How are tenders scored?
2 min read · Prepared by TenderChecker
Short answer
Buyers score bids against the award criteria and weightings published in the tender documents, usually combining a quality score and a price score. Quality answers are often marked on a scale, such as 0 to 5, with descriptions of what each score means.
Key points
- ✓Scored against published award criteria and weightings
- ✓Quality answers often use a 0-5 or 0-10 scale
- ✓Evaluators can only score what is written
Read the scoring guide
If the buyer publishes score descriptors, write to the top one. Phrases like 'fully meets the requirement with evidence' tell you exactly what is expected.
Evaluators score what is written
Evaluators generally cannot assume knowledge you have not put in the answer, even if they know your company.
Check the quality/price split
The weighting shows how much your written answers matter compared with your price.
What evaluators look for
- An answer that clearly matches the top score descriptor
- Evidence for every important claim
- Answers that are easy to mark against each criterion
Quick self-check before you submit
- ☐ Scoring descriptors read before writing
- ☐ Quality/price weighting noted
- ☐ Each criterion visibly covered in the answer
Key terms on this page
- Award criteria
- The published factors a buyer uses to score bids, usually split between quality and price, often with sub-criteria and weightings. Your answers should map clearly to each one.
- Weighting
- The share of the total score given to each criterion or question. Higher-weighted questions deserve more of your time.
In-depth guides
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More questions
General guidance only, not legal advice. Always follow the buyer's own tender documents.