What must a contracting officer ensure during the procurement process?

During the procurement process, it is crucial for a contracting officer to ensure adherence to established selection criteria. These criteria serve as a framework to assess proposals and bids, guiding the decision-making process in selecting the most suitable contractor for the project. By following these established criteria, the contracting officer maintains fairness, transparency, and consistency in the procurement process, ensuring that all proposals are evaluated on an equal basis and that the selection aligns with the requirements and objectives of the project.

Following established selection criteria also helps to minimize the risk of biases influencing the decision and ensures that the selected contractor possesses the necessary qualifications, experience, and capabilities to successfully fulfill the requirements of the contract. This compliance with selection criteria is integral to achieving both regulatory obligations and organizational goals within the procurement process.