What is a primary purpose of evaluating bids during the selection process?

The primary purpose of evaluating bids during the selection process is to determine the best overall value for the project. This involves not only considering pricing but also assessing the quality of the materials proposed, the contractor's experience, their understanding of the project requirements, and their ability to deliver the project on time and within budget.

A value-based evaluation ensures that the selected bid aligns with the project's goals, budget constraints, and quality expectations. This holistic approach allows project stakeholders to make an informed decision that balances cost with the potential for quality outcomes, rather than solely focusing on the lowest initial bid, which might compromise other critical aspects of the project.

In contrast, merely ensuring that all bids meet government standards or only analyzing previous contractor experiences would not provide a comprehensive appraisal of the bids. Likewise, focusing solely on finding the lowest price can lead to subpar project outcomes if quality or performance suffers as a result.