Bids are evaluated with no discussion held with the bidders. Because bid evaluation and comparison are limited to price and other price-related factors only, the decision cycle of Bidder Responsibility Determination is shorter than other competitive procurement methods that have to deal with more complex, non-price-related evaluation factors. Evaluation of bids is two-fold. After the bid has been determined responsive, the bidder must be deemed responsible, as detailed below.

Bidder Responsibility Determination

To be determined responsible, a bidder must be successfully evaluated against the 7 following criteria:

1. Financial Resources.

The bidder must have adequate financial resources to perform the contract, or the ability to obtain them.

2. Performance Schedule.

The bidder must be able to comply with the performance schedule, required or proposed delivery, taking into consideration all existing commercial and governmental business commitments.

3. Performance Record.

The bidder must have have a satisfactory performance history, if any. Nevertheless, a prospective contractor shall not be determined responsible or non-responsible solely because of a lack of relevant performance history, except when specified in a standard for special acquisitions.

4. Integrity and Ethics.

The bidder must have a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics including satisfactory compliance with laws related to taxes, labor and employment, environment, antitrust, and consumer protection.

5. Organization and Skills.

The bidder must have the necessary organization and skills, experience, accounting and operational controls, and technical skills, or the ability to obtain them.

6. Equipment and Facilities.

The bidder must have the necessary technical equipment and facilities for production or construction, or ability to obtain them.

7. Other Qualification.

The bidder must be otherwise qualified and eligible to receive an award under applicable laws and regulations.

Bidder Responsibility Determination is also known as: bidder evaluation criteria, contractor responsibility determination, vendor responsibility determination, bidder evaluation worksheet.