SSET (Source Selection Evaluation Team)

What is SSET (Source Selection Evaluation Team)?

The Source Selection Evaluation Team (SSET) is a crucial element in the government procurement process. It's a team of individuals responsible for thoroughly evaluating proposals submitted in response to government solicitations, such as Requests for Proposals (RFPs). Their primary task is to assess how well each proposal meets the stated requirements and evaluation criteria.

Definition

The SSET is assembled by the government agency to conduct a comprehensive and impartial evaluation of proposals. Their evaluation provides critical input to the Source Selection Authority (SSA), who ultimately makes the final decision on contract award. The composition of the SSET will vary depending on the complexity and nature of the procurement, but it typically includes technical experts, contracting officers, and representatives from the program office. The evaluation process is governed by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 15, which emphasizes objectivity, fairness, and adherence to the evaluation criteria specified in the solicitation. Government contractors should understand the SSET’s role to better align their proposals with evaluation criteria.

The SSET uses the evaluation factors described in the RFP to score and rank the proposals. They analyze various aspects of each proposal, including technical approach, management plan, past performance, and cost/price. The SSET then documents its findings in an evaluation report, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each proposal. This report serves as a key resource for the Source Selection Authority in making an informed decision about which contractor offers the best value to the government.

Key Points

• Objective Evaluation: The SSET must maintain objectivity and avoid any bias in their evaluations. Their focus is on assessing how well each proposal meets the stated requirements of the solicitation.
• Adherence to Evaluation Criteria: The SSET must strictly follow the evaluation criteria outlined in the RFP. These criteria provide the framework for the evaluation and ensure a fair and consistent assessment of all proposals.
• Comprehensive Assessment: The SSET conducts a thorough assessment of all aspects of each proposal, including technical, management, cost, and past performance considerations.
• Documentation: The SSET documents its findings in a detailed evaluation report, which includes a comparative analysis of each proposal and justifications for the assigned scores.

Practical Examples

1. Technical Evaluation: The SSET assesses the technical approach proposed by each contractor, evaluating its feasibility, innovation, and alignment with the government's requirements. For example, if the RFP prioritizes a specific technology, the SSET will assess the contractor's experience and expertise in that area.
2. Cost/Price Analysis: The SSET analyzes the cost/price proposal submitted by each contractor, assessing its reasonableness, realism, and competitiveness. They may use techniques such as price analysis, cost analysis, or should-cost analysis to determine the overall value offered by each proposal.
3. Past Performance Review: The SSET reviews the past performance of each contractor, evaluating their track record of successfully completing similar projects. They may consider factors such as quality of work, schedule adherence, and customer satisfaction.