Weighted evaluation RFPs score bids on multiple criteria — price, experience, methodology, personnel, and schedule — each with a defined point maximum. Mandatory criteria still apply as pass/fail gates before scoring begins. A bid that passes compliance but scores low on experience will lose to a higher-priced bid with stronger references, even when price carries the largest single weight.
Mandatory pass/fail vs scored criteria: how they interact
Mandatory criteria eliminate non-compliant bids. Scored criteria rank the survivors. You must clear both hurdles — compliance alone does not win.
What happens if you pass mandatory but score low?
You are not disqualified — you simply lose. A contractor with 90/100 on experience and methodology beats a compliant bidder with 40/100, even at a lower price, when price is only 40% of the total score.
Can mandatory criteria also be scored?
Rarely. Usually mandatory items are binary yes/no. Some RFPs score safety programs or environmental plans, but only after base mandatory compliance is confirmed.
What are typical evaluation weights in Alberta municipal RFPs?
Weights vary by project type but follow predictable patterns across Alberta municipalities. The evaluation matrix in section 4 of most RFPs spells out exact percentages.
Construction RFP weight examples
Price 40–50%, relevant experience 20–30%, methodology and schedule 15–20%, key personnel 10–15%. Indigenous participation or local content may add 5–10% on some projects.
Professional services RFP weight examples
Price 30–40%, firm experience 25%, proposed team qualifications 25%, approach and work plan 15%. Price matters less than in ITTs.
How should contractors strategize for weighted RFPs?
Estimate the scoring before estimating the price. If you cannot reach 70% of available non-price points, the RFP is likely unwinnable regardless of how sharp your number is.
How do you self-score before bidding?
Map your references, resumes, and methodology against each scored criterion. Be honest — procurement committees see through inflated claims. NorthCited go/no-go scoring uses the published matrix.
When should you no-bid an RFP?
When mandatory requirements are not met, bonding exceeds capacity, or your self-score on experience and personnel falls below 60% of available points. Estimating hours on unwinnable RFPs is the hidden cost most contractors ignore.
How do you write strong scored proposal sections?
Scored sections are not marketing copy. They are evidence mapped to the evaluation matrix — specific projects, dollar values, contactable references, and named personnel with relevant credentials.
What makes a strong experience section?
Three to five projects within the last five years, matching the RFP scope as closely as possible. Include contract value, municipality name, completion date, and a reference contact. Generic project lists score zero.
How important is methodology?
More than most contractors think. A clear phased schedule, risk mitigation plan, and site-specific approach can earn 80–90% of methodology points. Copy-paste boilerplate earns 30%.