Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
eEvaluation
A robust and effi cient way to deliver multiple evaluations to multiple
evaluators is to use an eEvaluation tool. With simple one-off evaluation
exercises it is possible to capture subject-matter expert evaluators'
rationales and scores on spreadsheets and for the process still to be
manageable and effi cient. Simple procurements could equally be under-
taken using an eEvaluation tool, but this type of tool is particularly
useful where procurements are complex, with signifi cant numbers of
evaluators, and also where there is an ongoing programme of procure-
ment that requires consistency of evaluation.
The upper part of Figure 7.1 illustrates the role of the eEvaluation
function. The eEvaluation tools are distinct from eSourcing tools in that
they are used only by the buyer. This means that the eEvaluation tool
could, in principle, be hosted on the client's own internal information
and communications technology (ICT) network or intranet and within
its own fi rewall. However, in practice remote access and multi-
organisation working mean that an internet-hosted, browser-based tool
is invariably used. This enables specialist evaluators, who may be geo-
graphically dispersed, to access, assess and score the suppliers' submis-
sions by completing their sensitive work in the privacy of their own
homes or off-site, where they will not be disturbed. More importantly
on large programmes, where co-location is used (with several organisa-
tions under one roof), evaluators can be removed from the view of
potential suppliers who may be present in the client offi ces. Alterna-
tively, where offi ces are shared and teams are integrated, a separate and
secure suite of offi ces may have to be set up to allow evaluators to
complete their tender evaluations in private, so as to maintain the
robustness and confi dentiality of the evaluation process.
An evaluation model is created using the questions and criteria devel-
oped as part of the standard procurement templates and the project-
specifi c requirements. Individual subject-matter experts are then
assigned to evaluate individual questions or topic areas in the suppliers'
responses. Each evaluator is presented with electronic answer sheets,
which contain only the relevant tender questions allocated to them, the
suppliers' answers, and access to all of the relevant supplier's uploaded
documents. An example of an online eEvaluation page is illustrated in
Figure 7.5.
The system controls which evaluators can see which technical ques-
tions, and limits their access to only the relevant parts of suppliers'
