What are evaluative criteria used for in procurement?

Evaluative criteria are essential in the procurement process as they provide a systematic way to assess and compare proposals from different vendors. When procuring goods or services, organizations develop evaluative criteria that outline the specific factors that will be considered in the selection process. These criteria may include price, technical capability, past performance, compliance with specifications, and other relevant factors that align with the organization’s needs.

Using evaluative criteria ensures that the selection process is transparent and objective, allowing procurement teams to measure proposals against predetermined standards. This evaluation helps in identifying which vendor best meets the requirements of the project or purchase, ensuring that the organization makes informed decisions that align with its goals and priorities.

The other options, while related to procurement, do not reflect the primary purpose of evaluative criteria. Improving vendor relationships is important but is typically a result of good procurement practices rather than the criteria themselves. Determining contract termination procedures and establishing pricing categories are also critical aspects of procurement but do not pertain specifically to the evaluation of vendor proposals. Thus, the focus of evaluative criteria remains squarely on the assessment of proposals during the selection process.