When are tradeoffs in the source selection process not permitted?

In the contract source selection process, tradeoffs refer to the decision-making process where a procuring agency may choose a proposal that is not the lowest price if it offers better value based on other evaluation factors. However, there are specific instances when such tradeoffs are not permitted.

Bids are compliant when they meet the requirements outlined in the solicitation, including the necessary documents, formats, and adherence to specified criteria. In situations where the evaluation factors and their significance are clearly stated, there is a structured method for selecting bids based on these predefined criteria. If the evaluation framework is straightforward and clear, allowing for tradeoffs would contradict the process's integrity, as it could lead to subjective decision-making or unequal treatment of bidders. Therefore, when the evaluation factors and their significance are articulated in a clear manner, tradeoffs are not permissible.

This understanding solidifies the importance of having well-defined evaluation criteria in the procurement process to ensure fairness and transparency among bidders, making the process predictable and accountable.