Source Selection Criteria
The buyer's defined standards and preferences that vendors must meet or surpass to be awarded the contract.
Key Points
- Lists measurable factors such as price, technical capability, quality, schedule, risk, and past performance.
- Created during procurement planning and included in RFPs and other solicitation documents.
- May use weighted scoring, pass/fail thresholds, or mandatory requirements to compare proposals.
- Guides fair, transparent evaluation and aligns seller selection with project objectives and constraints.
Example
A government IT project issues an RFP for a data center migration. The RFP states source selection criteria: cost (30%), technical approach (25%), security certifications (mandatory pass/fail), relevant experience (20%), schedule feasibility (15%), and references (10%). Vendors are evaluated against these criteria, and the highest scored compliant proposal wins.
PMP Example Question
During procurement planning, the team defines mandatory certifications, minimum experience levels, and a weighted scoring model for cost and technical approach. What is this set of standards called?
- Procurement Statement of Work
- Seller Proposals
- Contract Change Control System
- Source Selection Criteria
Correct Answer: D — the buyer's criteria used to choose a seller
Explanation: Source selection criteria specify how proposals will be judged and which qualifications are required for award.
