If the option price was not evaluated during a competitive selection, is the option valid?

The determination that an option price must be evaluated during a competitive selection process is grounded in principles of fairness and competition in procurement. In a competitive selection, all components, including pricing of options, are critical to ensuring that the evaluation reflects a true comparison of bids from various offerors. If the option price is not included in the evaluation, it creates potential imbalances and lacks transparency in the decision-making process, which can undermine the integrity of the procurement system.

Moreover, regulations and policies typically stipulate that all aspects of a proposal, including options, must be considered when gauging overall value and compliance. By not assessing the option price, it would be challenging to ascertain whether the proposal remains the most advantageous compared to others or adheres to budgetary limits.

In this regard, allowing an option without proper evaluation would contravene the established normative standards of competitive bidding, making it invalid for consideration. Therefore, the answer aligns with the fundamental tenets of procurement integrity, ensuring that all proposals are treated equitably and maintaining the necessary rigor in financial assessments.