XL EagleBest Value
Best Value. Best value means the outcome that, in the government's judgment, provides the greatest overall benefit for the requirement. It is not a single method. It covers a range, from awards based mostly on price (like LPTA) to awards where quality can justify a higher price (a tradeoff).
Where a solicitation falls on that range depends on how clear the requirement is and how much risk comes with poor performance. Section M tells you which approach the agency picked.
Why it matters to a small contractor
When a solicitation says best value, do not assume the cheapest bid wins, and do not assume it does not. Read Section M to see whether you are in a tradeoff (where strengths matter) or LPTA (where acceptable plus cheapest wins), and plan your effort accordingly.
Example
Two solicitations both say best value. One is LPTA for paper towel deliveries; the other is a tradeoff for HVAC system maintenance where technical approach counts more than price. The same company bids them very differently.
Best Value: common questions
Does best value mean I can charge more?
Only in a tradeoff, and only if your proposal shows benefits the evaluators value enough to justify the extra cost.
Who decides what best value is?
The source selection authority, using the factors in the solicitation and documenting the reasons for the decision.
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