Socioeconomic Evaluation Factors

Socio-economic status used to never (or rarely) be used as an evaluation factor. But lately it has. Small business specialists seem to be pushing this more in procurements as the word on use is spreading.

However this is the first I've seen where the actual category of firms has a pre-defined rating.

I'm not well versed in source selection procedures, but I was wondering about an evaluation factor I saw recently for evaluating the socioeconomic status of vendors. Section M of the RFP listed 6 non-price/price related factors, including (1) Technical Approach/Management Plan, (2) Past Performance, (3) Corporate Experience, (4) Socio-Economic Status, (5) Project and Key Personnel, and (6) Quality Assurance and Quality Control.

The language for rating factor #4 stated, "Socio-Economic Status of the Vendor shall be considered as a primary evaluation factor for award with the goal of achieving one of the Agency?s socio-economic goals. The following list details the preference level for each socio-economic goal sought through color ratings". The list stated SDVOSBs and 8(a)'s would be given an "Exceptional" rating; Woman-Owned, HZ, and SDB's would be given a "Good" rating; SB's an "Acceptable" rating; and large business's a "Marginal" rating.

I've seen factors relating to subcontracting goals, but are factors such as the one above normally used in federal procurement?

Thanks Formerfed. I first thought about it being a way to get out of conducting market research for determining if it was possible to use set-asides or limit competition to a particular small business group. But then I thought how it would be very helpful in multiple awards. Just never saw it used before.

I'm not well versed in source selection procedures, but I was wondering about an evaluation factor I saw recently for evaluating the socioeconomic status of vendors. Section M of the RFP listed 6 non-price/price related factors, including (1) Technical Approach/Management Plan, (2) Past Performance, (3) Corporate Experience, (4) Socio-Economic Status, (5) Project and Key Personnel, and (6) Quality Assurance and Quality Control.

The language for rating factor #4 stated, "Socio-Economic Status of the Vendor shall be considered as a primary evaluation factor for award with the goal of achieving one of the Agency's socio-economic goals. The following list details the preference level for each socio-economic goal sought through color ratings". The list stated SDVOSBs and 8(a)'s would be given an "Exceptional" rating; Woman-Owned, HZ, and SDB's would be given a "Good" rating; SB's an "Acceptable" rating; and large business's a "Marginal" rating.

I've seen factors relating to subcontracting goals, but are factors such as the one above normally used in federal procurement?

I'm glad that they're looking for a good woman.

I'm glad that they're looking for a good woman.

didn't paratroopers used to be more interested in bad women ?