Selection of key subcontractors on a program can often make the difference between program success and failure. One approach that I have used to ensure the selected subcontractor is a good choice is a best-value assessment (BVA) process. It starts with a request for proposal (RFP) that is sent to qualified subcontractor candidates. The evaluation process combines objective and subjective judgments. The following example describes a BVA and how it is used.

The BVA process

The BVA process is a technical assessment and rating of candidate subcontractors based on their proposals received in response to the RFP. The process comprises team selection, proposal review, fact finding, subcontractor facility visit, BVA grading, and recommendation for subcontractor selection. The proposed prices are intentionally not made known to the BVA team so as not to bias their opinions. Pricing and strategic marketing strategy is established by management and applied along with the BVA during the final selection of the winning subcontractor.

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