LPTA versus tradeoff: how procurement methods can impact contract performance

Early in the procurement planning process, the acquisition team determines the method of proposal evaluations that will be used during source selections. The most frequently used methods are lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA) and tradeoff. LPTA is typically used when requirements are well-defined and participants in the evaluation have sufficient knowledge to confidently choose a technically acceptable proposal. Conversely, tradeoff-based evaluations are employed when the evaluators are not as certain about the requirements and utilize non-cost factors to negotiate with offerors. For requiring offices, LPTA can be an easier method if the requirements are well-defined and commercially available, but they may find performance and deliverables after award to be acceptable rather than outstanding. Those using a tradeoff method may find that, by clearly defining expectations during negotiations, offerors are better able to deliver on the expectations of the acquisition team and the customer. The goal of this project is to determine whether or not there is a relationship in U.S. Army contracts between the method of procurement (LPTA versus tradeoff source selection methods) and the quality of the contract outcomes, to be measured by evaluation of Contract Performance Assessment Reports System reports.

Grantor dc:publisher

Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School

Year dc:date.issued

2015

Author dc:creator

• Watson, Kathleen

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Rendon, Rene G.
• Landale, Karen

Statement dc:rights

• This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10945/45958

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:calhoun.nps.edu:10945/45958