Geschiktheid, selectie and gunning — Dutch tender assessment

Three different questions

Geschiktheid concerns whether an undertaking has the required capacity. In a procedure that limits participation, selectie determines which suitable candidates continue. Gunning concerns which offer best meets the award criteria.

Why the distinction matters

A strong commercial proposal does not compensate for failing an applicable suitability requirement. Conversely, evidence that a company is qualified is not necessarily evidence that its particular solution deserves the highest quality score.

Preparing evidence

Create separate response sections for business qualifications and the offered solution. If references are requested, check whether they establish a minimum condition or are scored to select participants. Match every attachment to the question the buyer is asking. The procedure and its documents determine which of these assessment stages apply.