Extract to table

5530, a best-value tradeoff determination must satisfy three fundamental requirements

First, the determination must be rational — that is, it must reflect a reasoned judgment supported by the evidence in the evaluation record

While an SSA is not mechanically bound by numerical point scores and may exercise qualitative judgment, the exercise of that judgment must be explained

2005) (tradeoff decision must be "rational and consistent with the evaluation criteria"); Latecoere Int'l, Inc

The SSA's discretion must be exercised rationally and consistently with the evaluation criteria stated in the solicitation

Legal Standard It is a fundamental principle of competitive procurement — codified in Section 20-80 of the Illinois Procurement Code, 30 ILCS 500/20-80, and reflected in procurement law at every level of government — that proposals must be evaluated solely against the criteria stated in the solicitation