How the client will mark the proposals.
What they are
- Usually include weights of sections, so you know what matters
- Sometimes identify minimum thresholds or scores that bidders must meet to be considered technically compliant
- Can include mandatory requirements in addition to rated criteria
- Can specify content or standards for the proposal
What they are not
They are not as detailed or as clear as you’d like. Never.
What not to do with them
Don’t confuse them with response instructions or a table of contents for the proposal (that is, don’t use them to organize or structure the response unless they are explicitly provided for that purpose).