RFPs sometimes include explicit information about how the proposals will be evaluated. In highly competitive situations, this information is available to you, even if it is not a part of the RFP.

For example:

understanding of problem	25 points
soundness of solution	25 points
meets specifications	15 points
feasiblity of plan	10 points
qualifications	15 points
acceptibility of cost	10 points

However, even if the evaluation criteria is not explicitly laid out, evaluators generally consider the above criteria.

Additional criteria include

• realistic time schedule
• financial responsibility
• recognition of other solutions, and their strengths and weaknesses