Section M spells out the criteria the government will use to rate proposals, including factors (e.g., technical, management,
past performance, price/cost), subfactors, and their relative importance. It also states whether the acquisition will use a best
value tradeoff or LPTA methodology. Offerors should trace each claim and discriminator to these factors and present objective
evidence—metrics, validations, and past results—to support ratings of Outstanding or Good. Aligning organization and headings
to Section M eases evaluation and reduces risk of missed content. During debriefings, agencies reference Section M to justify
strengths, weaknesses, and risks.
- Procurement & RFP Basics
Section M (Evaluation Factors for Award)
Defines factors, subfactors, and relative importance used to rate proposals.
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Related Glossary Terms
Defines factors, subfactors, and relative importance used to rate proposals.
Standards and factors used by the buyer to assess proposals and make award decisions.
Evaluation method allowing the buyer to trade higher price for superior non-price factors.
Evaluation method where the lowest-priced offer meeting minimum technical requirements wins.