To ensure a fair and competitive transaction process, the following guidelines are followed in determining the appropriate evaluation criteria and in establishing the appropriate evaluation process:
• The evaluation criteria and evaluation process are established prior to any submissions being reviewed.
• The evaluation criteria, evaluation process, and transaction documents are internally consistent.
• The pre-established evaluation criteria and evaluation process are consistently applied.
The evaluation teams will undertake the evaluation of submissions subject to:
• Appropriate skills and qualifications. Selection of evaluators is based on the skills and qualifications that they possess. Additional subject experts may be consulted on an as-needed basis.
• No conflict of interest. Evaluators are free from conflict of interest issues.
• Development of evaluation criteria. Evaluation criteria should be based on requirements of the Province and SIO, and be practical.
• Training. Evaluators participate in training sessions covering the material required for evaluation process. This includes project orientation and the principles of the Government of Alberta P3 model.
• Application of evaluation criteria. Evaluation criteria should be applied consistently to all submissions.
• Thorough and careful review of submissions. All evaluators should familiarize themselves with the entire submission, regardless of whether their evaluation roles cover the entire submission or specific elements.
• Validation of information supplied. Evaluators are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of information provided. Evaluators may conduct reference checks and research publicly available sources as appropriate.
• Use of reasonable professional judgment. The application of evaluation criteria is not intended to be a purely mechanical exercise.
• Clarification questions. Clarification questions to Respondents or Proponents may be required in order to properly evaluate their submissions. The intention is not to generate new information and hence typically the timeframe for responses is short (e.g., two business days).
• Unanimous decisions. The scores or ratings assigned to each submission should be unanimous. If this is not possible, a majority vote shall decide. The full Selection Committee during the RFQ stage is required to confirm in writing their decision. The Evaluation Teams during the RFP stage are required to confirm in writing their decisions.
• Role of Evaluation Team Chair. A Chairperson is to be nominated for each Evaluation Team. The Chairperson is responsible for facilitating discussion and the documentation of evaluation results.