed as the most advantageous tender.
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