3.5 Rank Bidders and Identify Preferred Bidder

Following bid evaluation and bid clarifications the bidders would be formally ranked by the evaluation team. The bidder with the highest overall ranking is typically the recommended organization with which negotiations would start. The recommendation is typically endorsed by owner company executives prior to commencing with detailed negotiations.

Often a second choice bidder is identified as a backup in case negotiations with the first bidder fail. Where differences between bids are relatively small, a decision may be made to enter into separate negotiations with each bidder at the same time. In some cases all bids may be judged non-compliant with minimum mandatory requirements and all the bids rejected.