# Evaluations The Evaluations module lets you create a structured, weighted scoring framework for supplier responses in an RFx event. Use it to standardize reviews, separate evaluator access, and rank suppliers before award. You can run a flat evaluation where all criteria are scored at once. You can also run a staged evaluation where suppliers move through sequential stages before the final decision. {% hint style="info" %} The Evaluations module can be added to any RFx event alongside worksheets and questionnaires. It is optional. {% endhint %} ### Before you begin Make sure you have: * An active RFx event with supplier responses or questionnaires configured * **Event Creator** or **Administrator** permissions * Clear evaluation criteria and named evaluators * A decision on whether you need a flat or staged evaluation ### Adding the Evaluations module Open your RFx event and select **Add module**. Then add **Evaluations**. This works the same way as adding questionnaires or worksheets. After the module is added, you land on **Set up your evaluation**. The left sidebar shows two steps: * **Create Scorecards** * **Set up details** The main area shows the **Evaluation Scorecard**. Build your sections, questions, and criteria there. ### Choose your evaluation model #### Evaluation A single evaluation is the default mode. All criteria are scored in one pass. Each supplier receives one final weighted score. Use evaluation when you do not need gates between review phases. #### Multi-stage evaluation Multi-stage evaluation breaks the process into sequential phases. Suppliers must pass each stage before moving to the next. Use multi-stage evaluation when you need to: * Review technical merit before exposing pricing * Separate duties across different teams * Shortlist suppliers before a final decision {% hint style="info" %} Multi-stage evaluation works well when technical and commercial teams should not review the same data at the same time. {% endhint %} ### Build the scorecard Your scorecard uses three building blocks: * **Sections** — Group related questions and weight them as an area * **Questions** — Scored items inside a section * **Criteria** — Standalone scored items outside any section #### Sections Click **Add a Section** to create one. Give each section a title and description. Typical sections include: * **Technical Evaluation** — Review technical expertise, methodology, and references * **Commercial Evaluation** — Review pricing, discounts, lead times, and warranty terms You can create as many sections as needed. Each section can later be assigned to different evaluators. {% hint style="info" %} Sections define how you scope evaluator permissions later. For example, technical evaluators can be limited to the **Technical Evaluation** section. {% endhint %} #### Questions Inside each section, add questions that evaluators will score. Click the **+** button below a section. Each question represents one point of assessment. Common examples include: **Technical Evaluation** * Does the supplier demonstrate relevant experience in the required domain? * How well does the proposed approach align with your requirements? * Does the supplier have adequate staffing, certifications, or qualifications? **Commercial Evaluation** * How competitive is the supplier's overall pricing? * Is the pricing transparent and clearly broken down? * Are the payment terms, delivery schedules, and warranty terms acceptable? **Service and Risk** * Does the supplier have a credible continuity and risk plan? * How strong is the supplier's delivery and quality track record? * Does the supplier show adequate financial stability? Each question uses **Star Rating** by default. This gives evaluators a five-star scoring scale. #### Criteria To add a standalone scored item outside any section, click **+ Add criteria** on the scorecard. Criteria work like questions, but they are not grouped under a section. Use them for assessments that apply across the whole evaluation. ### Assign weightings By default, criteria inside a section are weighted evenly. Adjust the percentages to match your priorities. Each question or criterion has a percentage field beside it. The weights inside a section must total **100%**. The **Total Criteria Weight** indicator shows the running total. For example, three equally weighted questions might be set to `33%`, `33%`, and `34%`. You can also weight sections themselves. Standalone criteria are weighted independently alongside sections. For example, you might weight: * **Technical** at `70%` * **Commercial** at `30%` {% hint style="warning" %} Make sure each section totals exactly `100%` before you continue. {% endhint %} ### Set up Multi-stage Evaluation #### Enable multi-stage evaluation On the **Evaluation Scorecard**, turn on **Staged evaluation**. Your existing sections become the basis for your stages. A pipeline view appears at the top of the scorecard. {% hint style="warning" %} Turning off multi-stage evaluation clears the stage configuration. You must confirm before that happens. {% endhint %} #### Configure stages Click **+ Add stage** to add a stage to the pipeline. For each stage, you can: * Add a stage name * Assign evaluators * Add criteria and set scope, weight, and scoring type * Define a progression rule Stages run in pipeline order. You can reorder them before the evaluation is published. The final stage does not use a progression rule. It is labeled automatically as the final stage. {% hint style="info" %} Every stage must include at least one criterion before the evaluation can be published. {% endhint %} #### Set progression rules Each stage, except the final one, needs a progression rule. This determines which suppliers move forward. **Score threshold** Set a minimum score