Which of the following is a mandatory evaluation factor for a solicitation?

The mandatory evaluation factor for a solicitation is price/cost. In government contracting, price or cost is a fundamental consideration that must always be evaluated to ensure that the best value is obtained for taxpayers. This is because the allocation of funds and public resources necessitates a clear understanding of the financial implications of a contract. Evaluating price helps to establish budgetary constraints and ensures that contractors provide competitive and reasonable pricing in relation to their offered products or services.

While technical capability, delivery time, and experience are critical factors that can influence a decision, they do not have the same mandatory status as price/cost. These factors may be significant depending on the specific requirements of a project or solicitation, but the law and regulations emphasize the necessity of comparing prices to maintain accountability and fiscal responsibility in government operations. Hence, the inclusion of price/cost as a foundational evaluation criterion is essential for justifying the expenditure and ensuring it aligns with the financial objectives of the contracting activity.