In source selection, which factor is mandatory evaluation factor in every source selection?

In source selection, which factor is mandatory evaluation factor in every source selection?

• A. Cost
• B. Technical capability
• C. Past performance
• D. Schedule risk

Answer: (A)

The key concept here is that cost (price) must be evaluated in every source selection because budgeting and value go hand in hand. Even when the process uses best‑value tradeoffs, the government still compares offers on price or cost to ensure the chosen proposal delivers reasonable value within the budget and aligns with lifecycle costs. This evaluation anchors the decision, preventing selection of technically superior proposals that are unaffordable or economically unsustainable. Price scrutiny also supports accountability and fairness, ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. Technical capability, past performance, and schedule risk are important factors in many procurements, but they are not universally mandatory in every source selection. They are weighed alongside price to determine overall value, but price remains a required element to assess affordability and value across all procurements.

The key concept here is that cost (price) must be evaluated in every source selection because budgeting and value go hand in hand. Even when the process uses best‑value tradeoffs, the government still compares offers on price or cost to ensure the chosen proposal delivers reasonable value within the budget and aligns with lifecycle costs. This evaluation anchors the decision, preventing selection of technically superior proposals that are unaffordable or economically unsustainable. Price scrutiny also supports accountability and fairness, ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.

Technical capability, past performance, and schedule risk are important factors in many procurements, but they are not universally mandatory in every source selection. They are weighed alongside price to determine overall value, but price remains a required element to assess affordability and value across all procurements.