out of `10` with an operator such as `≥ 7`. Suppliers that meet the threshold advance automatically. Suppliers that do not meet it are eliminated and do not appear in later stages. {% hint style="info" %} You can review who advanced and who was eliminated in the stage results view. {% endhint %} #### Assign stage weights Each scored stage contributes to the final supplier score based on its weight. All scored stages must total **100%**. For example, a two-stage evaluation might weight: * **Technical** at `40%` * **Commercial** at `60%` Pass or fail stages do not carry a weight. They are excluded from the weight distribution. #### Evaluator experience in staged evaluation Evaluators only see the criteria and supplier data scoped to their assigned stage. They do not see other stages. Suppliers that do not advance also disappear from later stages. ### Invite evaluators and set permissions Click **Add Evaluators** to invite team members. For each evaluator, set two things: * The sections or stages they score * The event data they can view #### Assign sections or stages In a flat evaluation, assign evaluators to one or more sections. In a staged evaluation, assign evaluators to one or more stages. For example, a procurement specialist might only score the **Commercial** stage. A senior stakeholder might score both **Technical** and **Commercial**. #### Configure evaluation scope Use the **Evaluation Scope** panel to control data access. Available controls include: * **Allow pricing visibility** — Lets the evaluator view pricing data * **Data source access** — Sets access for worksheets, pricing worksheets, and questionnaire sections For example, a technical evaluator can be limited to the **Technical Capabilities** and **References** questionnaire sections with no pricing access. A commercial evaluator can be given access to pricing worksheets and financial sections. {% hint style="info" %} Scope controls help reduce bias and keep each evaluator focused on their area. {% endhint %} ### Set the evaluation timeline Switch to **Set up details** to configure timing and communication. Set: * **Start date** and **End date** * **Auto-reminders** for incomplete evaluations * A **Custom message** for evaluator invitations ### Launch and monitor Before launch, use **Preview as Evaluator** to verify the evaluator experience. Check that: * Criteria are correct * Scope is correct * Data visibility matches your intent When setup is complete, click **Save details** to finalize the evaluation and send invitations. During the evaluation period, the overview shows: * Overall completion percentage * Which evaluators are complete * Which evaluators are still in progress * The active stage and supplier progression status in staged evaluations For the evaluator workflow, see [Scoring Suppliers as an Evaluator](/product-guides/evaluations/scoring-suppliers-as-an-evaluator.md). ### Review the scorecard After the evaluation closes, use the **Evaluation Scorecard** as the main review view. It shows suppliers as columns and criteria as rows. It also shows aggregated weighted scores. In staged evaluations, the scorecard shows the final weighted score across all scored stages. #### Filter and analyze results Use these filters to inspect the outcome: * **Filter by evaluator** — Review one evaluator's scores to spot outliers * **Filter by supplier** — Narrow the view to selected suppliers * **View by criteria** — Inspect how each supplier performed on specific criteria The system calculates weighted scores automatically. Criterion scores roll up into sections or stages, then into a final supplier score. The top-ranked supplier is highlighted. ### Make an award decision The **Evaluation Scorecard** supports scoring and comparison. Awarding happens elsewhere. After you identify the preferred supplier: 1. Review the final evaluation results 2. Open [Compare Bids](/product-guides/compare-bids.md) 3. Compare suppliers side by side with pricing and line item detail 4. Select the supplier to award and complete the award flow {% hint style="info" %} Use evaluation scores to assess supplier quality. Use bid comparison to confirm the commercial decision. {% endhint %} ### Use evaluation templates If your team runs similar evaluations across many events, include the evaluation setup in an event template. Templates can pre-build: * Sections * Criteria * Weights * Scoring types * Stage configuration #### Dynamic evaluator assignment When you build a template, you can assign evaluators in two ways: * **Specific user** — A named person is pre-assigned on every event created from the template * **Dynamic role** — A role such as **Requestor** or **Assignee** is resolved when the event is created Dynamic roles help standardize ownership without hardcoding a person into the template. {% hint style="info" %} Evaluator assignments from a template can still be changed at the event level before launch. {% endhint %} #### Apply an evaluation template When an event is created from a template with evaluation configuration, the scorecard is pre-populated automatically. This includes sections, criteria, weights, and stage configuration. Dynamic roles are resolved when the event is created. ### Tips * Decide on flat or staged evaluation before inviting evaluators * Set score thresholds carefully so you do not remove viable suppliers too early * Finalize criteria before anyone starts scoring * Use scope controls to enforce fairness * Turn on reminders so evaluations finish on time * Review large scoring gaps before making the final decision --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://help.fairmarkit.com/product-guides/evaluations.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. 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