Evaluation Factors (EF)

The criteria the government uses to assess and compare proposals in a competitive procurement. They help determine which offer provides the best value or best meets the solicitation requirements.

What Are Evaluation Factors?

In government contracting, Evaluation Factors are the standards listed in a solicitation that tell offerors how their proposals will be judged. Common factors include technical approach, past performance, price, management plan, staffing, and small business participation.

These factors are important because they shape both the government's evaluation process and the contractor's proposal strategy.

Key Characteristics

Listed in the solicitation

Used to compare competing proposals

May include price and non-price factors

Often vary by agency, requirement, and contract type

Help define what the government values most

How It Works in Government Contracting

Evaluation Factors are established during solicitation development and used during proposal evaluation. After proposals are submitted, the government reviews each one against the stated factors.

They are used by contracting officers, source selection teams, evaluators, and offerors. Contractors rely on them to decide how to structure their proposal, where to add detail, and how to emphasize strengths.

In practice, Evaluation Factors tell offerors whether the government is focused mainly on technical quality, low price, strong past performance, management capability, or some combination of these.

Regulatory Framework

Evaluation Factors are part of the federal source selection framework and must be stated clearly in the solicitation. The government is expected to evaluate proposals based on the factors and approach it disclosed to offerors.

Their relative importance may also be stated, which helps contractors understand how the government will weigh different parts of the proposal.

Why It Matters for Contractors

Evaluation Factors matter because they directly influence how proposals are scored and which offeror is selected. A proposal that ignores or misunderstands the evaluation factors is less likely to succeed.

They also matter strategically because they help contractors decide how to allocate effort across pricing, technical writing, staffing, past performance examples, and overall proposal emphasis.

Common Misconceptions About Evaluation Factors

Price is always the most important factor.

Some solicitations give more weight to technical quality, past performance, or overall value.

All evaluation factors are weighted equally.

Many solicitations clearly state that some factors are more important than others.

Evaluation Factors are only for the government.

Contractors should use them to guide proposal development and strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common Evaluation Factors?

Technical approach, past performance, price, management plan, staffing, and transition approach are common examples.

Where are Evaluation Factors found?

They are usually listed in the solicitation, often in the evaluation section.

Why are Evaluation Factors important?

Because they tell offerors how the government will judge proposals.

Can Evaluation Factors change from one solicitation to another?

Yes. They depend on the agency, requirement, contract type, and acquisition strategy.