The screening process of the suppliers can be long drawn-out, but it has to be methodical and it has to be done well. This mix of weighted-criteria process is sometimes called a beauty contest. It can be done in secrecy with sealed bids to only invited suppliers. Or it can have all interested suppliers bidding. The selection process is certainly more objective with the ‘lowest bid wins’, but it can leave out the user’s needs considerably. Therefore, the argument for user functionality has to be spelt out for all. You can include the system criteria, or priorities, you deem important.

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