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Selection vs award criteria explained
The distinction SMEs most often get wrong, and why it decides where evidence goes.
Selection vs award criteria explained
What this is
A short note clarifying the difference between the selection criteria (Article 58) that economic operators must meet to be allowed to participate in a procurement, and the award criteria (Article 67) used by the contracting authority to decide which compliant tender wins the contract.
When you need it
Use this at the stage where you are preparing your bid response after the call for competition has been published. It is mandatory during both the selection phase (checking eligibility and capacity) and the award phase (scoring the tenders). Understanding the distinction helps you avoid disqualification for missing selection requirements and lets you tailor your offer to score well on award criteria.
How to fill it in
- Identify the selection criteria listed in the tender documents – usually references to Article 58 of Directive 2014/24/EU (financial standing, technical capacity, professional ability).
- Document evidence for each criterion (certificates, audited accounts, past‑project proof) and attach them to your ESPD or self‑declaration.
- Identify the award criteria set out in the contract notice – they refer to Article 67 (price, quality, sustainability, social aspects).
- Map your offering to each award criterion: provide quantitative data, explain methodology, and reference any mandatory standards required by the authority.
- Cross‑check that every selection requirement is satisfied before you address award criteria; a missing selection item leads to automatic disqualification regardless of score.
What wins points
- Demonstrating compliance with each Article 58 sub‑point (e.g., financial guarantees, technical certifications) lets the contract be considered admissible.
- For Article 67, clearly quantify how your solution meets each criterion (e.g., lowest life‑cycle cost, highest sustainability rating). Use concrete metrics and dates; vague statements are scored poorly.
How this gets you disqualified
- Missing or insufficient evidence for any selection requirement (Article 58) – the tender will be deemed unsuitable even if your price is low.
- Failure to meet minimum thresholds set out in the award criteria (Article 67), such as not achieving a required score on the environmental criterion, leads to exclusion at the award stage.
Template
--- Selection criteria (Article 58) - Financial standing: ______________________ (certificate / proof attached) - Technical capacity: _____________________ (project list / certifications) - Professional ability: ___________________ (references / licences) Award criteria (Article 67) – score each as applicable: 1. Price (weight ___%): ______________________________________________ 2. Quality / technical merit (weight ___%): ___________________________ 3. Sustainability / social impact (weight ___%): ______________________ 4. Other specific criteria (describe): _________________________________ ---
What wins points
Demonstrating compliance with selection criteria (Article 58) and providing quantified evidence for award criteria (Article 67) shows eligibility and scores high on evaluation.
How this gets you disqualified
Missing or insufficient evidence for any Article 58 requirement leads to automatic disqualification; failing to meet minimum thresholds in Article 67 also excludes the bid.
What an evaluator actually looks for
Evaluator first checks that all selection criteria under Article 58 are satisfied before scoring award criteria under Article 67.
Sources
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